Fixed z-order for windows (keep z-order if a window is clicked)

[David.P]

Hi forum,

especially on multi-monitor setups, it would be great if there was a way to click or work in application windows without having them jump in the foreground and covering up everything (on every monitor).


File manager spanning three monitors that covers up everything else on all monitors every time you quickly want to look something up, or quickly change a folder, scroll position, or similar (click to enlarge)

It would be amazing if someone could think of a way to code an utility that could provide this feature. TXmouse by Andy Polyakov actually (sort of) does it, however not with all applications (anymore), and with some unwanted side-effects like automatic window activation on mouse hover.

As with TXmouse, if you actually do want to change the window z-order (and bring a window to the front), you simply click on the respective windws's titlebar.

I've described it in detail over at the Actualtools.com forum, so please bear with me posting a link to the respective discussion:
Fixed Z-Order, don't change z-order if a window is clicked

Regards David.P

[dr_andus]

especially on multi-monitor setups, it would be great if there was a way to click or work in application windows without having them jump in the foreground and covering up everything (on every monitor).

If I understand you correctly, I believe you can do this with Direct Folders (even the free version). Once you have DF installed and running, all you need to do is right-click on the close [X] icon of the window you want to keep on top, and it will stay on top. Do same to deactivate.

Edit:
For some reason they don't mention this feature on their homepage, but there is more info on it here. Elsewhere they even provide a link to an alternative solution, WinRoll (which I haven't tried yet).

[David.P]

Thanks but no,  I wouldn't need certain windows to stay on top. That would be easy to do anyway.

Rather, I'd need

• either: "every window that spans more than one monitor stay in the back where it is (even when clicked into)"
• or: "each and every window keep its z-position under all circumstances (unless the titlebar is clicked - in that case, jump to the front)"

Regards David.P