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Moving a window to another monitor on a Mac can greatly improve productivity and efficiency, especially for individuals who work with multiple screens. Whether you are using a Macbook with an external display or a desktop Mac with dual monitors, being able to easily move windows across monitors can make multitasking a breeze.
In this blog post, we will explore the various methods and techniques to move a window to another monitor on a Mac. We will discuss the different options available and provide step-by-step instructions for each method. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to seamlessly move windows between monitors on your Mac.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Moving A Window to Another Monitor:
Moving a window to another monitor on a Mac may seem like a simple task, but it can be challenging for some users, especially if they are not familiar with the various methods available. The default behavior of macOS does not include a dedicated feature for moving windows across monitors, which can be frustrating for users who rely heavily on multi-monitor setups.
However, there are several workarounds and third-party applications that can help overcome this challenge. In the following sections, we will discuss these methods and provide detailed steps for each one. Let’s explore how to move a window to another monitor on a Mac.
Things You Should Prepare for:
Before we delve into the different methods for moving windows between monitors on a Mac, there are a few things you should prepare to ensure a smooth experience:
1. Multiple Monitors: Make sure you have more than one monitor connected to your Mac. This can be achieved by connecting an external display or using a Macbook with an additional monitor.
2. macOS Compatibility: Ensure that your Mac is running a compatible version of macOS. Most recent versions of macOS support multiple displays, but it’s always a good idea to check for any specific requirements or limitations.
3. Window Management Software: While macOS does not have built-in window management features for moving windows between monitors, there are third-party applications available that can easily handle this task. Consider downloading and installing a window management software that suits your preferences and needs.
By having these preparations in place, you will be ready to explore the different methods for moving a window to another monitor on your Mac. Let’s dive in!
Method 1: Using Mission Control
Mission Control is a built-in feature of macOS that allows you to manage and organize windows across multiple desktop spaces and displays. By utilizing Mission Control, you can easily move a window from one monitor to another on your Mac. Follow the steps below to utilize this method:
1. Open the window you want to move to another monitor.
2. Activate Mission Control by either pressing the F3 key on your keyboard or swiping up with three fingers on trackpad-enabled Macs.
3. Locate the window you want to move and drag it to the top of the screen.
4. While still holding the window, move the mouse cursor to the edge of the current monitor to transition to the next monitor.
5. Release the window on the desired position of the new monitor.
6. The window should now be moved to the new monitor.
Pros:
1. No additional software required, as it is a built-in feature of macOS.
2. Easy to use and accessible with a simple key command or gesture.
3. Allows for quick and intuitive window movement between monitors.
Cons:
1. Limited control over window positioning on the new monitor.
2. Requires manual dragging and positioning of windows.
Method 2: Using Window Snapping Apps
Window snapping apps are third-party applications that offer a range of window management features, including the ability to move windows to another monitor. These apps provide advanced control and customization options for your windows. Follow the steps below to utilize this method:
1. Download and install a window snapping app of your choice. Examples include Magnet, BetterSnapTool, and Divvy.
2. Launch the window snapping app.
3. Open the window you want to move to another monitor.
4. Activate the window snapping app’s interface.
5. Look for an option to move the window to another monitor or display. This option may vary depending on the app you are using.
6. Click on the option to move the window to the desired monitor.
7. The window should now be moved to the new monitor.
Pros:
1. Provides advanced window management features beyond just moving windows between monitors.
2. Offers more control and customization options for window positioning.
Cons:
1. Requires a third-party application to be installed.
2. Some window snapping apps may not be free and may require a purchase.
Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
For those who prefer using keyboard shortcuts, macOS provides a convenient way to move windows between monitors using key commands. This method offers a quick and efficient way to move windows without the need for additional software. Follow the steps below to use this method:
1. Open the window you want to move to another monitor.
2. Press the following key combination: Shift + Control + Left/Right Arrow Key.
3. The window should now be moved to the next monitor.
Pros:
1. No additional software required.
2. Quick and efficient window movement using keyboard shortcuts.
3. Default macOS behavior, so it works across different Macs.
Cons:
1. Limited control over window positioning on the new monitor.
2. Only moves windows to the next monitor, not directly to a specific monitor.
Method 4: Using Terminal Commands
For advanced users comfortable with using Terminal commands, macOS provides a command-line option to move windows between monitors. This method offers flexibility and precision when it comes to window management. Follow the steps below to use this method:
1. Open Terminal on your Mac.
2. Enter the following command to identify the window you want to move:
"`
$ osascript -e ‘tell application "ApplicationName" to get the id of the front window’
"`
Replace "ApplicationName" above with the name of the application that owns the window you want to move (e.g., Safari, Chrome, etc.).
