Visual Studio provides the ability to arrange the various tool and editor windows in any way you desire. I am starting to experiment with different window layouts, and being mindful about how they affect my workflow and productivity.

For example, when working on a large single file in the editor, especially a file with long lines, It is nice to be able to close common windows such as the Solution Explorer, the Team Explorer, and the Properties window, so the code can fill the entire screen…

However, I get nervous closing tool windows in the IDE like the Properties Window, or the Team Explorer (How am I going to get them back? Am I going to have to waste time scanning the windows menu?)

Here are some ways to make working with layouts easier…


#1 – Use “Reset Window Layout” To restore missing windows
Clicking on Window-“Reset Window Layout” will typically restore all the missing windows back to default settings. Keep in mind this does not restore the ribbon or other settings, only the tool windows.

#2 – Save this Default Layout as a named layout
Click Window-Save Window Layout while the default layout is applied from (#1). I named this layout “Default1”. It now gets it’s own shortcut key (Ctrl + Alt + 2) for me. Now I can move all my windows around with abandon, knowing that I can restore back to the default with a single key sequence.

#3 – Create Layouts for Specific Purposes
Create different window layouts for different tasks. I currently have 3 layouts saved. One is the Default Layout; then I have a “Find and Replace” layout which opens and docks the Find Results Windows, and opens the search tools. I also have a layout for working on a single large file. (see above screenshot)

Having each of these layouts tied to shortcut keys makes it easier to transition from working on a single file to searching the entire solution in order to perform a find a replace. It is easier because I no longer have to drag windows around my monitors, losing track of other windows in the process. I just press the shortcut keys until I get what I want..