Why are Windows 11's Snap Layouts better than Window Tiling in macOS Sequoia?

You can finally choose from multiple window layouts on macOS without using a third-party program. But the Windows 11 option still does it better.

1. Windows offers more layouts to choose from

Window Tiling in macOS is a game changer. There's no doubt about it. However, one thing Apple hasn't done is give users multiple ways to snap windows to different locations.

macOS lets you place windows side by side, stack them on top of each other, and place one in each corner—four windows total. You can also place a window vertically next to two smaller windows, giving you three windows on screen at once.

Windows gives you all those options, plus a few more. You can set up three windows side by side in equal columns, or take two windows and have one take up 75% of the screen while the other only takes up 25%.

There is also the option to place a smaller column on either side of the larger central window, which is useful when working on in-depth research projects. However, the number of options you have will vary depending on your screen size and resolution.

The real highlight of Windows is the ability to create custom Windows Snap Layouts using Fancy Zones. This feature is available in PowerToys, a set of free tools that Microsoft provides to all Windows users.

2. Windows makes it easier to choose a layout with a pop-up chooser

Another area where Windows Snap Layouts has an edge over Window Tiling in macOS is the pop-up selector. Both Windows and macOS offer a pop-up that appears when you hover over the maximize button to open a window. While convenient, the pop-up can also take a while to appear.

However, Windows has a much quicker pop-up window that you can take advantage of. This window appears whenever you drag a window to the center of the screen. It lets you drop the window into any of the configurations that Windows Snap Layouts offers to make arranging windows more efficient, and that's how most people use Snap Layouts.

This feature should be enabled by default. If you have disabled it, here's how to enable it again:

Open Settings > System > Multitasking to find the Snap windows option . Press the down arrow to see all the different options. Click the checkbox next to Show snap layouts when I drag a window to the top of my screen .

3. Dock windows with fewer keystrokes in Windows

Another convenient way to use Windows Snap Layouts and Window Tiling is through keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts are also easier to use on Windows because you don't have to press multiple buttons to move windows.

On macOS, you need to interact with three different keys to move windows into different positions: Fn + Control + arrow keys . With Windows 11, you just press the Windows key and then press the arrow keys.

Shortcuts offer fewer docking locations, but they're a great option if you're trying to quickly stack windows side by side.

It's great that Apple has finally brought Window Tiling to macOS, and users 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 custom layouts you can create with Fancy Zones. Hopefully Apple continues to expand Window Tiling in macOS with more layouts and customizations. Until then, the Windows option will still have the upper hand.

David Pac

Update 09 December 2024