Managing Illustrator Panel/Window Layouts When Switching Between External Monitor & MacBook Display

[Adil154A]

Hi guys,

I have been using a dual-screen setup for some time, with Adobe Illustrator as my primary software. I have a 13″ MacBook Pro which, as most would agree, is not the most accommodating size for graphic design. To improve usability, I use a 43″ LG IPS display at my office, which provides an excellent working environment. However, when working from home, I am limited to the MacBook’s 13″ screen.

While the reduction in screen size is challenging enough, a more persistent issue is the disorganisation of my Illustrator panels and windows. They often scatter across the screen, requiring manual repositioning. On occasion, they disappear entirely off-screen, making them difficult or impossible to retrieve, though this only happens rarely.

My question is: is there a reliable way to manage or automatically restore panel layouts when switching between different screen setups? Similarly, when I return to the office and reconnect the external display, I have to manually reposition everything again. It would be helpful to know if there’s a more efficient way to handle this.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[Monika Gause]

You could save custom workspaces in Illustrator.

[Adil154A]

Hi Monika thank you for the response I really appreciate it. I have tried doing this by saving a new workspace for when im using my dual screen setup and one for when im working on my MacBook screen. This morning when ive come back into work and tried loading the dual screen workspace, it does absolutely nothing, the panels/windows are still on my MacBook screen and do not transfer across where i expected them to be.

[Monika Gause]

Are you using spaces for different monitors?

Those system features might collide with Illustrator. 

[Adil154A]

Sorry not sure what you mean by spaces.

However I have two setups as per my original post. One setup contains my 43" IPS screen which although is part of my dual screen setup is my primary screen with the MacBook screen becoming more of an accessory screen for example dragging content across or maybe browsing my emails etc with focus predominantly on the main screen.

The second setup is simply the MacBook screen becoming my only screen with no additional display attachment.

So in a nutshell when I connect to the dual screen setup I want illustrator and all the panels to display as i had them before and when not connected I want them to appear how I prefer them when im using the laptop display by itself.

Hope ive not confused you lol

[Laura Coyle.]

I don't think Workspaces can give you a perfect solution for switching between monitors, but maybe close enough? The saved workspace will preserve the arrangement of any floating panels and tool bars on whichever screen you set them on, but they don't affect the placement of the main Illustrator window. You could save a specific workspace for when you are focused on your larger monitor, but if you were working on your 13" right before, you will have to move the Illustrator window to the 2nd monitor. At least, any panels that float would move where you want them when you reset the workspace with the 2nd monitor on.

[Adil154A]

Hi Laura, thank you for the reply. I assumed this to be the case.

Is there anyway in which I can move all floating panels across in one go when im dragging illustrator to the larger display? Currently I have to drag Illustrator, then individuall drag the floating panels which can be tedious.

[Monika Gause]

Spaces are a MacOS feature.