How to open the Chrome Developer Tools in a new window

Web developers rely on powerful tools to build and debug websites. Among these, Chrome Developer Tools stands out as an essential resource. Learning how to open Chrome Developer Tools in a new window can significantly enhance your workflow, providing more screen real estate and a less cluttered debugging experience. This article will guide you through various methods to achieve this, empowering you to leverage the full potential of this invaluable tool.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Opening Chrome DevTools in a New Window

Keyboard shortcuts offer the fastest way to access Developer Tools in a separate window. Depending on your operating system, the shortcut varies slightly. Mastering these shortcuts can save you valuable time and streamline your development process.

For Windows users, pressing Ctrl + Shift + I will open the DevTools in the same window as your webpage. To open it in a new window, use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + J. Mac users can achieve the same result by pressing Cmd + Option + I for a docked window or Cmd + Option + J for a separate window. These simple key combinations provide instant access to the powerful debugging capabilities of Chrome DevTools.

Remembering these shortcuts will become second nature as you integrate them into your daily workflow. The ability to quickly open DevTools in a new window allows for a more focused debugging experience, especially beneficial when working with complex layouts or multiple screens.

Beyond keyboard shortcuts, Chrome’s menu system offers another convenient path to opening Developer Tools. This method is particularly useful for those new to web development or less familiar with keyboard shortcuts. Navigating through the menu provides a clear and visual way to access the tools.

To open DevTools via the menu, click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of your Chrome browser (the “More” menu). Hover over “More tools,” and then select “Developer tools.” This will open the DevTools in the current browser window. To open it in a separate window, right-click anywhere within the DevTools panel and choose “Undock into separate window.”

This menu-driven approach provides a user-friendly alternative to keyboard shortcuts, ensuring accessibility for all developers regardless of their experience level. It also allows for precise control over where the DevTools window appears, either docked within the browser or as a standalone window.

Right-Clicking to Open Chrome Developer Tools

Right-clicking directly on a webpage element offers yet another method to open Chrome DevTools. This approach is particularly helpful for inspecting specific elements and understanding their properties within the context of the page.

Right-click on any element on a webpage and select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element” from the context menu. This will open the DevTools, highlighting the selected element in the Elements panel. You can then undock the DevTools into a separate window by following the previously mentioned steps – right-clicking within the DevTools and selecting “Undock into separate window.”

This direct access method is invaluable for targeted debugging and analysis of individual page elements, allowing developers to quickly pinpoint issues and understand the structure of their webpages.

Leveraging the Power of a Dedicated DevTools Window

Opening Chrome Developer Tools in a separate window offers significant advantages, particularly when dealing with complex projects. The increased screen real estate provides a clearer view of both your code and the webpage rendering, facilitating a more efficient debugging process. This is especially beneficial for developers working on large monitors or multiple screens.

A dedicated window allows you to arrange your workspace optimally, placing the DevTools alongside your code editor for seamless transitions between coding and debugging. This setup minimizes context switching and promotes a more focused workflow.

Furthermore, a separate DevTools window can be resized and positioned independently of the browser window, allowing for greater flexibility and customization of your development environment. This enhanced control contributes to a more comfortable and productive debugging experience.

Using a separate window provides more screen real estate for debugging.
It allows for easier comparison between code and rendered output.

Open Chrome.
Press Ctrl + Shift + J (Windows) or Cmd + Option + J (Mac).

“Chrome DevTools are essential for any web developer. Mastering their usage can significantly improve productivity.” - Google Chrome Developers Documentation

For a streamlined workflow, utilize the Ctrl + Shift + J shortcut (Windows) or Cmd + Option + J (Mac) to open Chrome Developer Tools in a new window instantly.

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FAQ

Q: Can I customize the layout of DevTools in a separate window?

A: Yes, you can customize the layout, including the position and size of various panels, to suit your preferences.

By mastering the techniques outlined in this article, you can significantly enhance your web development workflow. Opening Chrome Developer Tools in a new window offers a more organized and efficient debugging experience, enabling you to tackle complex projects with greater ease. Start implementing these methods today and unlock the full potential of this powerful tool. Consider exploring further resources, such as advanced debugging techniques and Chrome extensions, to refine your skills and become a more proficient web developer. Learn more about console APIs and Javascript debugging to further enhance your development capabilities. You can also refer to the official Chrome DevTools documentation for a comprehensive understanding of all available features.

Question & Answer :
When I try to use the Chrome Developer Tools, it seems I can no longer view it in a new window.

Is this a bug or was that really an intended change in an update?

How can we open the Chrome Developer Tools in a new window?

Here’s a screenshot of what I’m talking about.

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As of Chrome 52, the UI has changed. When the Developer Tools dialog is open, you select the vertical ellipsis and can then choose the docking position: