Buzz
If you're unfamiliar with Snap's functionality, simply sit down in front of a computer and open any window. Then, press the Windows key along with one of the directional arrow keys. For example, if you press the Windows key + the left arrow key, Snap will resize the window to the left side of the screen.
But what if those windows were slightly smaller than what you need? Or instead of 2 columns, you want 3? Until now, you've had to manually create them by dragging and resizing windows, but not anymore.
In essence, the PowerToys tool on Windows 10 is a beloved relic from the Windows 95 era, allowing users to add customizable extensions to the base operating system. Now, PowerToys is back, with each app even available on GitHub for proposed modifications. The original 2 PowerToys apps are Shortcut Guide and FancyZones. You'll need to download the PowerToys installer, then select the app you want to install. You don't even need a Windows 10 Insider build to get these apps.
Shortcut Guide is essentially a CheatSheet for what's happening on your Windows screen. When Shortcut Guide is activated, pressing the Windows key for a few seconds will bring up available Windows shortcuts for what you're currently seeing on your screen. The idea is that Shortcut Guide has some context awareness and will display actions that the shortcuts will perform based on the current state of your computer and active windows. If after you trigger an action, you still hold the Windows key, those Win 10 shortcuts will adjust to reflect what you're seeing.
FancyZones includes pre-existing Snap layouts or you can create custom layouts yourself.
When you move a window to a side or corner of the screen, what you're doing is snapping the window to a predefined area of the screen. What FancyZones does is allow you to choose from a list of predefined layouts or you can create your own.
In reality, you can create your own Windows Snap versions, to attach apps to stacked windows, or to areas on the screen.
The great thing about preconfigured layouts is that they provide useful layouts instantly, such as 3-column text that can fit wide screens, or prioritize expanding the middle pane.
If you're not satisfied with any of these templates, you can also create your own zones. FancyZones allows users to do this by creating resizable zones; or through exclusion, where some preconfigured zones can be removed or adjusted. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to organize windows for Windows Snap feature, then FancyZones will be very helpful.
