> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://overleaf-pro.ayaka.space/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://overleaf-pro.ayaka.space/latex/knowledge-base/083-how-to-use-the-overleaf-layout-menu.md). # How to use the Overleaf layout menu This article explains Overleaf’s **Layout** menu which provides 4 options to configure your Overleaf workspace. Each of those options can be useful for particular use-cases, such as making presentations or [using Overleaf on two separate screens](#pdf-in-a-separate-tab). ## Introduction The following image shows the **Layout** menu with a checkmark next to the currently active option; here, it is the default setting of **Editor & PDF**: ![LayoutMenuDefault2.png](/files/wKnS1G91ZLPM2QVHQap3) The remainder of this article demonstrates each of the 4 options and the functionality they provide. ## Editor & PDF (the default) This default option uses a single browser tab to display the LaTeX editor and PDF preview. This arrangement works well if you have a large display screen with sufficient space to organize your work. If you are using a laptop connected to a large external screen, the [PDF in a separate tab](#pdf-in-a-separate-tab) option, displaying the LaTeX editor and PDF preview in separate browser tabs, can be a more convenient configuration. ![LayoutDefault.png](/files/gK9O8Ie6nnYI2Y8XsCqn) ## Editor only (hide PDF) and PDF only (hide editor) If you wish to temporarily hide the PDF preview or LaTeX text editor, you can use the layout modes of **Editor only (hide PDF)** or **PDF only (hide editor)** and easily switch between them as required. The following short video demonstrates using, and switching between, these modes. * **TIP**: When in the mode **Editor only (hide PDF)** the hidden PDF preview pane can be fully re-opened using the small arrow to the right of the source code window: this is demonstrated in the video. {% embed url="" %} ## PDF in a separate tab This layout option uses separate browser tabs for the Overleaf text editor and PDF preview, making it possible to work with Overleaf on two screens; for example, viewing the PDF preview on a laptop screen with the LaTeX editor displayed on a second, much larger, external screen—providing a convenient way to edit the LaTeX text. * **Note**: Both tabs have a **Recompile** button. * **Tip**: Having the PDF preview displayed on a separate screen can be useful during video presentations, enabling attendees to focus on the PDF without becoming distracted by the source code, which is on another (unshared) screen. The following short video demonstrates the **PDF in a separate tab** layout: {% embed url="" %} ### Jumping to the code or PDF location in separate tabs Even with the PDF preview and code editor in separate tabs, perhaps on separate screens, you can still use the “jump to code” location or “jump to PDF” location features (provided by [SyncTeX](/latex/more-topics/39-mltex-enctex-and-synctex-tex-extensions.md)), as demonstrated in this short video clip: {% embed url="" %} --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://overleaf-pro.ayaka.space/latex/knowledge-base/083-how-to-use-the-overleaf-layout-menu.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.