Google frequently updates Google Docs, and the new tabs feature is a noteworthy addition, particularly for those who work with lengthy documents or frequently collaborate on projects. In simple terms, tabs are essentially documents within a document. For instance, you could have multiple essays on Victorian poetry organized in separate tabs, but all within one document. While not necessary for every project, tabs offer more flexibility for documents that contain distinct sections—what used to require multiple documents can now be managed within a single file using tabs.
Unlike web browser tabs, these Google Docs tabs allow you to break up sections within a document. They’re similar to bookmarks or a table of contents, but function more like colored tabs you’d use in a binder to easily locate different sections. If you’re familiar with Excel or Google Sheets, think of tabs as similar to having multiple sheets within one document.
While Google Docs already offers a table of contents and bookmarks for navigating through long documents, tabs allow for a cleaner separation of sections. Navigation happens through an expandable menu on the left side of the screen (which is visible by default when you start a new document). Clicking on a tab lets you focus solely on that section of the document.
In addition, there are subtabs, allowing for a nested structure within tabs. The outline feature is still available, meaning any headings you format in your document will also appear under your tabs. If you’ve never used outlines in Google Docs, this is a new feature to explore. Tabs offer benefits for both writers and readers, especially for documents shared among multiple collaborators. However, they may not be ideal for all documents—tabs create separate sections, making it harder to read the document in a traditional flow. For example, if you’re writing a novel, you might prefer to keep the entire manuscript in one tab and your notes in another.
How to Use Google Docs Tabs
To create a new tab in a Google Docs document, simply click the + (plus) symbol next to the “Document tabs” heading on the left. If you decide you don’t want to use tabs for this document, you can click the arrow in the top left corner, which turns the view into a list icon that you can click anytime to bring the tabs back.
When you create a tab, it feels like starting a new document with a blank page, but it’s actually just a new tab within the existing file. By clicking the three dots next to a tab’s heading, you can Delete, Duplicate, or Rename it. You can also assign emojis to tabs for easier identification.
The three-dot menu also allows you to rearrange tabs, move them up and down in the hierarchy, and add subtabs. You can change the order of tabs by dragging them, and you can nest one tab inside another by dragging one tab on top of another. There’s a lot of flexibility for organizing your tabs.
By applying paragraph headings (via Format > Paragraph styles), you’ll see them listed under each tab as part of an outline. This was possible before the tabs feature, but now, each tab can have its own outline. If you don’t see the outline under a tab, click the three dots next to it and select “Show outline.”
Additionally, the three-dot menu provides a “Copy link” feature that lets you share a link to a specific tab rather than the entire document. Tabs are especially useful for documents meant to be shared with multiple people, as they allow you to clearly separate different sections. For certain types of projects, you may wonder how you ever managed without them.
