Better Manage Open Windows With PowerResizer [Windows]

Better Manage Open Windows With PowerResizer [Windows]:
PowerResizer is a tool that enhances native Windows features for managing open windows. One example is the Windows Aero-powered windows docking, which allows you to dock Windows to either sides of your screen, simply by dragging it to the respective edge.
The tool also improves mundane tasks, like resizing and moving windows. PowerResizer introduces smart features for managing windows and makes you wonder why Microsoft didn’t think of these.
So what can PowerResizer do? Let me give you a brief feature overview before I show you the details:

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  smart docking of windows.
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  enhanced moving and resizing of windows.
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  interactively repositioin windows.

Docking Windows

One of the best new Window Aero features was the docking of windows, which is done by dragging them to the edge of the screen. However, when you resize one of the windows, you also have to manually resize the other to avoid overlapping windows. This is where one of PowerResizer’s coolest features comes in.
After docking one window to the right (or top) and another to the left (or bottom), you can resize both windows simultaneously by dragging the middle border of either window. This way you always make optimal use of your desktop real estate.

In addition to the ingenious resizing of docked windows, PowerResizer also offers keyboard shortcuts for docking windows:

• Move Window + A: dock window to left-half.
• Move Window + S: dock window to right-half.
• Move Window + W: dock window to top-half.
• Move Window + Z: dock window to bottom-half.
• Move Window + 1: dock window to top-left corner.
• Move Window + 2: dock window to top-right corner.
• Move Window + 3: dock window to bottom-left corner.
• Move Window + 4: dock window to bottom-right corner.

Play around with these docking features to discover how PowerResizer behaves and which features you can mix and match.

Moving & Resizing Windows

The docking features by itself are extremely useful, but PowerResizer goes one step further and also includes moving and resizing windows. Try these keyboard shortcuts in combination with resizing or moving a window:

• Resize Window + CTRL: resize a window maintaining fixed its center point.
• Resize Window + SHIFT: move a window using its border.
• Move Window + 5: center a window into the screen (1/16 screen size margin).
• Move Window + 6: center a window into the screen (1/10 screen size margin).
• Move Window + 7: center a window into the screen (1/6 screen size margin).
• Move Window + 8: center a window into the screen (1/4 screen size margin).
• Move Window + 9: center a window into the screen (1/3 screen size margin).
• Move Window + 0: maximize a window.

Reposition Windows

Finally, once you have arranged windows in the perfect way, what if you want to reposition them? PowerResizer also thought of that. These are the keyboard shortcuts you will want to keep in mind:

• CTRL + ALT + PAGE UP: Rotate docked windows counter-clockwise.
• CTRL + ALT + PAGE DOWN: Rotate docked windows clockwise.
• CTRL + ALT + HOME: Reposition windows.

Managing PowerResizer

PowerResizer docks with an icon in the system tray. Here you can activate transparent windows and access some features with the mouse. The menu also allows you to disable PowerResizer.

A similar tool is Winsplit, which we have reviewed here: Divide Your PC Monitor Into Multiple Screens With WinSplit Revolution
If you’re a heavy multi-tasker and use more than one monitor, check out these articels:

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  3 Free & Awesome Tools To Optimize Your Dual Monitor Setup.
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  3 Useful Programs That Help Manage Multiple Monitors
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  5 Little Desktop Apps You Should Check If You Mutlitask

Are You Wondering About Windows Aero?

Windows Aero effects are visual effects that help manage open windows in Windows Vista and Windows 7. You may also want to look into this article – How To Enable & Troubleshoot Aero Effects In Windows 7. In a follow-up article, I explained how to enable Aero in case it was disabled via the registry – Top 5 Most Common Windows 7 Problems and How to Fix Them .
For more Aero fun, have a look at these articles:

• Tweak & Customize The Color In Windows 7′s Aero Glass With These 5 Tools
• The 4 Neat Tricks You Can Do With The Windows 7 Taskbar
• How To Enhance Your Windows Experience With AquaSnap (Not Only in Windows 7!)
• 25 Cool Windows 7 Keyboard Tricks That Will Impress Your Friends
• 3 Best Strategies & Tools For Open Window Management In Windows 7

What is your favorite Windows Aero feature and do you think PowerResizer made a good job of enhancing it?
Hand and Window Via Shutterstock