---
title: "Summary: Basic Navigation | Microsoft Docs"
ms.custom: ""
ms.date: "06/13/2017"
ms.prod: "sql-server-2014"
ms.reviewer: ""
ms.technology: ssms
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.assetid: de4e9430-7290-4ce5-be9e-f247539460e1
author: stevestein
ms.author: sstein
manager: craigg
---
# Summary: Basic Navigation
  The [!INCLUDE[ssManStudioFull](../../includes/ssmanstudiofull-md.md)] design surface can be customized to your personal preference and work requirements.  
  
 The following are best practices for using the [!INCLUDE[ssManStudio](../../includes/ssmanstudio-md.md)] workspace efficiently:  
  
-   Close windows you do not expect to use right away.  
  
-   If the tool you want is not visible, select it from the **View** menu.  
  
-   Use **Auto Hide** to provide more room in the environment layout.  
  
-   Set the **At startup** option to customize the default layout.  
  
## Next Lesson  
 [Lesson 2: Writing Transact-SQL](lesson-2-writing-transact-sql.md)