- Vertical tabs allow you to view full names and better organize open pages.
- Activation is very simple and can be done from a button or the configuration menu.
- Includes advanced features such as pinning, multi-selection, and compact view with icons.
- It is now available to all users in the stable versions of Microsoft Edge.
Browsers have evolved a lot in recent years, and Microsoft Edge hasn't been left behind. If you're one of those who open dozens of pages at the same time, you'll know that managing all those tabs can become a real mess. Luckily, Microsoft has incorporated a very practical and visual solution: the Edge mode. vertical tabs.
This feature rearranges browser tabs vertically on the left side of the window, making them easier to view and manage, especially when you have many open. It also adapts perfectly to widescreen displays, making better use of the available space. horizontal space. Next, we tell you How to activate and get the most out of vertical tabs in Edge and why it can be a much more convenient option than the traditional method.
What are vertical tabs in Microsoft Edge?
Tabbed browsing has been one of the greatest conveniences of modern browsers. Until now, it was common to see them all arranged horizontally at the top of the window. However, Microsoft Edge has decided to change this dynamic by allowing tabs to be placed in a single tab. in a vertical column on the left side of the browser.
This new way of displaying them is not only aesthetic, but also functional. Since they are organized vertically, you can read the full name of each tab without being cut off due to lack of space, as happens in horizontal view when you have many open. In addition, You can reorder them by dragging them up or down., which is more natural and accessible.
Some browsers like Vivaldi They already offered this functionality, but Microsoft has decided to integrate it natively and with improvements such as the compact icon-only mode.
How to enable vertical tabs in Edge
Switching to portrait mode in Microsoft Edge is extremely simple. There are two main ways to do it:
- From the browser interface: You just have to click on the icon located in the upper left corner of the window, right next to the tabs. This button automatically switches between horizontal and vertical view.
- From the configuration menu: You can write edge://settings/appearance in the address bar and from there activate or deactivate the vertical tabs button within the section “Customize the toolbar”.
Once activated, the tabs are rearranged in a vertical column on the left side of your screen. You can toggle between expanded and compact mode with the press of a button. arrow that minimizes or hides the bar, showing only the icons for each tab.
Advantages of portrait mode
Using tabs in vertical format is not just a matter of taste. It has real benefits that can make a difference if you use the browser for several hours a day:
- Most utilized space: Most modern monitors are much wider than they are tall, so arranging tabs along the side provides better utilization of the display area.
- Full names visible: Unlike horizontal mode, where titles are too short, in vertical mode you'll see the full names, making them easier to identify.
- Simple ordering: You can drag the tabs up or down more naturally and quickly.
- Compact view: If you don't want the tabs to take up so much space, you can minimize them so only the icons are visible. When you hover over them, the bar will automatically unfold, allowing you to interact with it.
This feature is ideal for those who manage many open pages at once or work with visual content that requires more vertical space. If you're interested in improving your experience, you can also explore how Customize the start page in Edge.
Advanced features of portrait mode in Edge
In addition to moving and displaying the tabs differently, this mode allows you to perform additional actions to better manage your browsing sessions:
- Fix tabs: If you right-click on a tab, you can pin it to the top of the column. This is useful for pages you use frequently.
- Using compact mode: By clicking the arrow, you can reduce the column of tabs to just icons. Hovering over it temporarily expands the bar.
- Select multiple tabs: By holding the Ctrl key while clicking, you can select multiple tabs and apply actions such as moving or closing them in bulk.
These features offer a more organized and customizable experience., which is especially useful for those who work with many websites simultaneously or use the browser intensively. If you're looking for more ways to improve your browser, find out how Convert a website into an app with Chrome.
Vertical Tab Mode Compatibility and Availability
When this feature was initially introduced, it was limited to Edge Canary and Dev builds, which are versions aimed at developers and users who want access to features before they reach the stable release.
Nowadays, Vertical tab mode is now available in the stable version of Edge, specifically starting with Edge Chromium version 88. If you have an older version, it's recommended to update your browser to enjoy this and many other features.
If you can't find the button to enable vertical tabs, go into your appearance settings to make sure it's not disabled. For those using other browsers like Firefox, you can consider the following options: vertical tabs in Firefox as an alternative option.
Is portrait mode better than landscape mode?
It really depends on the type of user you are. Those who work with many tabs open and need to read their full names will greatly benefit from portrait mode. On the other hand, if you only use a few tabs, traditional view may still be sufficient for you.
Also, you are not forced to stick to just one form. You can switch between vertical and horizontal easily whenever you need it, without losing information or settings.
The key is to adapt the browser to your habitsAnd this vertical tab system allows you to do just that: customize your browsing experience based on how you prefer to organize your daily work.
Microsoft Edge has become much more flexible in recent years, and these types of tools put it in a very competitive position against other browsers on the market. So if you haven't tried portrait mode yet, we encourage you to do so. It's likely to become your preferred way to browse.
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