Binary Fortress Software has released DisplayFusion 5.1, a major update of its multi-monitor management tool for Windows. Available in both free and Pro versions, version 5.1 adds a number of notable new features, plus improves compatibility with the forthcoming Windows 8.1 release and promises better quality generated wallpaper images.

The headline new feature is support for monitor splitting, which allows users to set up multiple “virtual” monitors. Binary Fortress claims this feature will particularly suit high-end users with AMD Eyefinity or NVIDIA Surround setups.

Monitor splitting requires a Pro license key (or can be previewed during the trial version) and is configured from the main monitor setup screen, users choosing how many horizontal and vertical splits in the selected display to apply.

DisplayFusion 5.1 allows users to split a single monitor into multiple virtual displays.

The new build also adds a number of tweaks to the Settings > Window Management dialogue box. Users can now scroll windows that are under the cursor, even if they’re not the active window. They can also configure DisplayFusion to automatically move child windows over the parent

Users will also find support for wrapping the mouse cursor and an option for enabling cursor “anti-snag” on unaligned monitors under Window Management tool. Five new mouse cursor-related functions have also been added to the Settings > Function section.

The new build also improves the quality of generated wallpaper images in Windows 7 and later, plus enhances its plugins with support for multiple tag selection as well as allowing tags to be excluded.

Windows 8.1 compatibility has been improved ahead of its release next month, and users can now configure DisplayFusion to log in and automatically load their license key on startup. Compatibility rules have also been improved to allow multiple applications to be specified in a single rule using the | symbol.

The update is rounded off with 36 bundled languages, plus a number of bug fixes, performance and stability improvements. DisplayFusion 5.1 is available as a free download for PCs running Windows XP or later. The download comes with a built-in 30 day fully functional trial before reverting to a cut-down free version. The full version can be purchased with licenses starting from $18.75 for a single computer.