Multi-Window Design

Multi-window design addresses applications that use multiple windows simultaneously, such as document editors with multiple documents, or applications with separate tool windows. Coordinating multiple windows requires attention to state synchronization, focus management, and user experience across windows.

What Is Multi-Window Design

Multi-window design enables applications to present content and tools across multiple windows rather than a single window. Users can position windows independently, work with multiple documents simultaneously, or keep tool palettes accessible while working in main windows.

Desktop operating systems provide extensive multi-window support. Applications can create, position, and manage multiple windows. Users expect multi-window applications to behave consistently with single-window applications regarding window operations.

Design systems must address multi-window scenarios including window types, relationships, state synchronization, and navigation patterns.

How Multi-Window Design Works

Window types serve different purposes. Primary content windows contain main application content. Secondary windows provide supporting functionality like tools or inspectors.

Multi-Window Patterns:

Window Types:
- Document windows: Independent content units
- Tool palettes: Persistent tool access
- Inspector panels: Context-dependent properties
- Dialogs: Modal or modeless interactions
- Preview windows: Content preview

Window Relationships:
Document-based (multiple independent):
- Each document in own window
- Independent window lifecycle
- Closing one does not affect others
- Example: Text editors, image editors

Tool palette model:
- One main window
- Multiple floating tool windows
- Tools apply to main window content
- Example: Photoshop, design tools

Inspector model:
- One main window
- Inspector shows selected item properties
- Inspector updates with selection
- Example: Interface builders, DAWs

State Synchronization:
- Shared state updated across windows
- Selection state reflects in inspectors
- Tool state applies to active document
- Undo/redo may be per-document or global

Window coordination synchronizes state between windows. Changes in one window may affect others. Selection in a document window updates inspector content. Tool changes affect all documents.

Focus management determines which window is active. Only one window has focus at a time. Actions apply to the focused window or its associated context.

Window lifecycle manages creation and destruction. Document windows may be independently closeable. Tool windows may persist across document changes or hide/show on demand.

Key Considerations

• Clear window type distinctions
• State synchronization strategy
• Focus management clarity
• Window lifecycle appropriate to type
• User navigation between windows
• Accessibility across windows

Common Questions

When should applications use multiple windows?

Multiple documents benefit from separate windows. Users can arrange, compare, and work across documents.

Tools and inspectors may float separately. Keeping tools visible while scrolling main content helps workflow.

Independent tasks may merit separate windows. Unrelated application functions might work better in separate windows.

Avoid unnecessary windows. Each window adds complexity. Single-window with tabs or panels often suffices.

How do multi-window applications handle state?

Shared state requires synchronization. If multiple windows show related data, changes must propagate correctly.

Document state is typically per-window. Each document has its own state, undo history, and selection.

Application state may span windows. Preferences, tool selections, and view options often apply globally.

Conflict resolution may be needed. If the same data can be edited in multiple windows, conflicts need handling.

What accessibility challenges do multi-window apps face?

Window navigation must be clear. Users need to know which window is focused and how to switch.

Screen readers must announce window changes. Focus moving between windows should be announced.

Keyboard navigation must work across windows. Users should be able to move focus between windows via keyboard.

Each window must be independently accessible. All windows must meet accessibility requirements individually.

Summary

Multi-window design enables applications to spread content and tools across multiple windows. Window types (document, tool, inspector, dialog) serve different purposes with different lifecycles. State synchronization ensures consistency across windows. Focus management clarifies which window receives input. Design systems should specify multi-window patterns appropriate to application type while ensuring accessibility across all windows.