Desktops

In IDA, desktops are saved layouts of the user interface — your workspace configuration. You can create different desktops for different workflows. Switching desktops instantly rearranges all the windows.

How to Use Desktops

Desktop-related actions are available from the Windows menu in the top menu bar.

To switch to a different desktop, select Windows → Load desktop... and choose the desired layout. To save the current window layout as a new desktop, select Windows → Save desktop....

Available Desktop Types

Different desktops are available:

• <Database> This desktop configuration is stored in the database itself, and is automatically loaded each time you open this database. IDA also automatically saves the current desktop configuration to this desktop if you close and save the database.

• <Database debugger> This desktop configuration is also stored in the database, and is loaded each time you start the debugger. As for the <Database> desktop, IDA automatically saves the current desktop configuration to this desktop once the debugger stops.

• <Default> This desktop configuration is stored in the registry, and is loaded each time you start IDA without opening a database, or the first time you create a new database.

• <Default debugger> This desktop configuration is stored in the registry, and is loaded the first time you start the debugger.

• Named desktops These desktop configurations are stored in the registry, and can be loaded manually by the user during the disassembly or the debugging.

Notice IDA will use a default configuration for main windows and toolbars if the screen resolution changes.