Snap layout and window Tiling in macOS Sequoia can now choose from various layouts on macOS without needing a third-party application.
However, Windows 11 still excels in this area.
Windows Provides a Greater Variety of Layouts to Select From
Window Tiling in macOS is truly transformative, without a doubt. However, one area where Apple falls short is providing multiple options for snapping your windows into various positions.
macOS allows you to arrange windows side by side, stack them vertically, or position one in each corner for a total of four. Additionally, you can configure the screen with one vertical window alongside two smaller ones, enabling three windows to be displayed simultaneously.
Windows offers all these options and more. You can arrange three windows side-by-side in equal columns, or you can have two windows open with one occupying 75% of the screen while the other fills just 25%.
You can also choose to have a smaller column on each side of a larger central window, which I find useful for research-intensive tasks. However, the available options may vary depending on your display size and resolution.
Windows truly excels in its capability to create custom Snap layouts through Fancy Zones. This feature is part of PowerToys, a complimentary suite of tools provided by Microsoft for all Windows users.
Windows simplifies the process of selecting your layout by providing a convenient popup selector
Another advantage of Windows Snap Layouts over macOS Window Tiling lies in its popup selector. Both operating systems provide a popup when you hover over the maximize button on a window, which is convenient but may take a moment to show up.
Windows offers a much quicker popup feature that you can utilize. It appears whenever you drag a window to the top center of your screen, enabling you to easily place it into any configuration provided by Windows Snap Layouts for faster snapping. This is my preferred way to use Snap Layouts extensively.
This feature should be enabled by default. If you’ve managed to disable it, here’s how you can re-enable it:
Navigate to Settings, then go to System, and select Multitasking to locate the Snap windows options. Click on the downward arrow to view all available choices. To enable it, check the box next to “Show snap layouts when I drag a window to the top of my screen.”
Effortlessly snap windows with fewer key presses on Windows
Another handy way to use Windows Snap Layouts and Window Tiling is through keyboard shortcuts. These are also easier to use on Windows, as you don’t have to press as many buttons to move your windows around.
On macOS you need to interact with three different keys to move windows into different snapping positions: Fn + Control + an arrow key. With Windows 11, you only have to press the Windows key and then an arrow key.
The keyboard shortcuts offer fewer snapping positions, but they are an excellent option if you’re trying to stack windows side-by-side quickly.
I’m happy Apple finally brought Window Tiling to macOS, and I no longer have to install a third-party app to take advantage of this great feature. However, Windows still offers more functionality, especially when you consider the customized layouts you can make with Fancy Zones. I hope Apple continues to expand Window Tiling in macOS with more layouts and customization. Until then, Windows gets my vote.
