How Do I Create a Separate Window in Blender?

Creating a separate window in Blender is a straightforward process, allowing you to duplicate an existing editor area into a new, fully functional window.

Duplicating an Area into a New Window

The primary method for creating a new floating window containing an area in Blender is by using the menu option:

View ‣ Area ‣ Duplicate Area into new Window

This action takes the current editor area you are focused on (like the 3D Viewport, Outliner, or Properties editor) and opens it in a brand new operating system window. This new window is still part of the same instance of Blender, meaning they share the same scene, data, and undo history.

Why Use a Separate Window?

Creating separate windows is incredibly useful, especially if you:

• Have multiple monitors: Place different editor types (e.g., 3D Viewport on one screen, Shader Editor on another) on different displays for a more expansive workspace.
• Need focused views: Dedicate an entire monitor or a significant portion of your screen space to a single important editor, like the UV Editor for detailed texture work or the Timeline for animation.
• Require simultaneous views: See multiple aspects of your project at once without constantly splitting and resizing areas within the main Blender window.

Steps to Create a New Window

Here's how to do it:

1. Choose an Area: Make sure your mouse cursor is hovering over the editor area you want to duplicate into a new window (e.g., the 3D Viewport).
2. Navigate the Menu: Go to the menu bar at the top of the current Blender window.
3. Select the Option: Click on View, then Area, and finally Duplicate Area into new Window.

Once you click this option, a new window will immediately appear on your screen, containing a duplicate of the editor area you selected.

Important Considerations

• Editor Compatibility: As noted in the reference, this option is Not available in some editors. While it works for most standard editors like the 3D Viewport, Image Editor, UV Editor, Shader Editor, and Outliner, it might not be available in highly specific or temporary editors.
• Functionality: The new window is a fully functional window. You can interact with the editor within it just as you would in the main window. You can also split or join areas within the new window itself.

By utilizing the Duplicate Area into new Window function, you can significantly enhance your workflow and workspace layout in Blender, especially when working with multiple monitors.