Shrinking a game window can be a useful feature for gamers who want to multitask, record their gameplay, or simply play games in a smaller window. However, many gamers are unsure about how to shrink a game window, especially if they are new to PC gaming. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to shrink a game window, as well as some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your gaming experience.
Understanding Game Window Modes
Before we dive into the process of shrinking a game window, it’s essential to understand the different game window modes available. Most games offer three main window modes: full-screen, windowed, and borderless windowed. Full-screen mode takes up the entire screen, providing an immersive gaming experience. Windowed mode allows you to play the game in a window, which can be resized and moved around the screen. Borderless windowed mode is similar to windowed mode, but it removes the window borders, providing a more seamless gaming experience.
Choosing the Right Window Mode
To shrink a game window, you need to choose the right window mode. If you want to shrink the game window, you should select either windowed or borderless windowed mode. Windowed mode is the best option if you want to resize the game window to a specific size, while borderless windowed mode is ideal if you want to remove the window borders and play the game in a more immersive environment.
Switching to Windowed Mode
To switch to windowed mode, follow these steps:
- Launch the game and go to the settings menu.
- Look for the display or graphics settings section.
- Select the window mode option and choose windowed or borderless windowed mode.
- Save the changes and restart the game if necessary.
Resizing the Game Window
Once you have switched to windowed mode, you can resize the game window to your desired size. To do this, follow these steps:
Using the Window Borders
If you are in windowed mode, you can resize the game window by dragging the window borders. To do this, follow these steps:
Move your cursor to the edge of the game window until it changes to a resize cursor.
Click and drag the window border to resize the game window.
Release the mouse button when you have reached your desired window size.
Using the Game Settings
Some games also allow you to resize the game window using the game settings. To do this, follow these steps:
Launch the game and go to the settings menu.
Look for the display or graphics settings section.
Select the resolution or window size option and choose your desired window size.
Save the changes and restart the game if necessary.
Using Third-Party Tools
If you are unable to resize the game window using the game settings or window borders, you can use third-party tools to do so. There are several tools available that can help you resize the game window, including Windowed Mode and Borderless Gaming. These tools allow you to resize the game window to a specific size and also provide additional features such as window snapping and multitasking.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your gaming experience when playing in a shrunk game window:
Multitasking
Playing in a shrunk game window allows you to multitask and do other things while playing games. You can chat with friends, browse the web, or watch videos while playing games. This can be especially useful if you are playing a game that requires a lot of waiting, such as a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG).
Recording Gameplay
Playing in a shrunk game window can also make it easier to record your gameplay. You can use screen recording software to record your gameplay and then edit the footage to create a highlight reel or tutorial. This can be especially useful if you are a gamer who wants to create content for YouTube or Twitch.
Improving Performance
Playing in a shrunk game window can also improve your gaming performance. By reducing the window size, you can reduce the graphics requirements and improve your frame rates. This can be especially useful if you are playing a game that is graphics-intensive and requires a lot of processing power.
Conclusion
In conclusion, shrinking a game window can be a useful feature for gamers who want to multitask, record their gameplay, or simply play games in a smaller window. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily shrink a game window and get the most out of your gaming experience. Remember to choose the right window mode, resize the game window to your desired size, and use third-party tools if necessary. With these tips and tricks, you can improve your gaming performance, multitask, and record your gameplay with ease.
What are the benefits of shrinking a game window?
Shrinking a game window can have several benefits, including improved multitasking and increased productivity. By reducing the size of the game window, players can easily access other applications or windows on their computer, allowing them to perform other tasks while still playing their game. This can be particularly useful for players who need to reference guides or tutorials while playing, or for those who want to stream their gameplay while interacting with their audience.
In addition to improved multitasking, shrinking a game window can also help to reduce distractions and improve focus. By minimizing the size of the game window, players can avoid clutter and distractions, allowing them to concentrate on the game itself. This can be especially helpful for players who are trying to complete challenging levels or achieve specific goals, as it can help them to stay focused and avoid mistakes. Overall, shrinking a game window can be a useful technique for players who want to improve their gaming experience and increase their productivity.
