Are you looking to supercharge your productivity with a multi-monitor setup? FancyZones, part of the Windows PowerToys suite, is an incredibly powerful tool that transforms how you manage applications across your screens. This detailed guide will walk you through various configurations of FancyZones, helping you achieve customized monitor layouts that fit your workflow.
Step 1: Installing PowerToys
Before diving into FancyZones, you’ll need to download the PowerToys utility. You can find it in the Microsoft Store or from the GitHub release page.
Install PowerToys on your Windows computer. Once it launches, navigate to FancyZones from the menu on the left to explore its features and configuration options.
Quick Tip: Activate FancyZones instantly by pressing Win + Shift + `, which will bring up the Editor mode.
Step 2: Extend Your Display
To maximize the benefits of FancyZones in a dual monitor setup, ensure that your displays are set to extend, not duplicate. Doing so allows for independent layouts on each monitor.
Go to Settings -> Display. In the display settings, select the Duplicate these displays option and change it to Extend these displays.
Confirm your choice in the pop-up by clicking Keep the Changes. Now, each monitor will be ready for its unique configuration.
Step 3: Select Your Preferred Layout for Each Monitor
FancyZones utilizes grid layouts to manage window sizes. To customize your workspace, open the FancyZones editor, displaying all connected monitors at the top.
Pick a monitor to edit, and check out the Templates section, which boasts a variety of pre-made layouts. Choose one that fits your needs.
For more customization, click the pencil icon to modify any existing layout.
Add more zones, alter spacing, or increase the visual separation between them to suit your workflow.
Step 4: Set Up Your Dual Monitor Layout with FancyZones
This guide will showcase a dual-monitor arrangement tailored for writing tasks. The larger monitor will house your main writing applications, while the smaller monitor will be reserved for utility programs.
Open your essential apps and browser tabs before activating the FancyZones Editor. On the larger, secondary monitor, select the Columns template. Three distinct zones will suffice, but you can always create additional ones if necessary.
To snap applications into the predetermined zones, click on the desired app window, press Shift, and drag it into the corresponding zone. Repeat for each zone until you’ve filled them all.
Step 5: Create a Custom Layout in FancyZones
With your main monitor organized, it’s time to configure a unique layout on your smaller display. Within the FancyZones Editor, switch to your primary monitor and hit the Create new layout button.
Name your custom layout and choose between a grid or canvas format (for overlapping zones), and hit Create. I’ll select the grid option.
A new screen opens with default three-column setup. Hover over a zone to reveal a splitting option; click to divide it. For vertical splits, hold the Shift key while dragging.
For this example, I prefer a larger main zone and two smaller zones on the right. To achieve this, long-click on the first two zones and select the Merge Zones option.
You can also:
- Resize zones by dragging corners.
- Move zones around by dragging their center.
- Add new zones using the + button.
After the layout is arranged, click Save to confirm your settings.
In this configuration, I included:
- Zone 1: WhatsApp for team communication.
- Zone 2: A Pomodoro timer to structure my work sessions.
- Zone 3: Sticky notes listing the day’s tasks.
Step 6: How to Switch Effortlessly Between Layouts
Transitioning between various layouts can streamline your workflow as your tasks change throughout the day.
In the FancyZones Editor, locate a layout you frequently use, click the pencil icon, and navigate to the Layout shortcuts section. Assign a number to the layout, and remember to hit Save after making your selection.
Apply this layout with a simple keyboard shortcut: Win + Ctrl + Alt + Number.
Step 7: Adjusting FancyZones Settings
To get the most out of FancyZones, access the PowerToys Settings via the system tray. Navigate to Windowing & Layout -> FancyZones to explore various configuration options.
Within the Zone behavior section, control how your zones operate. You can enable functionality to Allow zones to span across monitors.
In the Window behavior section, you can instruct FancyZones to revert windows to their original size upon unsnapping. Explore all the options to optimize your experience.
Set custom shortcuts for seamless switching between windows within the current zone for maximum efficiency.
Step 8: Additional Productivity Hacks
Implement these strategies to elevate your window management and overall productivity using FancyZones in a dual-monitor setup:
- Assign distinct layouts for various projects such as coding, writing, editing, or multitasking.
- Use larger central zones for primary tasks and smaller zones for supporting applications.
- Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts to expedite your workflow.
- Isolate your workspace from utility tools to reduce distractions and improve focus.
- For tasks linking reference materials, opt for vertical stacking layouts like Columns to facilitate quick access.
- Create multiple tailored layouts that align with your working style (e.g., professional, creative, leisure).
Your ideal window management solution in FancyZones evolves with your unique workflow. Experiment liberally, and don’t hesitate to customize for the best results. If you’re considering expanding your display capabilities, explore our insights into portable monitors designed for gaming or read our comprehensive guide on desktop monitors.
All images and screenshots were provided by Alexandra Arici.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use FancyZones with just one monitor?
Yes, FancyZones can be utilized with a single monitor. You can create custom layouts that enhance your productivity even on a standalone display by managing application windows more effectively.
2. What kind of layouts are best for coding?
For coding, a layout that organizes the code editor in a larger central zone, with reference materials or documentation in smaller peripheral zones, typically works best. Consider using a vertical layout to allow for easy switching between applications.
3. How do I reset my layouts in FancyZones?
If you want to revert to the default settings or clear your current layouts, go to the FancyZones settings menu in PowerToys and look for an option to reset or delete your custom layouts. You may also create new ones from scratch as desired.
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