How to Remove/Close Document Tabs (Side Panel)

Creation date: 6/30/2026 8:41 AM    Updated: 6/30/2026 8:41 AM   side panel - google docs

How to Remove/Close Document Tabs (Side Panel)

If your document has the new side navigation menu (Document Tabs) and you want to delete a specific tab: 

  1. On the far-left side of your Google Doc, click on the Show tabs & outlines icon.

  2. Click on the specific tab you want to delete to highlight it.

  3. Click the More options icon (the three vertical dots) next to the tab name.

  4. Select Delete and confirm your choice. [1,2]

Note: You can Minimize/Hide the Document Side Panel but you cannot remove the Entire Document Tab or Outline Feature

How to Hide the Document Side Panel

  1. Click on Back Arrow in the Document Side Panel

Or 

  1. Click View on top Menu

  2. Select Collapse Tabs & outlines side bar 

Quick Keys: Press Ctrl+Alt+H