Automatic Window Grouping

Automatic Window Grouping

This feature automatically moves tabs to windows with corresponding presets based on configured rules, helping maintain organized workflows across multiple browser windows.

Location: Settings → Tabs → Tab Window Settings → Enable Automatic Window Grouping (disabled by default)

Overview

Automatic Window Grouping intelligently moves tabs between browser windows based on URL patterns and rules you define. This creates a seamless workflow where tabs automatically organize themselves into appropriate contexts without manual intervention.

Prerequisites

Important: Before setting up automatic grouping rules, you must:

1. Create Window Presets: Define window configurations with names, icons, and colors
2. Apply Presets to Windows: Assign presets to specific browser windows
3. Configure Grouping Rules: Set up URL patterns for automatic tab movement

The system can only move tabs to windows that already have presets applied.

Trigger Options

When to Activate Automatic Grouping

1. When Opening New Tabs

• Triggers when you open a new tab in the browser and navigate to a matching URL
• Automatically moves the tab to the appropriate window based on URL rules
• Works with all tab opening methods (Ctrl+T, right-click “Open in new tab”, etc.)

2. When Navigating from New Tab

• Triggers only when navigating from a blank new tab page for the first time
• More conservative approach that only moves tabs during initial navigation
• Useful if you want to limit automatic movement to deliberate new page visits

Grouping Rules Configuration

URL Pattern Matching

Rule Setup:

• Define URL patterns or domain rules
• Specify which window preset should receive matching tabs
• Support for various matching patterns (exact URLs, domains, path patterns)

Example Rules:

Rule 1: *.github.com → "Development" window preset
Rule 2: *.google.com/docs → "Documentation" window preset
Rule 3: slack.com → "Communication" window preset
Rule 4: *.figma.com → "Design" window preset

Pattern Types

Domain Matching

• *.example.com - Matches any subdomain of example.com
• example.com - Matches exact domain
• subdomain.example.com - Matches specific subdomain

URL Path Matching

• */docs/* - Matches any URL containing “/docs/” in the path
• */admin - Matches URLs ending with “/admin”
• Specific path patterns for granular control

Wildcard Support

• Use * for flexible pattern matching
• Combine with domains and paths for precise rules
• Create broad or specific rules as needed

Workflow Integration

Multi-Project Setup

Scenario: Developer working on multiple projects

1. Create Presets:

   • “Project A” preset (blue theme)
   • “Project B” preset (green theme)
   • “Tools & Resources” preset (gray theme)

2. Apply to Windows:

   • Window 1: Apply “Project A” preset
   • Window 2: Apply “Project B” preset
   • Window 3: Apply “Tools & Resources” preset

3. Configure Rules:

   • *.projecta.com → Project A window
   • *.projectb.com → Project B window
   • github.com, stackoverflow.com → Tools window

Content Organization

Scenario: Content creator managing different workflows

1. Research Window: Articles, references, inspiration sites
2. Creation Window: Design tools, editors, content platforms
3. Review Window: Analytics, feedback platforms, publishing tools

Advanced Configuration

Rule Priority

• Rules are processed in order of configuration
• First matching rule determines tab destination
• More specific rules should be placed before general ones
• Test rules to ensure expected behavior

Exception Handling

• Manual tab movement overrides automatic rules
• Users can always move tabs manually if needed
• Automatic grouping respects user preferences
• Disable rules temporarily for specific workflows

Benefits

Workflow Automation

• Reduced Manual Work: Tabs organize themselves automatically
• Consistent Organization: Maintains structure without constant attention
• Context Preservation: Keeps related content together
• Productivity Boost: Less time spent organizing, more time working

Mental Load Reduction

• Automatic Context Switching: Windows maintain their purpose automatically
• Visual Clarity: Related tabs stay visually grouped
• Reduced Decisions: Fewer choices about where to place tabs
• Maintained Focus: Less disruption to current work context

Use Cases

Development Workflow

Development Rules:
- *.localhost, *.dev → Development window
- *.github.com → Code Review window
- *.stackoverflow.com → Help & Resources window
- *.npmjs.com, *.docs.* → Documentation window

Research and Writing

Research Rules:
- *.wikipedia.org, *.scholar.google.com → Research window
- *.docs.google.com, *.notion.so → Writing window
- *.grammarly.com, *.hemingwayapp.com → Editing window

E-commerce Management

Business Rules:
- *.shopify.com → Store Management window
- *.google.com/analytics → Analytics window
- *.facebook.com/business → Marketing window
- *.paypal.com, *.stripe.com → Financial window

Setup Process

Step-by-Step Configuration

1. Plan Your Windows

   • Identify different work contexts
   • Determine how many windows you need
   • Plan preset themes and names

2. Create Window Presets

   • Navigate to window preset settings
   • Create presets for each context
   • Configure names, icons, and colors

3. Apply Presets to Windows

   • Open or focus target browser windows
   • Apply appropriate presets to each window
   • Verify visual changes in VertiTab

4. Configure Grouping Rules

   • Enable automatic window grouping
   • Choose trigger options (new tabs vs. navigation)
   • Add URL patterns and target presets

5. Test and Refine

   • Test rules with sample URLs
   • Adjust patterns for better matching
   • Fine-tune trigger settings
   • Monitor automatic behavior

Best Practices

Rule Design

• Start Simple: Begin with broad rules, refine over time
• Test Thoroughly: Verify rules work as expected
• Document Patterns: Keep track of your rule logic
• Regular Review: Update rules as your workflow changes

Workflow Integration

• Gradual Adoption: Enable rules one at a time
• Monitor Behavior: Watch how automatic grouping affects your work
• Adjust as Needed: Modify rules based on actual usage
• Backup Manual Control: Remember you can always move tabs manually

Performance Optimization

• Limit Rules: Too many rules can impact performance
• Specific Patterns: Use precise patterns to avoid conflicts
• Regular Cleanup: Remove unused rules periodically
• Monitor System Impact: Watch for any performance issues