New density setting in Google Chat

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