[FancyZones] Add the ability to use multiple template types together

[Ajhad1]

📝 Add the ability to use multiple template types together

When creating a template there are 2 basic ways to go about it. Edit an existing template type and Edit the "Create new custom" template type. I believe the ability to combine multiple templates would be useful. This is because the largest barrier to entry to creating new templates is the process of creating the zones to start with. This can be time-consuming based on the number and placement of zones in the template.

My use case is using the "Focus" template in conjunction with one of the other templates. I am providing a screenshot of one of my custom templates. In the template, there are the "Focus" zones behind the "Columns" zones. This allows me to use the inherent functionality of the "Focus" zones with the benefit of being able to see multiple windows at the same time.


In the example above, I have 2 Chrome Windows in the background that can be focused at any time. In the foreground, I have Slack and WinSCP. Obviously, the applications shown could be in any position but as an example, I simply added several applications together.

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If you'd like to see this feature implemented, add a 👍 reaction to this post.

[Aaron-Junker]

It isn't too much work to make a new template. And too many templates can be confusing.

[Ajhad1]

It isn't too much work to make a new template. And too many templates can be confusing.

I understand. Just a thought for a future new feature.

Personally, the reason I have not created more templates (especially for different use cases) is that it does take time to make a new template. That is also why I created #6474 (comment) as well.

[enricogior]

@Ajhad1
is very unlikely that this feature will ever be implemented. It has very low benefit and introduces too much work to be implemented and tested.

[Ajhad1]

@enricogior I understand.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to me.

If there is a separate place for feature requests that "unlikely to be implemented" let me know and I will move it there.

[enricogior]

@Ajhad1
we can keep this issue open for now.
We are planning to do an overall review of all suggested ideas and group them in a master issue.

[molstrangler]

I would also be interested in a multi-layer template.

I have a four-square layout right now, but I would like to, sometimes, snap windows to the centre of my screen.

You could use SHFT-CRTL as a key modifier to activate an alternate template.

[saxc]

I prefer an option that I can select multiple templates that I will use. When I hold shift and move a window, I will rotate the selected template with the mouse wheel. In this case we have small templates and can change the current template on the fly whit the mouse wheel.