What’s changing
To give users more control over how they see information in Google Chat, we’re introducing a new setting that allows you to control the visual density of screen elements. Choose between “Comfortable” or “Compact” on chat.google.com.
- Comfortable mode, the default setting, reflects Chat’s modernized design, in line with Google Material Design 3, and clearly differentiates message bubbles.
- Compact mode is for users who prefer to see more information at a time with less scrolling. With this option, you’ll notice:
- Message bubbles that are aligned in the same direction for both sender and recipient
- Wider message bubbles
- Padding in the left bar, conversation list, and home.
Getting started
- Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
- End users:
- To modify density settings, go to chat.google.com > Settings > Density > Compact. Users can revert this to the default at any time by going to chat.google.com > Settings > Density > Comfortable.
- Those who use Compact density setting in Gmail will also see Chat in Gmail in compact mode. Users can adjust their Gmail and Chat-in-Gmail density settings by going to Gmail > Settings > Density.
- Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Compact mode in Google Chat.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on October 30, 2024
- Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on December 2, 2024
Availability
- Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts on web