The way we browse the internet has changed significantly over the years, and modern web browsers now offer features like sidebar tabs and vertical tab layouts to improve productivity. Traditional horizontal tabs can quickly become cluttered, making it difficult to find open pages. By enabling vertical tabs or sidebars, you can maximize screen space and maintain a more organized browsing experience.
Why Use Vertical Tabs and Sidebars?
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Vertical tabs provide a more streamlined browsing experience, especially for those who frequently work with multiple open tabs. Some of the key benefits include:
- Better Organization: Vertical layouts make it easier to scan and find tabs quickly.
- Space Efficiency: Sidebars free up horizontal space, which is useful on widescreen monitors.
- Quick Access: Some browsers allow additional functionality like quick bookmarks or history access via the sidebar.
How to Enable Vertical Tabs and the Sidebar in Different Browsers
Microsoft Edge
Edge natively supports vertical tabs, making it one of the best choices for sidebar browsing. Here’s how to enable it:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click on the three-dot menu (…) in the top-right corner.
- Navigate to Settings > Appearance.
- Toggle on Show Vertical Tabs Button.
- Click the Vertical Tabs icon on the top-left of the tab bar to switch.
Additionally, Edge allows you to keep the sidebar always visible for easy access to tools, bookmarks, and workspaces.
Mozilla Firefox
Firefox does not have built-in vertical tabs but supports them through extensions:
- Go to the Mozilla Add-ons website.
- Search for extensions like Tree Style Tab or Sidebery.
- Click Add to Firefox and allow the necessary permissions.
- Once installed, open the extension’s settings to customize the look and functionality of the sidebar.
Firefox add-ons provide additional customization, allowing users to manage tab trees, group them, and pin frequently used ones.
Google Chrome
Chrome does not include vertical tabs natively but allows a sidebar panel for bookmarks and reading lists. If you want vertical tabs:
- Visit the Chrome Web Store.
- Search for extensions like Vertical Tabs or Tablerone.
- Click Add to Chrome and confirm installation.
- Once installed, access the sidebar by clicking the extension’s icon in the toolbar.
Using vertical tab extensions in Chrome helps improve accessibility and workflow management.
Brave Browser
Brave is built on Chromium, meaning it does not have a built-in vertical tab feature either. However, you can enable it through extensions:
- Open Brave and go to the Brave Web Store (same as the Chrome Web Store).
- Install a vertical tabs extension such as Sidebar Tabs or Vertical Tabs Extension.
- After installation, configure the extension settings for the best experience.
Brave’s shields and privacy-oriented features work seamlessly with sidebar extensions, making it a great option for secure browsing.
Zen Browser
Zen Browser focuses on productivity and privacy. If vertical tabs are not enabled by default, you can activate them using these steps:
- Open Zen Browser and click on the menu (three lines or dots).
- Look for Sidebar & Vertical Tabs in settings.
- Toggle the feature on, and you should see the sidebar appear instantly.
Since Zen Browser is relatively new, some features might require additional testing or extensions.
Final Thoughts
Using vertical tabs and sidebars can significantly improve your browsing efficiency, whether you’re researching, multitasking, or organizing your workflow. While Microsoft Edge offers the most seamless built-in experience, Firefox and Chromium-based browsers require extensions to achieve similar functionality. Try enabling vertical tabs in your preferred browser today and see how it transforms your browsing experience!
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