If you are not as ecstatic about the new changes in Google Chrome version 69 as we are, there is a way for you to revert the changes without much effort. Find out how you can get the old look back with Chrome 69 through a few simple steps!
Before you proceed with these, each change you make will prompt you to relaunch chrome, meaning all your tabs will be refreshed. If you have any work that needs saving then do it before you proceed! It is best to implement all the tweaks you wish in one go and then relaunching chrome.
Chrome flags for old design
Keep in mind, you will be in some of the deeper parts of Chrome. Whatever you do here will have to be done with the utmost caution in order to avoid breaking Chrome. As long as you follow the instructions, you should be all set!
If you want the old interface back:
- Enter the following in your address bar: chrome://flags/#top-chrome-md
- In the dropdown for ‘UI Layout for the browser’s top chrome’, select Normal
This will revert the large rounded user interface back to the old design.
If you want website thumbnails back in new tab:
- Type the following into the address bar: chrome://flags/#ntp-icons
- In the dropdown for ‘New Tab Page Material Design Icons’, select Disabled
This is the option that allows for your homepage tabs to return to the old look, from the rounded icons look adopted in the redesign.
Bringing back the old address bar
Reduce white space in URL suggestions
If you are a UI designer, you are undoubtedly very upset with the white space that is irritating you in the new address bar.
- To revert this, type the following into the address bar: chrome://flags/#omnibox-ui-vertical-margin
- In the dropdown for ‘Omnibox UI Vertical Margin’, select Disabled
Reverting the look to URL – Website instead of Website – URL
The new Chrome design address bar displays the URL first and then the website title, If you are used to the old look which had the order reversed, you can undo this change too:
- Type the following into the address bar chrome://flags/#omnibox-ui-swap-title-and-url
- In the dropdown for ‘Omnibox UI Swap Title and URL’, select Disabled
Show complete URLs (https://, www. etc.)
If you prefer seeing the full URL in the address bar, this change is for you.
- Type the following into the address bar chrome://flags/#omnibox-ui-hide-steady-state-url-scheme-and-subdomains
- In the dropdown for ‘Omnibox UI Hide Steady-State URL Scheme and Trivial Subdomains’, select Disabled
Disable Favicons in Suggestions Box
If you are one for hiding favicons in address bar suggestions, this is for you.
- Type the following into the address bar chrome://flags/#omnibox-ui-show-suggestion-favicons
- In the dropdown for ‘Omnibox UI Show Suggestion Favicons’, select Disabled
Keep in mind that these changes will be active as long as Google keeps these flags available in Chrome. If Google removes them in a future update, you will have to use the new design. Alternatively, you can give Firefox a chance.
Huge thanks to the Chrome Subreddit for these tips!
