3 Monitors and Some Production Please

I remember back in the day, when I used to have one monitor. It feels like ages now. I'm still amazed at how many freelancers only have one, or maybe two. But at least 3 is a minimum for me. And it should be for you too! I'll tell you why.
Having a 3 monitor setup with your essential software and such is quite a great time saver, and more important, an easy way to keep your sanity. Doesn't it get daunting going back and forth between programs over and over again? No? Well, I wish I had your patience. Or perhaps, you've just never experienced the benefits of 3 monitors. I'm thinking this is the case.

For sake of ease, we'll call the left monitor number 1, the middle monitor number 2, and the right monitor number b. You weren't even paying attention were you? I can't believe you.

Monitor 1: Browsers & Tabs, Oh My
On this monitor, I like to have up several browser windows.

On one browser window, in tabs, I'll have Gmail, Google Voice, Google Calendar and Google Docs. That would be my communications and info browser. Gmail and Google Voice are smart enough to put a number badge in the tab section to show you if you have any new emails or text messages. And did I fail to mention that you can talk via Google Voice as well? I've got a usb microphone that let's me talk hands free. Ok, back to it.

On another smaller browser window, I'll have an online timer. I use a very simple one named Online Egg Timer. It's easy and simple enough.

And on yet one more smaller browser window, in tabs, I'll have my Springpad documents, and a thesaurus.com page open. Hey, if you aren't using Springpad to take notes, you might be a crazy person. There are some great options, and you can take your notes with you anywhere, as long as you have access to the web, an Android operating system, or an iPhone/iPad. Again, you should start now. You'll thank me later. And of course thesaurus.com is essential in writing to clients and copy for projects. Well, if you have a superb vocabulary, perhaps you don't need it. However mine is barely adequate, so there is no shame in some help. Use it!

Monitor 2: Photoshop & Secondary Production Browser

On monitor dos, I like to have Photoshop open at full screen. Obviously, Photoshop takes a huge proportion of my time when designing, so it deserves my full attention on the middle screen. You forgot that the middle screen was screen number two, didn't you? Pay attention!

Ok, so along with Photoshop, I like to have one web browser page available for general searching and such. It is always right behind Phtoshop, and there if I need to do general searches, references and more. Alt+Tab will get you right there quickly. If you aren't using Alt+Tab, please tell me why. I'm waiting...

And of course, the middle screen is where your explorer folders are located. Windows 7 does a pretty decent job of letting you preview your open folders, by simply clicking on the explorer icon in your quick bar. With the integration of Live Preview, you'll have no worries seeing exactly what you have open. 

Monitor 3: Dreamweaver, Music Player & Alternative Browsers

On my far right monitor, which we decided minutes ago was number 3, I like to have Dreamweaver open. I don't full screen it however. I leave some space at the bottom of the screen.

Underneath, I like to have my mini music player (iTunes at the moment - hey don't judge me, I hate it too) and several alternative web browsers to make sure that my code and images look correct on multiple formats. I'm officially a Google Chrome guy now, but I'll have open Firefox, IE & Safari for testing purposes.

Monitor 4 (bonus): Video Out

I hadn't planned on even mentioning it, but I do actually have a 4th screen. It's actually my television, which I s-video out as a video screen for watching shows, movies and such. It's pretty sweet to be able to watch what you want on demand from your local pc library. Yeah, I dig it!

Start Using 3 Monitors NOW!

Again, I can't express to you just how much more you can get done, and in less time. And that's not even mentioning the sanity it saves. Just ask around. Anyone using multiple monitors will tell you the same.