How can I save my tab groupings when switching between layouts? Lets say I have 10 files open and I am using a 2-column view layout with 5 files in the tab-groups of each column. If I change the layout and then change it back again to 2-columns, all the tabs are now in the left column and the other is empty meaning I have to move them all over again.

ST2 keep the content of the groups when you change layout as long as your new layout as the same or more groups.
If you switch from a 2 columns layout to a 3 lines layout and come back to 2 columns layout you will see that it works.
But if you switch from a 2 columns layout to a single columns layout discard the content of the second group.

I’m pretty sure it’s possible to save the layout using a plugin:

1. Create your own set_layout command.
2. Use API method view.get_view_index() or window.views_in_group() to store the group index in the view.settings() for each view except views that have already a group index in the view.settings() greater than the actual number of group.
3. Call the standard set_layout command.
4. Use API method view.set_view_index() to put views back to the right group.

@MikeJerome
I needed a similar functionality and I wrote a plugin: github.com/madeingnecca/sublime-layout-zoom .
The only difference is that I only needed to “zoom” on a single layout, and then to restore the previous layout.
However you can browse the source code and modify it according to your needs; for example you can write a “save layout” command, switch layout and then run a “restore layout” command. Just to let you know this is possible via st2 api.

@bizoo
Before writing this plugin I read your answer and it has been inspiring. Thanks.