3. Take note of the window’s ID that is displayed in Terminal.
4. Enter the following command to move the window to the desired monitor:
"`
$ osascript -e ‘tell application "ApplicationName" to set the second screen’s window "WindowID" to the "DesktopName" of the display’
"`
Replace "ApplicationName" with the name of the application, "WindowID" with the ID of the window from the previous command, and "DesktopName" with the name of the desktop you want to move the window to.
5. Press Enter to run the Terminal command.
6. The window should now be moved to the specified monitor.
Pros:
1. Provides precise control over window movement and positioning.
2. A command-line option for users comfortable with Terminal commands.
Cons:
1. Requires familiarity with Terminal commands.
2. Not as user-friendly as other methods for less experienced users.
Why Can’t I Move A Window to Another Monitor?
There are a few reasons why you may be unable to move a window to another monitor on your Mac. Let’s look at some common reasons and their fixes:
1. Unsupported Configuration: Make sure your Mac and macOS version support multiple monitors. Check with Apple’s official documentation or support resources to ensure compatibility.
Fix: If your Mac does not support multiple monitors, consider upgrading to a newer model or using alternative methods such as virtual desktops.
2. Incorrect Display Arrangement: Check your display arrangement settings to ensure the monitors are positioned correctly. If the monitors are not aligned properly, it may affect window movement.
Fix: Go to "System Preferences" > "Displays" > "Arrangement" and rearrange the monitors to match your physical setup.
3. Fullscreen or App Restrictions: Some apps or windows may be restricted from being moved to another monitor, especially if they are in fullscreen mode or have specific settings enabled.
Fix: Exit fullscreen mode or disable any app restrictions related to window movement. This can usually be done within the app’s settings or preferences.
By considering and addressing these potential reasons, you should be able to troubleshoot and overcome obstacles when trying to move a window to another monitor on your Mac.
Additional Tips:
Here are some additional tips to enhance your window moving experience on a Mac:
1. Explore Window Management Apps: Aside from moving windows between monitors, window management apps offer various features such as window resizing, snapping, and organizing. Consider exploring different window management apps to find one that best suits your workflow.
2. Use Desktop Spaces: macOS allows you to create and navigate through multiple desktop spaces. This can be helpful for organizing windows and dedicating specific spaces to certain tasks or projects. Utilize desktop spaces to keep your windows organized and easily accessible.
3. Use External Display Settings: Customizing the display settings for your external monitor can greatly improve your experience when moving windows between monitors. Adjust the resolution, scale, and other display settings to match your preferences and needs.
By adopting these tips, you can further optimize your window management workflow on your Mac.
5 FAQs about Moving Windows to Another Monitor on a Mac:
Q1: Can I move a fullscreen window to another monitor?
A: No, fullscreen windows are often locked to the current monitor and cannot be moved to another monitor. You would need to exit fullscreen mode before moving the window.
Q2: Why can’t I see the window I want to move in Mission Control?
A: Not all windows may be visible in Mission Control, especially if they are minimized or hidden. Make sure the window you want to move is visible and not minimized.
Q3: Can I move a window between different Mac devices?
A: No, moving a window from one Mac to another is not directly supported by macOS. However, you can use other methods like cloud storage or screen sharing to achieve a similar effect.
Q4: Are there any limitations to moving windows between monitors?
A: Some apps may have specific limitations or constraints on moving their windows due to design choices or technical restrictions. These limitations are app-dependent and may vary.
Q5: Does moving windows to another monitor affect performance?
A: Moving windows between monitors does not significantly impact performance on a Mac. However, it’s always a good practice to check your system resources and adjust window management settings accordingly.
In Conclusion
Being able to move windows to another monitor on a Mac can greatly enhance productivity and improve multitasking capabilities. In this blog post, we explored four different methods for moving windows between monitors on a Mac: using Mission Control, window snapping apps, keyboard shortcuts, and Terminal commands.
Each method offers its own advantages and considerations, allowing users to choose the most suitable approach for their needs. We also provided additional tips for optimizing window management and addressed frequently asked questions about moving windows to another monitor on a Mac.
By utilizing these methods and tips, you can easily and efficiently move windows between monitors, creating a seamless multi-monitor experience on your Mac.