How do I shrink a game window in Windows?
To shrink a game window in Windows, players can use the built-in window management features. One way to do this is to click on the title bar of the game window and drag it to the desired size. Players can also use the keyboard shortcuts Alt + Space to open the window menu, and then select the “Size” option to adjust the window size. Additionally, players can use the Windows key + arrow keys to resize the window and move it to the desired location on the screen.
In some cases, players may need to use a third-party application or utility to shrink a game window, especially if the game does not support windowed mode or has a fixed resolution. There are several free and paid applications available that can help players to resize and manage their game windows, including tools like Windowed Mode and Borderless Gaming. These applications can provide additional features and options for customizing the game window, such as the ability to set custom resolutions or aspect ratios.
Can I shrink a game window on a Mac?
Yes, players can shrink a game window on a Mac using the built-in window management features. To do this, players can click on the title bar of the game window and drag it to the desired size. Players can also use the keyboard shortcuts Command + Shift + > to increase the window size, or Command + Shift + < to decrease the window size. Additionally, players can use the trackpad or mouse to resize the window by dragging the bottom-right corner of the window.
In some cases, players may need to use a third-party application or utility to shrink a game window on a Mac, especially if the game does not support windowed mode or has a fixed resolution. There are several free and paid applications available that can help players to resize and manage their game windows, including tools like SizeUp and Moom. These applications can provide additional features and options for customizing the game window, such as the ability to set custom resolutions or aspect ratios, and can be especially useful for players who need to multitask or work on multiple projects at the same time.
Will shrinking a game window affect performance?
Shrinking a game window can potentially affect performance, depending on the game and the computer’s hardware. In some cases, reducing the window size can improve performance by reducing the amount of graphics processing required. However, in other cases, shrinking the window size can actually decrease performance, especially if the game is not optimized for windowed mode or has a high level of graphics detail.
To minimize the impact on performance, players can try adjusting the game’s graphics settings or using a lower resolution. Additionally, players can try using a third-party application or utility to optimize the game’s performance in windowed mode. It’s also a good idea to monitor the game’s frame rate and performance while playing in a shrunk window, and to adjust the window size or graphics settings as needed to achieve the best possible performance. By taking these steps, players can help to ensure that shrinking the game window does not negatively impact their gaming experience.
Can I shrink a game window in full-screen mode?
In most cases, it is not possible to shrink a game window while in full-screen mode. Full-screen mode is designed to take over the entire screen, and shrinking the window would defeat the purpose of this mode. However, some games may offer a “borderless window” mode that allows players to play in a window that is the same size as the full screen, but still allows them to access other windows and applications on their computer.
To shrink a game window in a game that does not support windowed mode or borderless window mode, players may need to use a third-party application or utility. There are several free and paid applications available that can help players to resize and manage their game windows, even in full-screen mode. These applications can provide additional features and options for customizing the game window, such as the ability to set custom resolutions or aspect ratios, and can be especially useful for players who need to multitask or work on multiple projects at the same time.
How do I reset a game window to its original size?
To reset a game window to its original size, players can usually use the keyboard shortcuts Alt + Enter to toggle between full-screen and windowed mode. Alternatively, players can click on the title bar of the game window and drag it to the top of the screen to maximize the window, or use the keyboard shortcuts Windows key + Up arrow to maximize the window. If the game window has been resized using a third-party application or utility, players may need to use the application’s settings or options to reset the window size.
In some cases, players may need to restart the game or restart their computer to reset the game window to its original size. This can be especially true if the game window has become stuck or frozen, or if the player has made changes to the game’s settings or configuration. To avoid losing progress or data, players should make sure to save their game before restarting, and should be careful when making changes to the game’s settings or configuration. By taking these steps, players can help to ensure that their game window is reset to its original size and that they can continue playing without any issues.