Merging changes the workspace
Safari's Window > Merge All Windows is useful when multiple windows were accidental. It moves their tabs into one window, which can simplify manual sorting. It is less appropriate when each window represents a separate display, account context, meeting or project.
A unified index lets you locate a page without erasing those window boundaries. First decide whether the layout itself is meaningful; then choose between merging and indexing.
Build an overview across windows
TabCaptain lists accessible open Safari tabs, then lets you search, sort and group the view by domain. These overview features and opening or closing an individual tab are included free. A result retains enough website context to distinguish similar page titles.
For recurring collections, consider a Safari Tab Group or a TabCaptain custom work group. Custom work groups are Premium. For a temporary snapshot before closing windows, use a Premium saved session.
Reduce window drift
Give each Safari window a purpose, periodically search for tabs that escaped into the wrong context and close individual leftovers. Domain grouping can reveal the same website scattered across projects. Do not merge purely for cleanup if restoring the original window structure would cost more time.
- Merge accidental windows.
- Keep purposeful windows separate.
- Use one search index to find the page.
- Save a session before dismantling a large layout.