Welcome to our Microsoft Power Toys Series, where we explore the myriad of tools designed to enhance your productivity and creativity on Windows. Today, we’re diving into Fancy Zones, a great way to keep your desktop organized and your windows in check. Let’s say you needed to view multiple documents from multiple sources. Sizing every piece that you need in its respective screen segment becomes a breeze with fancy zones.
How to use fancy zones
Step 1: Install Microsoft PowerToys
If you haven’t yet embraced the world of Power Toys, your first step is to download and install this suite of utilities. Begin your journey here at Microsoft Learn.
Step 2: Open the “FancyZones” interface
To open the FancyZones you can:
Step 1: RUN Microsoft’s Power Toys Apps
Step 2: SELECT FancyZones in the left column
Step 3: CLICK on the launch layout editor icon
- Or -
Use the WIN+SHIFT+` hotkey to launch the FancyZones interface
Step 3: Select a zone layout from “Templates” or create your own custom zone layout.
Step 4: Drag and drop your windows into your FancyZones
Left Click and hold the top bar of a window to drag it. Then, while dragging the window hold the Shift key to show your zones and drop the window into your zone choice. It will then conform to the dimensions of the zone you choose. Here is an example below:
In my daily workflow, FancyZones has been nothing but short of a game-changer. For instance, when analyzing data, I frequently need to compare information across different sources. With FancyZones I can effortlessly position an Excel spreadsheet horizontally across the middle of my screen. Simultaneously, I can have research papers, web browsers, or additional documents open on either side. The setup is achieved without any aligning or re-aligning of windows. Then when I have other tasks, I can load a different FancyZones configuration and easily rearrange my windows with a quick drag and drop.
The Journey through Microsoft PowerToys is filled useful tools that streamline efficiency. Stay tuned to our blog for more insights, tips, and tricks. FancyZones is just one of many useful applications of Microsft PowerToys; there’s a whole suite of tools waiting to transform your digital environment.
Should you wish to explore more of our articles on Microsoft Tips & Tricks or the OFCCP, please visit our site.
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