How to set output console width in Visual Studio

Question

Whenever I build and run my C++ code from Visual Studio 2013, the console window width is un-adjustable and because of this, causes my output to be pushed onto the next line sooner than I'd like.

How can I get Visual Studio to make the console window width larger?

If I need to insert code in my application to do this, is there a way I can put a compile-time check so that it removes the code when not compiling on Windows? I'm trying to make the code as portable as possible.

Answer 1

One solution that I use frequently with console applications I debug from Visual Studio that does not require code changes is to do the following:

1. Right Click on title bar of your running console application
2. Select Properties
3. Select Layout
4. Then set the window size.

After you close the dialog box, Windows should save the settings or prompt you to save depending on your version of Windows. I believe Windows 8 or newer does not prompt, while Windows 7 or lower prompts.

Answer 2

1. Use Console::SetWindowSize() method (under .NET framework).

   You can refer to here for its documentation and code examples.

2. Or you can use MoveWindow() method (you can also move the window):

   #include <windows.h>
   using namespace std;
   int main (void)
   {
       HWND console = GetConsoleWindow();
       RECT r;
       GetWindowRect(console, &r); //stores the console's current dimensions
   
       MoveWindow(console, r.left, r.top, 800, 100, TRUE); // 800 width, 100 height
   
       // ...
   }
   

   Check out here for more information.

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If you really want to make your code as portable as possible, maybe you should manually set it by running a cmd prompt. Click on the icon at the top. Select defaults. Enter the settings you want.