One nice little trick which helps the user navigate between the two screens is the current directory bar, located just under the big title bar, but above the file explorer, which shows the current open directory in the explorer pane, but which inverts its color, from dark to light and vice versa, based on which screen is currently in focus. Running like this, it is very easy to copy or move files from one side to another, but you can also pack files into a zip archive, delete, share, or check file properties. This is where it brings the biggest productivity gains because of the side-by-side file manager panes, the user can view two different file systems at the same time. In the picture below, you can see the main screen of the Total Commander app running spanned in dual-portrait mode. Total Commander app uses dual-screen UX design patterns to display relevant information on each screen.Īll the enhancements have been made considering the dual-screen user experience in relation to spanning, avoiding the hinge, or device orientation. Enabling Span apps automatically Design and layout After this, any subsequent launch will span the app automatically across both screens.įigure 4. Navigate to Settings > Surface Duo features > Span app automatically, enable the main feature then also enable the feature specifically for Total Commander. Launch the app which will by default open it on one screen and then drag from the bottom navigation bar over the hinge then release to span the app across both screens. In order to take full advantage of the dual-pane design of the app you can either: About Total Commander window To span or not to span You can get the app from its dedicated website or Google Play.įigure 1. Starting with the 3.30 version release made on February 8, 2022, Total Commander now supports dual-screen features.

This dual-pane design is a perfect match for Surface Duo devices, where each file explorer pane can be shown on one of the two screens. Total Commander file manager’s iconic dual-pane design has been one of its most recognizable features, starting from its Windows roots and continuing on Android.

We’re excited to announce that one of the most famous dual-pane apps of all time has been enhanced for Surface Duo dual-screen devices.

Total commander