Floating or vertical results pane in SQL Server Management Studio

I have a multi monitor configuration and would like to be able to have my query editor on one monitor and the results pane on another.

Can this be achieved? Either by having the results pane vertically attached to the query editor instead of horizontally, or by having the results pane float completely separate from the query editor.

I am using SSMS 2008 R2 and can upgrade to 2012 if this is a new feature.

My current workaround is to have 2 SSMS instances open, both with the same .sql file open.

I make changes to one and save it, then switch to the other instance which prompts me to reload the script and I can then execute it with the results pane filling most of the monitor.

Solution 1:

At least in the newer Visual Studio 2015, you can use the interface to work against a database, and have the results vertically, to the right. Just work through the SQL Server Object Explorer, and open the script, or start a New Query. You'll find a small icon with a vertical line between the script, which will switch the results to a vertical orientation, buying you precious screen space, especially if you use an ultrawide, like I do.

Solution 2:

Unfortunately the results pane can only be attached horizontally to your current editor window, this means there is no way to detach it and to move to another screen.

However, one improvement of SSMS2012 over 2008 is that you don't need to have two instances of it opened now to use several monitors: you can undock the editor window and drag it over to a second monitor.

Unfortunately, you can't duplicate the same query or re-open it. So, having two instances might be still an optimal solution for you. I am just used to quickly press

• Ctrl-A (select everything in the editor window),
• Ctrl-C (copy to clipboard),
• Ctrl-TAB (switch to pre-last [data] window),
• Release Ctrl briefly
• Ctrl-A (select the complete content of the second, data window),
• Ctrl-V (replace the content with the new content from),
• F5 (to refresh the data)

It might seem long, but most of the sequence is done just with you minimal finger keeping Ctrl pressed, and for those who are experienced in computer fighting games this just reminds one of the "fatality" combos :)

Solution 3:

If it is a sql script you are editing you can edit the file from a different application save changes, refresh and reload your results. That way your results can be in their own window.

I'm using sublime on one screen and SSMS on another with the results pane moved toward the top of the window.

One downside with this is that it doesn't auto-refresh when I save so I have to manually accept the changes made each time I save but it is not too bad.