18 Mac Window Arrangement Tips and Tricks

There are many ways to move and resize windows on a Mac without requiring third-party apps. Learn how to set up your windows like you want them, and even a method for saving windows positions.



Here’s that Terminal command:

defaults write -g NSWindowShouldDragOnGesture -bool true

Comments: 13 Responses to “18 Mac Window Arrangement Tips and Tricks”

    Dick Vitales
    2 years ago

    How did you get the desktop display?

    2 years ago

    Dick: Sorry, I don't know what you mean. Is there a time stamp in the video you can point me to?

    Margaret Parkes
    2 years ago

    a list of the actions would be really appreciated - thanks

    Chuck King
    2 years ago

    Is there a way in to have a window format itself into the part of the screen I want and have it reduce its size so that I can see the entire contents without sliding the bar.

    2 years ago

    Chuck: Format itself? Not sure what you mean. Do you mean resize? But how would it know what size you want it as? Just resize it as you like.

    Marcia Karon
    2 years ago

    My windows are not "snapping" as described. I have a downloaded credit card statement opened in Preview on the left and Anydesk with Quickbooks on the right, but as I try to enter the credit card charges Quickbooks gets weird. One time, when I tried to enter a charge it would maximize, so I tried restarting and the next time it did this thing where the window kept moving. Not sure if this is an issue with Anydesk or Quickbooks, but still no snapping and the right side just would not stay where

    2 years ago

    Marcia: Try it with other apps to determine whether it is a problem with that particular app or not. Do you see it working with Finder windows, for instance?

    Kathy
    2 years ago

    Hi Gary, another excellent week of tips. Thank you. Two things, I find using either Safari or Firefox that I am unable to use the keyboard shortcut Option-Cmd-Rt or Lt arrows to move to right or left of desktop like I am able to with most other apps. Is this expected with browsers? I can use by going to window & selecting move there however. Just curious. Thanks

    2 years ago

    Kathy: Definitely works in Safari, I use it All the time. But the default is control and arrow, not comand+option.

    Kathy
    2 years ago

    Hi Gary, When I use control & arrow with safari as you mention in your reply, I am able to access mission control. However, I wasn't clear...I am experimenting with having three windows open on one desktop like in your video using the keyboard shortcut cmd-option-and left or right arrow to move the windows. I am able to use option-cmd-arrow (left or right) to move one finder window (or notes etc) to the left & have another one open and moved to the right side of the screen but not in safari...

    2 years ago

    Kathy: You'll need to use different keyboard shortcuts then as it looks like Safari is already using those for tab navigation.

    Kathy
    2 years ago

    Hi Gary, That's probably the reason. Thank you .

    Rick. Grossman
    2 years ago

    Best list of the hidden commands ever. Now I get why Ii get frustrated— dozens of ways, but you have to memorize where they are or how to use them. The Mac is like an escape route in room—you can’t just open the door you have to figure out how. You also recognize how mere mortals aren’t genetically coded to understand Apple. You explain that 3finger tap must be simultaneous, only in one part of screen, at certain times, if the should move, etc. U=missing part to OS/documentation/help!

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