Windows 8 : The Start Screen - Tile Groups

A tile group is a collection of tiles. The default tile-based interface screen has groups of tiles organized haphazardly. In the main group on the left are tile-based apps that Microsoft wants to highlight, such as Mail, Calendar, and Weather. One of your first orders of business when you start working in the tile-based interface is to create a set of tile groups that are meaningful to you and that let you find what you want in a hurry.

A tile group can be a 6 x 6 set of small tiles or a 3 x 6 set of large tiles. In the larger view you can have four rows of icons, which allows for a display of 6 x 8 small tiles or 3 x 8 large tiles.

Tile groups don’t have names by default. You have to name them.

To create a new tile group

• Install a new app or program, or add a new object to the Start screen; the tile-based interface adds the tile all the way to the right, in its own new tile group.

• Tap or click a tile and drag it all the way to the right until you see a separation bar appear to the left of the tile, then release .

Drag a tile to the right to create a new tile group.

To resize a tile or tiles

• Select a large tile or tiles, and tap or click the Smaller button on the Apps bar.

• With a small tile or tiles selected, click the Larger button on the Apps bar.

To name a tile group

1. Tap or click the lower-right corner of the Start screen to view the Apps Overview display .

Add a name to a tile group.

2. Tap and hold, or right-click, the group you want to name.

If you tap or click the group, you go back to the Start screen.

3. Tap or click the Name button on the left side of the Apps bar.

4. Enter the name you want, and click the Name button.

You are returned to the Start screen, and the group displays the name you assigned to it.

To move a tile group

Select the tile group and drag it left or right.