Do you typically have just a handful of tabs open or find yourself drowning in them? No matter your tab habits, organizing them can enhance your browsing experience. That’s where Chrome’s ‘Group Tabs’ comes into play!
The idea of tab grouping isn’t fresh off the press. Other browsers like Vivaldi and Opera have been offering it for quite some time. But for Google Chrome, it became a mainstream feature only after the launch of Chrome 88 in January 2021. This functionality empowers users to consolidate multiple tabs effortlessly, assign them unique labels, and even add a dash of color for easy identification. Plus, rearranging these groups is a breeze.
Curious about how to leverage this tool? Fret not if it seems hidden. This comprehensive guide has got your back.
Why Embrace Tab Grouping in Chrome?
There are myriad reasons why users opt to group their tabs. From neatly organizing different projects to differentiating between leisurely browsing and work-related tasks, the possibilities are vast. Some also find it handy to:
– Distinguish between shopping and review sites.
– Minimize disruptions.
– Limit multitasking.
Additionally, Chrome’s tab organizer is an excellent tool to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Whether you want to group by project stages, importance, subjects, or any other criteria, the choice is yours.
Mastering Tab Grouping in Chrome
Desktop Tab Grouping: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Setting Up a New Tab Group:
– Launch Google Chrome and open a tab leading to your desired website.
– Right-click on the tab > Select ‘Add tab to new group’. You’ll then see options to name and color-code your group.
– To further customize, right-click the circle or label next to the tab.
2. How to Add More Tabs to Your Group:
– Method 1: Right-click the group label/icon > ‘New Tab in Group’.
– Method 2: Right-click any tab > ‘Add tab to group’ > Select the desired group.
– Method 3: Simply drag a tab to your chosen group.
3. Ungrouping Tabs:
– Method 1: To disband a group without closing its tabs: Right-click the group label > ‘Ungroup’.
– Method 2: To remove a singular tab: Right-click the tab > ‘Remove From Group’. Or drag it out of the group.
Tab Groups in Mobile Chrome
Grouping on Chrome mobile is straightforward and is a default feature. You can manually group or allow Chrome to make suggestions.
1. Creating and Ungrouping Tab Sets:
– Open Chrome on your mobile > Go to tab switcher (found top right, between URL and three dots icon).
– Within tab switcher, tap the three dots > ‘Group tabs’ > Select the tabs for grouping > ‘Group’.
– To ungroup, access the group, drag the tab down to ‘Remove from group’.
2. Adding More Tabs:
– Method 1: Long press a tab in the switcher and drag it over the group.
– Method 2: Tap the group > Hit the ‘+’ icon > Navigate to your chosen site.
– Method 3: If in a group, long press a link and tap ‘Open in a new tab in group’.
Managing Tabs in Groups
– Desktop: Close by pressing the tab’s X. Alternatively, ensure the tab is active and press Ctrl (or Cmd) + W.
– Mobile: Access the tab switcher > Open group > Tap the X on your chosen tab.
Deactivating Tab Groups
On a computer, you can opt not to use tab groups. Currently, it seems mobile users don’t have the luxury to deactivate this feature. Stay tuned for updates on this.
Saving Tab Groups in Chrome
To save frequently accessed tabs:
1. Open a new tab > Type ‘Chrome://flags’
2. Search for ‘tab groups’ > On ‘Tab Groups Save’, change default to ‘Enabled’ > Relaunch Chrome.
3. After relaunch, right-click your tab group label to see and use the save options.
Enhancing Concentration with Chrome Tab Groups
Drowning in numerous tabs? Grouping helps declutter, but for added focus:
– Minimize groups when not in use by clicking the group’s label.
– Transfer different group tabs to separate windows to zero in on one group at a time.
Distinguishing Between Android & Desktop Tab Grouping
The basics are similar, but there are nuances:
– On Android, go to the tab count icon > Access the three dots menu > ‘Group Tabs’.
– Android doesn’t permit custom names for groups but visually previews the initial tabs.
– While you can’t save groups on Android, reopening Chrome should display them.
Pinning vs. Grouping in Chrome
Pinned tabs have their place too, offering a unique way to prioritize tabs. Positioned to the left, pinned tabs let you swiftly navigate between high-priority tabs.
FAQs
– Do Other Browsers Support Tab Groups? Certain ones do, including Safari, Vivaldi, and Edge. Others like Firefox offer extensions for a similar purpose.
– How Do I Create a Tab Group in Chrome? The procedures outlined above guide you on both desktop and mobile platforms.
– Can You Merge Tabs in Chrome? Yes, into groups.
– Experiencing Issues Grouping Tabs? Ensure you’re on the latest Chrome version.
– How Do Tab Groups Function in Chrome? Initially experimental, it’s now a mainstay in Chrome.
– Do Chrome Tab Groups Persist? They do, once you’ve enabled the experimental ‘Tab Groups Save’ feature.
Conclusion
With the integration of the group tabs functionality in Chrome, you’ve got another tool in your arsenal to make your browsing more efficient. We trust this Chrome tab grouping tutorial has equipped you to navigate your online world with greater efficiency.