Google Chat Gets Split Pane UI on Web

What to know

Google Chat has introduced a split pane UI on the web platform to enhance multitasking capabilities.
Users can now view and respond to conversations without leaving the home view.
The feature includes an expand button for full-screen viewing and a toggle option for split pane mode.

Google has rolled out an update to its Chat platform, introducing a split pane user interface. This new layout marks an exit from the previous edge-to-edge view.

According to Google, the new split pane design divides your screen into two main sections. On one side, you’ll see your list of conversations, while the other displays the active chat. This setup allows you to maintain context and respond to messages without switching between different screens.

Google has thoughtfully included an expand button in the top-right corner. This lets you switch to a full-screen view of your current conversation whenever needed. You also have the option to toggle the split pane mode on or off through the home header.

The update brings Google Chat in line with modern messaging platforms, supporting up to four columns when you factor in the left navigation sidebar and additional features like the Gemini or Workspace side panel. These panels give you quick access to Calendar, Keep, Tasks, and Contacts.

This feature rollout will happen gradually over the coming weeks, reaching all Google Workspace customers and Workspace Individual Subscribers. The update arrives alongside other enhancements like Gemini’s conversation summarization feature, which provides bullet-point synopses of unread messages to help you catch up quickly.