AltDrag is a free, small utility that provides the ability to move a window by clicking anywhere on it while holding down the Alt key, as opposed to having to click on the title bar. It also provides snap-to-edge functionality in relation to other windows or the sides of the screen when moving the window while pressing Alt+Shift.
For those of us with Linux envy, this program brings to Windows a function that Linux users have had for a while. More notes on this program as follows:
- Moving windows: you can move any window by simply pressing Alt and clicking the mouse button when it is placed anywhere over the widow. Note that Alt+clicking windows that are maximized will minimize them, while full screen windows such as games are unaffected.
- Snapping windows’ edges: pressing Alt+Shift when moving a window (or just shift if moving a window normally from it’s title bar) will cause the window to snap to the edges of other open windows or the edges of the screen.
- AltDrag in the system tray: the AltDrag icon in the system tray allows you to enable/disable it, hide the AltDrag system tray icon (inwhich case running the executable will make it re-appear afterwards if needed) and also enables you to toggle starting AltDrag on system startup.
- Memory use: approx 4.8 megs. Not a lot, but seems like it could have been smaller.
- Installation: no install needed; simply unzip and run.
The verdict: I can report that after using this utility for 48 hours, is easy to get used to and start using without even thinking about it. I particularly like the Alt+Shift snap to other windows or screen edges function. Overall a very interesting program.
Version Tested: 0.4
Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista.
Go to the program page to download the latest version (approx 12K). Note that the program is compressed in .7z format; if you need a freeware program that can decompress .7z check out Tugzip or Jzip.
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Here’s AltMove, a free utility that can do a ton of things using keyboard/mouse combinations:
http://www.deskex.com/Altmove
For example, I use AltMove to maximize/restore windows when I right click while holding the Alt key, to resize when pressing Ctrl+Alt and dragging, etc. etc. etc.
Looks like a decent tool, just can’t see a use for it by reading the review. Maybe have to download and install it to see how I can really use it.
I’ve been using WinMover to do the same. In addition to moving windows, it can also resize and do some other nifty stuff!
http://www.majorgeeks.com/WinMover_d4961.html
Main Features:
- Works with MDI-windows
- Resize and move any window with your mouse
- Close, maximize and minimize any window with your mouse
- Mimic Linux window managers in windows
- Send a window to the back
- Snap windows to the borders of the screen
Don’t use WinMover.
I used WinMover for a long time as well, until I found a serious bug in version 3.2.0.6 (the latest). The author’s response to me:
> This one is rather serious: any application
> run as another user on the current desktop
> freezes. However, I haven’t found any way
> to fix it yet. I will write a warning
> statement on the homepage until I find
> a solution. Until then, I recommend
> that you stop using WinMover if it
> causes any of your applications to
>freeze.
>
> /Andreas Eliasson, Developer of WinMover
Examples of applications that “run as another user” include anti-virus applications.
I know, I know: “I never had this problem!” Doesn’t matter. It’s a known problem, and a serious one.
That warning remained on the home page (http://www.eliasae.se/winmover) for a long time, and the bug was never fixed. Now, eliasae.se seems to be gone completely.
If you’re looking for a simple, standalone version of this function (because you already have window snapping from another app, for example) taekwindow is quite good and lightweight: http://taekwindow.sourceforge.net/
@Tom K
Thanks, that was the program I was looking for. It’s so handy, once you have it you can’t imagine working without it.