Single Document Interface (SDI) and Multiple Monitors

Question

I use forecasting models that consist of multiple linked workbooks that open with VBA.  With Excel 2010 (w MDI) they opened in one Excel instance and I could switch screens by moving the Excel instance to the second screen and all the linked workbook files moved at once. I could also open other similar models or earlier version in another instance and move them as a whole back and forth between monitors for comparison purposes.  Using UltraMon with smart task bars allows me to keep track of which model is on which monitor.   With Excel 2013 I have to move each file individually (there are 14 workbook files in some models).  and if I have multiple models open it's a mess to keep track of which files are with which model as the file names are the same.  I have tried using Tabs for Excel from ExtendOffice and this solves the problem for one instance as it groups workbooks into one window that can I can move from one monitor to other with one move. The problem is that Tabs for Excel open all instances of Excel 2013 in the same window basically emulating one instance of Excel only.  I've had to re-install Excel 2010 to resolve this problem.  I don't understand the thinking with SDI and not allowing grouping of workbooks into one window that can be maneuvered to different monitors as a whole.  Will you be resolving this in future versions?  I would think this is a typical power user issue or for users using complex models.

Answer 1

The issue may have been overcome if using certain multi monitor hardware/software eg matrox.

Prior to win7 the multi-monitor graphics card I used had its own software which gave various options as to which monitor a program was opened by default on, and there were various shortcuts to move program windows from one to the other.

The default win multi monitor doesn't support these options

Answer 2

Hi Mohan,

The issues is the same if I open the workbooks manually.  The problem is how to move multiple linked workbooks from one monitor to another monitor in Excel 2013 (with SDI) without having to move each one individually.  With Excel 2010 (w MDI) I can move them all at once.  Will this be resolved in Excel 2016 in some manner.  I realize this is a common complaint with SDI.

Thanks

Answer 3

Hello Chris,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

As this issue is with linked workbooks that open with VBA, your issue will be best addressed in the Customization Forum. You may post your query in the Customization Forum. You thread has been moved to the customization forum for further assistance. 

Thank you.