macOS Sierra Window Management: 3 Hidden Features
macOS Sierra: Uncovering Hidden Window Management Features
Many users believe they are fully acquainted with the new functionalities introduced in macOS Sierra. However, a closer examination reveals several enhancements, particularly in the realm of window organization, that received limited coverage.
This article details four previously overlooked features designed to streamline window management, all accessible natively without the need for supplementary applications.
Enhanced Window Control in macOS Sierra
These improvements offer a more efficient workflow for those who frequently juggle multiple applications and windows. It’s likely that even avid macOS followers may have missed these subtle yet impactful additions.
- Split View Refinements: macOS Sierra builds upon the Split View feature, allowing for more intuitive resizing and arrangement of windows.
- Full Screen Mode Improvements: The full screen experience has been subtly enhanced, offering quicker access and smoother transitions.
- Mission Control Enhancements: Mission Control now provides a clearer overview of open windows and spaces, facilitating faster navigation.
- Window Tiling Options: The operating system now offers more automatic window tiling options, optimizing screen space utilization.
These features collectively contribute to a more organized and productive computing experience. They represent Apple’s continued commitment to refining the user interface and enhancing workflow efficiency.
By leveraging these built-in tools, macOS Sierra users can significantly improve their window management capabilities without relying on external software solutions.
Expanding Windows with a Double-Click in macOS
For many years, the method for adjusting application window sizes has remained consistent. Users position the cursor near a window’s border, indicated by a double-headed arrow, and then click and drag to achieve the desired dimensions. This is a fundamental aspect of computer operation.
macOS Sierra introduces a novel approach to this process. When the resizing cursor appears, a simple double-click instantly expands the window to fill the corresponding edge of the screen.
This functionality is available across all window edges. The following illustrates how this feature operates:
Furthermore, double-clicking any corner of a window will simultaneously extend it in both adjacent directions, as demonstrated below:
This is a relatively inconspicuous feature. It is unlikely that a user would independently uncover this capability.
Key Benefits of Double-Click Window Expansion
- Speed: Quickly maximize windows without the need for dragging.
- Efficiency: Streamlines workflow by reducing the steps required for window resizing.
- Discoverability: While subtle, it offers a convenient alternative to traditional resizing methods.
The double-click functionality provides a faster and more efficient way to manage window sizes in macOS Sierra. It represents a small, yet impactful, improvement to the user experience.
Enhanced Window Management in macOS Sierra
macOS Sierra introduces a new feature that allows windows to become "sticky." This functionality alters how windows interact with each other and the screen's boundaries.
Essentially, this means that when repositioning a window, it will subtly adhere to the edges of other open windows, functioning similarly to a magnetic attraction.
Window Alignment and Positioning
A noticeable resistance is felt when maneuvering one window adjacent to another. This resistance facilitates precise placement, enabling users to effortlessly align two windows side-by-side.
Horizontal alignment also benefits from this feature, providing a similar tactile feedback. This enhancement greatly simplifies the process of arranging windows for optimal screen utilization.
The "sticky" effect isn't limited to other windows. It also extends to the display edges, the top-level menu bar, and the application dock.
While a subtle addition, this capability has been a long-awaited improvement to the macOS window management system.
Resizing with Alignment
The "sticky" behavior also applies during window resizing operations. When windows are positioned side-by-side, resizing will align with a noticeable adherence when properly aligned.
A slight pause is experienced at the point of horizontal alignment during resizing. This allows for accurate and consistent window arrangement.
Disabling the Sticky Feature
Users who prefer traditional window movement can temporarily disable the "sticky" effect. Simply holding the Option key while dragging a window will bypass the adherence feature.
Default Tabbed Applications in macOS
It's well-known that macOS offers tab functionality within a vast majority of applications. However, many users are unaware that it’s possible to configure the system to prioritize tabs as the default behavior.
This configuration ensures that whenever a new document is initiated, or an existing one is opened, a new tab is automatically generated rather than a separate window.
The relevant setting is located within System Preferences, specifically under the Dock preferences pane.
Tab Behavior Options
Three distinct options are available to control how tabs are utilized. Selecting "Always" mandates that applications consistently employ tabs, overriding their standard windowing procedures.
The "In Full Screen Only" option restricts tab usage to situations where applications are operating in full-screen mode.
Choosing "Manually" disables automatic tab creation. In this mode, tabs can only be activated by navigating to the "Window" menu and selecting "Merge All Windows."
This often-overlooked feature provides a streamlined workflow by minimizing window clutter. Experimenting with the "Always" setting is recommended to assess its suitability for your usage patterns.