Feature request: Tabbed interface for VMs

[dennis123123]

I'm a long time user of Virtualbox (love it!) and previously was a VMWare user.

The one single feature I liked about vmware over Virtualbox is the Tabbed interface for virtual machines, as in you could have a WinXP, Win7, Win2000, Linux virtual machines all running at once, and switch between them with a small tab bar at the top of the screen. This is unlike virtualbox where each guest OS occupies a separate window.

Is there any chance of a similar feature being available in virtualbox?

[lmasaya]

I totally agree with this post. I really could use this feature. Although, I suggest that the implemented solution be a little more far reaching. Like having a more flexible way of looking at the vms, besides tabs. For example, a view with small versions of the current screens so you can see them all at once and having the option of selecting one with a click to use a usual. Then, with another key or mouse combination, returning to the initial group version. Sort of what some browsers do with tabs.

Thanks,

Luis

[spkack]

Also would love to see tabbed viewing

[jycast]

My preference is the actual interface. I'm using some VBox with different screen resolution and when resolutions are not the same, tabed interface is not so good.

[tb2571989]

as long as it's not "ribbonised" we're okay.

[Technologov]

Actually I like it this way. Without tabs.

Designing a GUI that runs both tabless and with tabs is very hard, and testing it even harder...

[Sasquatch]

I too like how it's done now. I personally hate the VMWare way. As stated above, different resolutions per VM is a disaster in VMW. It's too bloated too IMO, the whole VMW interface. There is not much screen estate for the VMs to display and you end up with a maximized window, which I personally hate. There are a few programs that I run in maximized view, but VMs aren't one of them.

[Technologov]

However, it _may_ make sense for a community to start such a project, to develop alternative tabbed GUI for VBox.

I would be happy to have more GUIs by different teams. This won't stretch resources of one team.

[MaxR]

+1

[Technologov]

Tabbed interface is actually possible on Linux hosts:
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=46938

[Lockszmith]

Raising this from the dead.

I too would love VirtualBox to have a tabbed interface, but like the Linux post above, there is a way to do it in Windows too.
A little nifty tool called WindowTabs (sorry, I'm to new to be allowed to post URLs, so please google it) which can add to any window a Google Chrome like tabbed interface.

(I have no affiliation with WindowTabs, just a user)

[Technologov]

Thanks dude ! nice to know ! WindowTabs is useful indeed.

[vensasa]

I have a strong dislike of tabbed interfaces. All it does is take away placement flexibility that a windowing system provides. The windowing systems taskbar is supposed to provide for task switching between Windows anyway. At least Windows 95-7 were a good example of good UI design. Dont even get me started on the cluster**** that Windows 8 is and the insane tab/tile interfaces. Nonetheless, Virtualbox could provide a tabbed interface as an *option* for those who want it.

[jrm]

The best solution I found on Windows hosts is not tabs but similar using VistaSwitcher.

You do not need to press the Host Key (right Ctrl) to use it.
You can configure it to use Alt+` or right click+wheel to switch between windows of the same application, i.e. switch between your VMs.

The great thing is it works with fullscreen VMs without even pressing the host key. It makes switching between VMs easy, quick and seamless. Even better than tabs

[DutchHarry]

+1 for a 1 "Window Mode" for all VMs / Tabbed. Maybe then it would be possible to pop out just 1 tab manually. VM-Ware like.

Feature request now for OS X and WindowsOS - but for all OS I think it would be nice.

This feature could be optional to be activated of course -> so both users who like or dislike "1 Window Mode"/Tabbed have their preferred mode.
Even different screen resolutions for a VM shouldn't be the problem. Do not see that at VM-Ware too.

2016 - no option found today on Mac for 1 "Window Mode"/Tabs.

Cheers