Your Chrome browser just got a useful tab split-view mode - along with other upgrades

Source: ZDNet

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Chrome just got three new features, none of which use AI.
• One new tool lets you fill out PDFs without downloading.
• Another tool automatically backs up your PDF downloads.

Google recently announced a trio of new productivity features for Chrome, all aimed at increasing your productivity. In a surprising departure from the norm these days, none of them use AI.

Chrome often adds AI‑related features such as Auto Browse, which lets Gemini perform multi‑step personal tasks across the web. The latest additions focus on everyday tasks like filling out forms and managing downloads.

Automatic Drive backup for PDFs

This feature automatically saves any PDFs you download straight to Google Drive. PDFs are placed in a “Saved from Chrome” folder, making them easy to locate. The documents are also backed up for security and can be accessed from any device—handy when you download something on a desktop and need it later on a phone.

Also: Gemini vs. Copilot: I compared the AI tools on 7 everyday tasks, and there’s a clear winner

Split view

Chrome’s new “split view” mode lets you view two tabs side‑by‑side, split vertically, and resize the panes as needed. This reduces the need to bounce between tabs. Example use cases include:

• Taking notes on a video while watching it.
• Grading papers while entering data in a spreadsheet.
• Referencing documentation while coding.

To activate split view, drag a tab to the left or right edge of the browser window, or right‑click a link and choose Open Link in Split View. (Windows has a similar feature that uses separate windows.)

Also: I let Chrome’s AI agent shop, research, and email for me – here’s how it went

In‑browser PDF annotations

The built‑in Chrome PDF Viewer now lets you add annotations without downloading the file. While you can’t edit the underlying text, you can:

• Add a digital signature.
• Fill out form fields.
• Write notes directly on the PDF.

This is useful for quick signatures, reviewing reports, annotating class syllabi, or adding personal notes to important files.

Also: Your Google Chrome browser just got a useful autopilot feature – here’s how it works

The new features should be available now if you have the latest version of Chrome.