Why can't we resize window sizes as we wish ?

[Doctor Q]

I used to think that until I realized it doesn't take anymore clicks to resize a window in OS X than it does in Windows. First I move the window to where I want the left side to be then I resize the lower right corner. I'd get the exact same thing in Windows by resizing the right side and then resizing the left side. Not hard people and certainly not something to make a thread over.

You may not have read the examples I presented. When only the left edge of a window or the top edge of a window is in the "wrong" position, it should be one step to adjust it.

When you care about the right-edge position and the width (not the left-edge position) or you care about the bottom-edge position and the height (not the top-edge position), you can't move the window first because you don't know where to put it.

None of these cases involve edges that are off the screen. However, that's another case where being able to drag window edges would come in handy.

And while we are at it, why not let users hold shift while resizing windows to have them resize in only the horizontal or only the vertical direction, again following the model of objects in design programs? I don't know how important that is (I'd use it occasionally), but it would be "free." As saltyzoo, I, and others have pointed out, we're talking about features that would help some and be unnoticeable to others. Mac OS X is full of such features, such as option-dragging a window to move it without giving it the focus.

 

[kuwisdelu]

we're talking about features that would help some and be unnoticeable to others.

I've never had a reason to need it, but as long as it's implemented that way, sounds good to me.

However, I think it's rather funny that someone would suggest that any of us who haven't had a need for this function aren't "using windows to their full potential." What the **** is that nonsense? I have no problem with a feature that's there for those who want it and unnoticeable to those who don't, but just because (generic) you resize windows from a different corner I do, how is that "using [then] to their full potential"? That comment really lost me... If I resize a window, chances are I'll want to move it, too, just like the Swede said. There's nothing inherently wrong about that. There's no reason to insult a different way of working to make a point.

 

[saltyzoo]

I've never had a reason to need it, but as long as it's implemented that way, sounds good to me.

However, I think it's rather funny that someone would suggest that any of us who haven't had a need for this function aren't "using windows to their full potential." What the **** is that nonsense? I have no problem with a feature that's there for those who want it and unnoticeable to those who don't, but just because (generic) you resize windows from a different corner I do, how is that "using [then] to their full potential"? That comment really lost me... If I resize a window, chances are I'll want to move it, too, just like the Swede said. There's nothing inherently wrong about that. There's no reason to insult a different way of working to make a point.

I mean no offense by the comment. But if you've never noticed yourself wishing you could resize from a different direction, you can't be customizing your windows that much. Which is fine. I guess I was offensive in being amazed by it. I can see that in most applications I don't find the need. But in some I hit the limitation quite often. My apologies.

 

[kuwisdelu]

I mean no offense by the comment. But if you've never noticed yourself wishing you could resize from a different direction, you can't be customizing your windows that much. Which is fine. I guess I was offensive in being amazed by it. I can see that in most applications I don't find the need. But in some I hit the limitation quite often. My apologies.

I customize my windows quite a lot. I like them being a very certain size and in very particular places. Actually, the fact that I usually want to move my windows before or after resizing it suggests that I prefer them more custom-placed than simply being satisfied with resizing it from one corner. It just happens I've never run into a need to resize from a different corner. I don't find either approach as using windows to any more potential than the other, it's just conducive to different placements and different styles of working. I'm sorry if I overreacted to that comment, it just struck me as elitist (or something), which may not have been its intention.

Now if I liked having a million windows on the same desktop, then I might run into the problem more often, but, well, that's what Spaces is for

 

[saltyzoo]

I customize my windows quite a lot. I like them being a very certain size and in very particular places. Actually, the fact that I usually want to move my windows before or after resizing it suggests that I prefer them more custom-placed than simply being satisfied with resizing it from one corner. It just happens I've never run into a need to resize from a different corner. I don't find either approach as using windows to any more potential than the other, it's just conducive to different placements and different styles of working. I'm sorry if I overreacted to that comment, it just struck me as elitist (or something), which may not have been its intention.

Now if I liked having a million windows on the same desktop, then I might run into the problem more often, but, well, that's what Spaces is for

Yes, spaces is nice, but I often have the need for multiple windows in the same space while programming.

 

[bluedoggiant]

Yes, spaces is nice, but I often have the need for multiple windows in the same space while programming.

Bigger screen?

 

[saltyzoo]

Bigger screen?

Are you suggesting that the solution to resizing windows sometimes taking 3 actions rather than one is to buy a bigger monitor? That I will somehow not need to resize windows anymore with a larger monitor? That some magic will occur that will allow me to place three terminal sessions each below the other and make them the same size without having to move and resize 5 times for each window?

Or are you simply taking the MicroSoft approach and suggesting a hardware solution to a software problem (add more RAM, buy a faster computer, etc).

Oh yeah I could just use "tile windows". Doh. No I can't.

Seriously, I love my mac and OS X in a big way. I'm a full-fledged convert. But this is one asinine limitation of the interface.

 

[bluedoggiant]

Are you suggesting that the solution to resizing windows sometimes taking 3 actions rather than one is to buy a bigger monitor? That I will somehow not need to resize windows anymore with a larger monitor? That some magic will occur that will allow me to place three terminal sessions each below the other and make them the same size without having to move and resize 5 times for each window?

Or are you simply taking the MicroSoft approach and suggesting a hardware solution to a software problem (add more RAM, buy a faster computer, etc).

Oh yeah I could just use "tile windows". Doh. No I can't.

Seriously, I love my mac and OS X in a big way. I'm a full-fledged convert. But this is one asinine limitation of the interface.

I'm not talking about the screen size thing, forget that, you said you work with multiple windows open, so a bigger screen to fit them all in one space would be nice.

 

[saltyzoo]

I'm not talking about the screen size thing, forget that, you said you work with multiple windows open, so a bigger screen to fit them all in one space would be nice.

But screen size is irrelevant to the problem. I didn't complain I couldn't see enough in the windows. I need all the information visible at one time, so spaces isn't a solution. It all fits so size is irrelevant. The only issue is the number of un-needed mouse gestures to accomplish the resizing and moving of the windows into position, all because OS X only allows resizing from one corner of the window.

 

[ben simons]

Frankly, the limitation is obnoxious.

Microsoft Windows is irrelevent.

The "software re-write" argument sounds dubious. A resize is a resize.
The only difference is there would be an additional translate.

There does not need to be a window border, or resize button.

Here is a simpler solution: When a certain key/combination is held,
whichever corner or edge is nearest the mouse is resized. aaand done.

ben.