An Xcode window layout that leaves room for everything

Xcode wants the whole screen. How to tame it with its own panels, tabs and windows, and fit the Simulator, docs and a browser beside it.

Guide · Updated 13 October 2026

Hide what you are not using: ⌘ 0 toggles the navigator, ⌥ ⌘ 0 the inspectors, and ⇧ ⌘ Y the debug area. Xcode then fits comfortably in part of the screen, with room beside it for the Simulator.

Xcode's own tools

  • Editor tabs and splits: open a file to the side with ⌥ click, or split the editor from the Editor menu.
  • Tabs and windows: File, New, Tab or Window, to keep separate tasks apart.
  • Behaviors (Xcode, Settings, Behaviors) can show or hide panels when a build starts or a test fails.

Fitting the Simulator

Use Window, Physical Size or a smaller scale in the Simulator so it takes a narrow strip. Keep it to the right of Xcode, in view while you edit.

Xcode, Simulator, docs and browser

That is four windows. On a ClutterFreeMac strip, Xcode takes a wide column, the Simulator a narrow one beside it, and documentation and the browser wait one swipe away. Set the Simulator to a fixed spot with a per app rule in Settings, Apps.

Questions

How do I put the Simulator next to Xcode?

Hide Xcode's navigator and inspectors (⌘ 0, ⌥ ⌘ 0), scale the Simulator down, and place it to the right of Xcode, or give each a column with a window manager.

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