Google is making a notable change to Chrome browser UI on desktop as part of “Refresh 2023”. The “Tab Search” feature button is relocated to the left side from the far right to align with UI changes. The change is apparently live in the Canary.
Over the past few months, Google has been working on a new design for the Chrome browser on the desktop, known as “Chrome Refresh 2023”. This redesign includes revamped dialogs and context menu, and rounded corners for tabs.
The Chrome UI, including Omnibox, tab bar, settings, right-click menu, and whatnot, everything is getting refreshed to align with “Google Material 3” design principles.
Another visual change that you can notice is main menu now has icons for all its options.
Google moves Tab Search in Chrome to the left side of Tab Strip
The tab Search feature in Chrome allows finding open tabs and displays recently closed tabs in the dropdown when you click the down arrow.
In a similar fashion to other browser updates, such as Edge, where the profile icon has been moved to the left side of the title bar, Google is now shifting the Tab Search button to the beginning with the Chrome Refresh 2023 Update. This change is visible in Chrome 117 Canary.
The functionality of the Tab Search feature remains unchanged, allowing users to search for open tabs and view recently closed tabs in a dropdown menu accessed by clicking the down arrow.
To use Tab Search with the Chrome Refresh 2023 update, simply click the down arrow icon and start searching for tabs.
With the change, the interface may obstruct the view of open tabs. We have to wait and see how Google addresses this.
If you’re yet to explore the upcoming Chrome interface redesign, see this article for instructions on enabling the new design.
What’s your take on this? Do you agree with the Tab search button position shifting in Chrome? Let us know in the comments below.
Final words: As part of Chrome Reresh 2023, the Tab Search icon and its UI have been moved to the left side.
