5

Dynamic
Window Tiling.

I propose introducing a dynamic window tiling feature in Orion browser that enables users to stack websites vertically, horizontally, or in custom layouts within a single browser window. This would allow users to manage multiple sites simultaneously and efficiently. The feature should include the ability to engage tiling by dragging one tab onto another, intuitively creating a tiled layout. Users could split the screen into two vertical panes, display two sites side-by-side, or stack multiple sites in various configurations.

Additionally, the unified address bar would adapt dynamically, controlling the active tile based on cursor focus or window selection, ensuring simplicity and ease of navigation.

This functionality would enhance multitasking for researchers, developers, and power users, eliminating the need for separate windows and reducing desktop clutter. Unlike macOS’s native window management, Orion’s integrated tiling would provide a seamless, browser-centric experience, adding value while adhering to Orion’s commitment to efficient and user-friendly design.

Exact Use Cases for Window Tiling in Orion

  1. Research and Comparison
    Users can open multiple websites side-by-side to compare data, read articles while cross-referencing sources, or check pricing across e-commerce sites.
    Example: A student can have one tile for an academic article, another for a note-taking app like Notion, and a third for a citation source like JSTOR, all within a single window.

  2. Web Development and Debugging
    Developers can view a live website alongside its development tools or staging environment, or test responsiveness by resizing tiles to simulate various device views.
    Example: A developer tiles a staging site, a code editor like CodePen, and browser dev tools, quickly toggling between them without leaving Orion.

  3. Content Creation
    Content creators can watch reference videos, draft content, and simultaneously manage uploads on platforms like YouTube Studio.
    Example: A YouTuber tiles a tutorial video, a script editor, and the YouTube upload interface side-by-side.

  4. Project Management and Productivity
    Productivity enthusiasts can tile project management tools (e.g., Trello, Asana) with a calendar app and supporting documents, maintaining focus on a single window instead of multiple desktops.
    Example: A project manager tracks tasks in Asana while referencing emails and updating a shared Google Doc.

  5. Media Consumption and Monitoring
    Users can watch a live stream or video while browsing Reddit or participating in a chat.
    Example: An investor tiles live stock charts, news feeds, and a trading platform for real-time monitoring.


Implementation Inspiration from Other Browsers/Apps

  1. Vivaldi
    Vivaldi allows users to tile tabs by selecting multiple tabs, right-clicking, and choosing a layout (horizontal, vertical, or grid). This no-frills implementation is effective but lacks dynamic resizing and advanced stacking.

  2. Microsoft Edge (Split View Experimental Feature)
    Edge includes a split view feature in development, enabling side-by-side viewing of tabs within the same window. However, it doesn’t allow custom layouts or vertical stacking.

  3. Window Management Tools
    Tools like Rectangle and Divvy let users resize app windows in specific patterns on macOS. However, these work across separate windows, creating desktop clutter, unlike integrated tiling in a single browser window.


How This Extends Orion’s Current Functionality

  1. Enhanced Tab Management
    Orion already offers a streamlined browsing experience. Tiling tabs builds on this, enabling users to consolidate their workflows within a single window.

  2. Intuitive Integration
    Dragging one tab onto another would trigger tiling options, such as vertical, horizontal, or grid stacking. This approach ensures simplicity while maintaining Orion’s focus on minimalism.

  3. Unified Address Bar
    Orion’s existing address bar dynamically adapting to the active tile provides users with a seamless way to interact with each site without duplicating UI elements.

    3 months later

    I created my account just so I can upvote this. Coming from Arc and then Vivaldi, tiling and a unified window for all profiles are the only missing features for me. I'm making do, but god I wish for those features.

    16 days later

    this would be awesome to have! i was looking for this feature in orion and didn't find it 😢. as @AutoDealer pointed out, this feature is becoming very common amongst browsers, zen browser has a great implantation of this feature.

    i hope we can get this feature rolled in to orion as well.

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