Tip #85 - Windows Aero Snap Feature

100 Computer Tips in 100 Days

Tip #85 - Windows Aero Snap Feature

If you have Windows 7 or a later version, you can use Aero Snap to arrange windows side by side, which can be especially helpful when comparing two documents or when moving files from one place to another. With Aero Snap you can grab a window from the Title Bar and move your mouse to the left or right edge of the screen and the window will resize to fill half the screen. Repeat with a second window, this time going to the opposite side of the screen. Now with two easy motions you have a setup that makes both of these screens visible.

 

Windows being snapped left and right using Aero Snap

In researching this tip I learned that you can also accomplish this from the keyboard, making it even easier. Click on one of the windows to make it active and from your keyboard hold down the Windows key and press the left arrow key.  Now click the other window and use the Windows key and the right arrow key. Shazam! Windows key and the up arrow returns the window to a maximized position.

Apple people have been a little envious about the ability to accomplish this in the Windows environment but it was not part of the Apple OS. You can download something called “cinch” from the Apple store (less than $10), which will allow Apple computers to accomplish the same thing.

Bonus brownie points for anyone who can identify which TV character used to say Shazam! Leave your guess in the comments area of the blog.

Happy Computing!

View Diane's Webpage for more tips.