Enable Chrome Split View on Ubuntu Linux

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How to Activate Split View in Google Chrome on Ubuntu Linux?

If you’re a multitasker who loves organizing browser windows side-by-side, Chrome’s Split View feature can be a game-changer. In this article, I’ll walk you through two methods to enable Chrome Split View on ubuntu temporarily or permanently by editing Chrome’s .desktop launcher file.

What is Chrome’s Split View Feature?

Split View allows you to view two Chrome tabs side-by-side in the same browser window without needing third-party extensions or tiling window managers.
It’s perfect for comparing documents, coding while previewing, or reading and taking notes simultaneously.

Temporary Activation via Terminal

If you just want to test Split View for one session, you can run Chrome from your terminal: 

google-chrome-stable --enable-features=SideBySide

Note:

  • This will only work for the current session.
  • Once you close Chrome and reopen it normally, Split View will be disabled.

Permanent Activation by Editing the .desktop File

To make Split View always available, you need to edit Chrome’s launcher file and add the --enable-features=SideBySide flag to the Exec line.

Step 1: Open the .desktop File for Editing

You can use nano (terminal editor) or the GNOME text editor:

Using Nano (Terminal Editor): 

sudo nano /usr/share/applications/google-chrome.desktop

Using GNOME Text Editor: 

sudo gnome-text-editor /usr/share/applications/google-chrome.desktop

Step 2: Modify the Exec Line

Look for a line that starts with: 

Exec=/usr/bin/google-chrome-stable %U

Change it to: 

Exec=/usr/bin/google-chrome-stable --enable-features=SideBySide %U

Step 3: Save Changes and Refresh the Desktop Database

If you edited the file inside your local applications directory, update the desktop database: 

update-desktop-database ~/.local/share/applications/

If you edited the system-wide file in /usr/share/applications/, simply close and reopen Chrome to see the effect.

Testing the Split View Feature

Once Chrome is launched with the flag, open two tabs, right-click one of them, and choose “Split View” (if the option is available). You should now see both tabs displayed side-by-side in a single window.