Tired of jumping between tabs and apps? Chrome just got Split View and smart PDF annotations

The folks behind Chrome just dropped an update that’s basically a gift for anyone who likes to get things done in the browser without opening a dozen different apps. Version 145 brings two new features: a split-screen mode for tabs and proper PDF editing right in your browser window.

Google admits that trying to keep two tasks straight while constantly flipping between tabs is quite the hassle. Now, you can open two tabs side-by-side in a single window. Just click the menu to the left of the address bar, select "Split," and the browser divides your workspace into two independent panels. You can drag the slider to resize each panel however you want. The address bar will always show the URL of the tab you're currently interacting with, and on the tab bar, the whole pair appears as one single group.

There are tons of ways to use this. For example, you could watch a YouTube video and take notes in Google Docs right next to it. Or sit in a video call while tweaking a spreadsheet at the same time—the possibilities are endless. Essentially, Chrome is turning into a mini operating system for those of us who live on the web.

The second big update is the ability to mark up PDF files without any extra software. Chrome's built-in viewer used to just show you the document. Now, there's a squiggly line icon in the toolbar that opens up a set of annotation tools. You can highlight text, add notes, and leave comments. It’s perfect for when you need to quickly sign a scan, highlight an important paragraph, or scribble something in the margins. No need to download the file, open Adobe Acrobat, or mess around with third-party services—it all happens right in the tab.

Google also threw in a little detail that’ll save a lot of people some frustration: a "Save to Google Drive" button right inside the PDF viewer. One click, and your file is sent to the cloud, landing in a special folder called "Saved from Chrome." All of this is live now in Chrome version 145. The update rolls out automatically, so check your settings—it might already be there waiting for you.

So, do you often work with PDFs or find yourself running two tabs side-by-side? Or are these features just extra fluff, and you're all about the good old "one screen, one task" lifestyle? Drop your thoughts in the comments!