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1. Choose between “Comfortable” and “Compact” for your workspace

Do you like seeing a lot of information on your screen without having to scroll? Or do you prefer a cleaner, more modern design? Google Chat now gives you the option to choose between two display modes so you can tailor the interface to your preference.

Comfortable Mode in Google Chat, inspired by the modern Google Material Design 3.
Comfortable mode is the default setting. Its design is more spacious and clear, inspired by the modern Google Material Design 3. With it, message bubbles are clearly differentiated, making it easier to read and view conversations. It is ideal if you prefer a less cluttered visual experience.

Compact Mode in Google Chat to see more conversation on your screen without scrolling.
On the other hand, Compact mode is designed for those who need to see more content at once. When enabled, you will see more conversations on your screen without having to scroll as much. Messages appear more aligned, bubbles are wider, and there is less padding in the sidebar and conversation list. This option is perfect for power users who handle multiple chats simultaneously and want to optimize their workspace.

2. Easily access your shared files with the “Shared” tab

Have you ever wasted time searching for an important file or link shared with you in a chat? With the new Shared tab, those days are a thing of the past. This feature, now available in direct and group messages, creates a centralized space for all files, links, and media content sent within a conversation.

"Shared" tab in Google Chat. A space where you can find all files and links sent in a conversation.
Instead of scrolling through the entire chat history to find that document or photo you need, simply navigate to the Shared tab for an organized view of everything. This greatly simplifies collaboration, allowing all team members to access relevant information in one place.

3. Identify thread relevance at a glance

In modern workspaces, it is common to participate in multiple conversation threads. Sometimes, it can be difficult to know which ones are most important or require your immediate attention. Google Chat has solved this in a very visual and practical way.

Now, you will see participant avatars on unread threads within the conversation view. This gives you a quick idea of who has participated and whether the thread is relevant to you, without needing to open it. That way, you can decide much more efficiently which conversations to read and reply to first.

Additionally, threads you don’t follow that have new messages will no longer appear in bold or jump to the top of your conversation list. This helps keep your inbox more organized and distraction-free, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.


Want to learn more about how Google Workspace can transform your company’s productivity? Contact us! At G Nerd, we help you integrate and leverage all tools so your team reaches its full potential.

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