A Mac window setup for researchers and academics
Papers, notes, a reference manager and the draft. A layout that keeps sources beside your writing, with the rest of the reading list one move away.
Reading and writing go together: the source beside the notes, and the notes beside the draft. Everything else should be one step away, not on top.
A layout to start from
| Column | Width | Holds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Half | The paper you are reading |
| 2 | Half | Notes |
| 3 | Two thirds | Your draft |
| 4 | A third | Reference manager |
| 5 onwards | Half | More papers, waiting |
Tips
- Open each paper in its own window, not tabs, so any two can sit together.
- A portrait monitor shows a full page at a readable size; see portrait monitors.
- Compare versions with PDFs side by side.
On a ClutterFreeMac strip, every open paper keeps its own column. Move the one you need next to your notes with ⌃ ⌥ ⇧ and an arrow, and the rest wait in order.
Questions
What is a good window layout for reading papers and taking notes?
The paper and your notes side by side at half width each, with your draft and reference manager one step away.
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