ChatGPT Atlas introduces resizable sidebar and reorderable vertical tabs
OpenAI just pushed a UI refresh to ChatGPT Atlas, and the shift feels purposeful. While the core chat experience stays the same, the surrounding interface now offers more levers for users to tinker with. Here's the thing: the update isn’t about new model capabilities; it’s about how you arrange your workspace.
Developers have hinted that the changes aim to make multi‑prompt sessions feel less cramped, especially for power users who juggle several conversations at once. But the move also nudges the product into a space traditionally dominated by browsers that let you sculpt the window to your liking. Some reviewers have already noted the visual similarity to other tools that champion vertical navigation.
Yet, the question remains—how deep does the customization go, and does it truly match what seasoned users expect from dedicated browsers? The answer lies in the details of the new sidebar and tab handling.
Similar to Arc, you can resize the sidebar on ChatGPT Atlas, as well as reorder your tabs. The new sidebar still isn't as full-featured as Arc's, however, and the address bar remains at the top of your screen. You can try out vertical tabs on ChatGPT Atlas by right-clicking inside the address bar, hovering over "Tab Style," and then choosing "Vertical Tabs." Along with this change, you can now set Google as your default search engine, which makes sense since using the browser sometimes feels like Googling with extra steps.
Can the new layout improve workflow? OpenAI says the vertical tabs sit in a left‑hand sidebar, letting users drag and resize them at will. The feature mirrors Arc’s approach, yet the address bar stays anchored at the top, a clear departure from the competitor’s design.
Users may also switch their default search engine to Google, a simple toggle that expands the browser’s flexibility. Reordering tabs is now a right‑click action inside the address bar, a shortcut some may find convenient. However, the sidebar isn’t as full‑featured as Arc’s; missing elements remain undocumented, leaving its utility uncertain.
The resize handles work smoothly in early tests, but whether they scale reliably across all screen sizes, including high‑DPI displays and multi‑monitor setups, is still unclear. Overall, the update adds visual variety without overhauling core navigation. Whether these tweaks will meaningfully affect productivity or simply offer a cosmetic alternative is still unclear.
For now, the changes are optional, and users can stick with the classic top‑tab layout if they prefer.
Further Reading
- OpenAI's New Atlas Browser Puts ChatGPT In Your Sidebar - ImageWorks Creative
- ChatGPT Atlas Features Explained Sidebar Chat Agent Mode and Memory 2025 - Skywork AI
- ChatGPT Atlas - Release Notes - OpenAI Help Center
- ChatGPT's New Agentic browser: Hands on with OpenAI's Atlas - Your Everyday AI
- Intro to scrolling tabs in ChatGPT Atlas - OpenAI (YouTube)
More in LLMs & Generative AI
OpenAI adds group chat to ChatGPT for planning meals, trips and outlines
OpenAI’s latest update nudges ChatGPT out of the solo‑assistant role and into a shared workspace.
Google tests visual 'magazine‑style' UI for Gemini 3 Pro users
Google’s latest large‑language model, Gemini 3, is already drawing attention for its raw...
Amazon rolls out AI‑generated video recaps of top shows in beta
Amazon is testing a new way to catch up on its biggest Prime Original series. Starting this week,...
Swatch launches OpenAI tool for custom watches, fully automated production
Swatch just rolled out an OpenAI‑powered design portal that lets anyone sketch a watch on a phone...
Gemini app watermarks 20 billion AI images with SynthID, tests Detector
Google’s Gemini app now embeds a hidden signature in every image it creates, a move aimed at...
Common Questions Answered
How does the new resizable sidebar in ChatGPT Atlas work?
The sidebar can be dragged to adjust its width, allowing users to allocate more or less screen space for conversation threads. This functionality mirrors similar features in browsers like Arc, though it remains less feature‑rich than Arc's implementation.
What steps are required to enable vertical tabs in ChatGPT Atlas?
To activate vertical tabs, right‑click inside the address bar, hover over "Tab Style," and select "Vertical Tabs" from the menu. Once enabled, the tabs appear in a left‑hand sidebar where they can be reordered and resized.
Can users change the default search engine in ChatGPT Atlas, and if so, to what?
Yes, users can toggle the default search engine to Google via the settings menu. This addition expands the browser’s flexibility and aligns with common user preferences for search functionality.
What is the process for reordering tabs in the new ChatGPT Atlas interface?
Tabs can be reordered by right‑clicking inside the address bar and selecting the reorder option, then dragging the tabs to the desired position within the vertical tab column. This shortcut streamlines workflow for power users handling multiple conversations.
How does the vertical tab layout in ChatGPT Atlas differ from Arc's design?
While both platforms place vertical tabs in a left‑hand sidebar, ChatGPT Atlas keeps the address bar anchored at the top of the screen, unlike Arc where the address bar integrates with the sidebar. This design choice maintains a familiar top‑bar navigation while still offering flexible tab management.