Apple

Mastering Window Management with macOS Sequoia: A Guide to Tiling

A Mac screen showing window tiling options in macOS Sequoia.

Maximize Productivity with macOS Sequoia's Window Tiling Feature

For many years, Windows users have enjoyed the convenience of snapping their program windows to the edges of their screens, splitting their workspace into organized halves or quarters. Now, with the introduction of macOS Sequoia, Mac users can revel in this functionality as well, revolutionizing the way they multitask. Imagine effortlessly having a Spotify playlist displayed next to your email inbox or viewing a report alongside the online articles you're researching. This cherished feature means less window-switching and more information readily accessible on your screen.

Methods for Window Tiling in macOS Sequoia

Once macOS Sequoia is installed, users can take full advantage of the new window tiling feature. There are several methods to tile your windows:

1. Using the Green Zoom Button

  • Hover your cursor over the green zoom button located at the top-left corner of any open window.
  • A menu of tiling options will appear; choose to maximize the window, snap it to the side of the screen, or place it in one-quarter of the display.
  • Once selected, other open windows will adjust to fill the available screen space.

2. Click and Drag Method

  • Click and drag an active window to the edge of the display.
  • Position the window near the side for a half-screen fill, towards the top for a full-screen fill, or into a corner to take up a quarter of the screen.
  • To visualize the screen zones, hold down the Option key while dragging.

3. Using the Window Menu

  • Access the Window drop-down menu in the app you're using.
  • Select Move & Resize.
  • Choose any "Halves" option to snap the window in half or "Quarters" to arrange it in a quarter of the display.
  • Alternately, pick an Arrange option to align the current window with adjacent open windows.

4. Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency

Keyboard shortcuts are also a viable option for quick window management:

  • Fn + Control + F – Fill the entire desktop with the window.
  • Fn + Control + C – Center the window on the desktop.
  • Fn + Control + Left/Right Arrow – Move the window to the left or right half of the desktop.
  • Fn + Control + Up/Down Arrow – Move the window to the top or bottom half of the desktop.
  • Fn + Control + R – Restore the window to its previous size and position.

Customizing Your Window Tiling Experience

To personalize your window tiling experience, navigate to System Settings on the Apple menu.

  • Access Desktop & Dock to enable or disable drag-to-tile and the Option key shortcut.
  • Select whether you prefer tiled windows to have margins between them.

Third-Party Window Tiling Tools

While macOS Sequoia offers these new features, third-party tools can provide more options and advanced control than the native functionality.

  • Magnet: Priced at $9.99, Magnet is a robust tool ideal for larger displays, allowing users to divide screens into thirds and sixths and set custom keyboard shortcuts.
  • Rectangle: This tool is free for the basic version, and at $9.99 for the Pro version, it offers customizable snap areas, keyboard shortcuts, and specific layouts for particular apps.

Conclusion

Embrace the enhanced productivity that comes with using the window tiling feature in macOS Sequoia. Whether you stick to the built-in options or explore third-party applications, this newfound ability to manage your workspace efficiently will surely transform how you work and multitask on your Mac.

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