Tips & Advice
Danish Kapoor
Danish Kapoor

How to use the Split Tab View that comes to the current version of Chrome?

The split tab view, introduced with the latest version of Chrome, provides a practicality that even those who use the browser only at the level of “opening and closing tabs” can get used to in a short time. Considering the scenarios that require looking at two pages at the same time during the day, constantly switching between tabs often seems like a small waste of time, but it can turn into a habit that increases distraction. This feature, which is gradually starting to appear on the desktop side of Chrome, makes the job more tidy by allowing you to use two web pages side by side in a single window.

In this article, we discuss step by step what the split tab view does in Chrome, how to enable it, and in what ways it gives more meaningful results. Since feature availability may vary from device to device, some menu names may vary slightly; However, the general logic remains the same.

What does split tab view do?

Split tab view splits a single Chrome window into two, allowing you to view two separate web pages at the same time. The main gain here is not “opening two pages at the same time”; two pages simultaneous, controlled and independent from each other to be able to manage. Separate scrolling, separate interaction and separate navigation are possible on both sides. In this way, while taking information from one page, taking notes on another, comparing sources, or keeping the reference page in mind during the content production process can be done with less friction.

On the other hand, this feature is not an “always on” type of tool for every user. The real benefit comes when it is necessary to keep two specific pages side by side for a while in heavy tab traffic. Its effect is more evident in tasks such as short-term comparisons, comparing product features while shopping, and making a sample application on a separate page while reading a technical document.

How to turn on split tab view in Chrome?

In current desktop versions of Chrome, this feature can be visible integrated into the menu. The reason it doesn’t appear on every device at the same time is the gradual rollout approach, as with most new Chrome features. The basic usage scenario is pretty simple though:

  1. Open one of the tabs you want to see side by side.
    The first step is to already be viewing a page in the window that you will split in two.
  2. Right click on the tab.
    Hover over the relevant tab in the tab bar at the top and right-click. The drop-down menu is the door to this feature.
  3. Find the split view option.
    An option similar to “split view”, “split view in tab” or “split view” in the English interface may appear in the menu. This option pins the current tab to one side of the screen.
  4. Place the second tab on the opposite side.
    Chrome may ask you to choose which tab to switch to the second side, or let you choose from open tabs. When you select the second page, the view splits in two.

The thing to note at this point is that the split view does not act like “two separate windows”. It consists of two areas within a single Chrome window; hence the layout remains simpler in terms of window management.

Small details that come in handy during use

Once the split tab view is enabled, the dividing line becomes a simple but important control point. By dragging this line, the width of both sides can be changed instantly. It is possible to choose a larger area when reading text, a more balanced distribution when comparing tables, and a different ratio for the note display when the video is on on the one hand and on the other.

Since the pages can be scrolled independently on both sides, there is no need to “keep the same alignment at the top”. This makes it easier to work from one section to another, especially on long pages. In addition, since both sides are active, operations such as selecting and copying text on one side and pasting it into a document or form on the other can be carried out with less interruption.

The real benefit of split view lies in its ability to establish a “focused dual working” layout within the browser, rather than dividing the screen space into two. However, as the screen size decreases, the efficiency of this system may decrease. It still works on screens 13 inches and below; But in order for both pages to remain readable, the ratio must be adjusted well.

In which scenarios does it make more sense?

Split tab view is most valuable when you need to “control two sources at the same time”. For example:

  • Working with the application or administration panel while the technical document is open on the other
  • Keeping the reference page open while verifying the source in the news or research text
  • Seeing two store pages at the same time when comparing products
  • Moving forward with a calendar or task list while having email or messaging open at the same time
  • Using the source text on one side and the editing screen on the other when preparing a presentation

Since switching between tabs decreases in this type of work, the mental load also decreases. But here’s the critical point: Split view works better when used not to increase the “multitasking” habit, but to carry out two parts of the same job more regularly.

What can be done if split view does not appear?

Some users may not see this option in the right-click menu even if they keep Chrome updated. This is mostly due to the feature not yet rolling out to that device or account. The logical path to follow in such a scenario would be:

  • Checking if Chrome is really up to date
  • Restarting the browser
  • Trying again in a few days (due to staggered deployment)
  • Checking whether the menu has a different naming (according to the interface language)

Here, we should not act with the expectation that “it will be visible to everyone at the same time”. On the Chrome side, the deployment of new features often progresses through phased activations rather than adhering to a specific schedule.

How to exit split tab view?

Exiting from split view is just as simple as entering. The most practical method is to close the tab on either side or use the option that returns the tab to single view. In some versions, dragging the tab and placing it in its normal position in the tab bar can also single the view. The goal is to disband the split layout and return to a single-page workflow.

final note

Split tab view in Chrome is a small but useful addition for those who want to use the browser as a more “organized workspace”. Instead of switching between tabs, it is possible to proceed with less distraction by keeping two pages together. The efficiency of such tools is measured by deploying them in the right scenario, rather than how frequently they are used.

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Danish Kapoor