Since switching to macOS a few years ago, I miss some Linux features because I was a longtime Linux user for a reasonably long time. One example is the absence of a better method for tiling windows. Because macOS is a closed system, it does not offer as much control over its system components as Linux does. Linux, on the other hand, lets you get into the specifics of the operating system and personalize its components. As a result, macOS does not offer enough customization options.
However, you can acquire some useful desktop-managing third-party window management applications. However, you should be aware that, in addition to assisting you in resizing and organizing windows on your desktop, these applications cannot be used to replace or extend the functionality of Quartz, the default display server for macOS. To extend the tiling functionality on a Mac, you would need to use Quartz.
On Apple's macOS-based computers, Quartz Compositor is essentially an internal system component. Rasterized graphics from various graphics rendering frameworks are presented by it. Additionally, it serves as a compositing window manager, providing screen buffer to all desktop applications.
Best Window Manager Apps for macOS
If you use macOS and multitask with multiple apps at once, you are familiar with Split View, the built-in window manager feature that lets you run two apps at the same time in a split-screen mode. In addition, if you use it to manage your desktop, you are already aware of its drawbacks and limited functionality. As a result, it's possible that you're looking for better window managers for your Mac.
As a result, we've compiled a list of some of the best window management software for macOS to make the process easier for you. In terms of their fundamental functionality—how they address the issue of window management—the majority of these applications are very similar. But what sets them apart is the approach they take and the functionality they provide.
1. Rectangle
When it comes to managing windows on a Mac, my go-to tool is rectangle. It is the best available free and open-source option for individuals just starting out with a window manager. Rectangle has some traditional open-source advantages over its closed-source counterparts because it is open-source. First, you can use it for free. Second, it makes it possible for anyone with coding experience to develop enhancements and fixes for bugs.
For the majority of users, Rectangle's set of functionalities is more than adequate. Additionally, the ease of use enhances the experience. Using custom keyboard shortcuts or by clicking on the desired window setting from the menu bar, you can arrange windows. The latter requires you to memorize the shortcuts for various window setting layouts, but once you get used to them, you can organize your desktop quickly and effectively. You can change the default shortcuts for Rectangle from the preferences if you already use a lot of them on your Mac.
2. Magnet
As an alternative to Rectangle, Magnet is yet another well-liked Mac window manager application. This and Rectangle are similar in some ways, but their similarities end with the pricing. Magnet, on the other hand, is a paid app that can be downloaded from the Mac App Store, as opposed to Rectangle, which is open-source and free.
Snapping application windows to various screen positions makes it simple to discuss functionality and window organization. You can move windows by either dragging and dropping them with your mouse or by using the keyboard shortcuts. You can alter these keyboard shortcuts to your liking because they are customizable. Magnet, like Rectangle, also has a menu bar icon that lets you choose from a variety of desktop window layouts. Last but not least, you can use up to six external monitors in a variety of orientations if you use multiple screens.
3. BetterSnapTool
BetterSnapTool is a straightforward Mac window positioning and resizing utility that aims to address the issue of window management, in case the name doesn't make it clear. The app lets you change the sizes and positions of the windows in its predefined layouts.
You can also arrange your desktop according to your preferred custom layout. You can set snapping sizes that are unique to each application, which is one of its best features. When you need more than two app windows open on your desktop and want certain apps to only occupy a portion of your screen, this can be useful.
You can relocate windows to explicit segments of the screen to snap them. Alternately, you can get the same results quickly by using keyboard shortcuts.
Moreover, BetterSnapTool provides a fairly extensive set of customization options that permit you to modify a number of the resizing and snapping features.
In a similar vein, you can choose how a window's title bar responds when you double-click it. Finally, BetterSnapTool supports multiple screens in a multi-monitor configuration. You can use the software to manage windows across all of your monitors if you have such a setup. Some of its unique characteristics include the ability to position and size custom windows.
4. Mosaic
Mosaic is a macOS window manager with a lot more power than the others we've listed so far. It is software that you can use to organize your desktop in the way you want it to be and group open windows in a way that makes them easier to find. Additionally, Mosaic lets you resize and reposition windows on your desktop using both drag-and-drop and keyboard shortcuts. In addition, if you have a MacBook with TouchBar, you can use your fingerprint to access all of the layouts.
Mosaic, a powerful window manager, provides a plethora of additional functionalities and customization options in addition to the standard features. You can, for instance, apply auto-layout to a window to make it remember where you want it on your desktop, set a quick, single-use layout, adjust the padding (the space around windows), and create custom layouts. You can also create layout groups to make it easier to switch between different sets of windows and control your desktop windows from an iPhone or iPad remotely.
5. Divvy – Window Manager
Another effective window manager for the macOS operating system is Divvy. You won't need to learn a lot of keyboard shortcuts to use the software to its full potential, and it's pretty easy to use. One of Divvy's best features is the quick layout setup interface on the screen, which makes it easy to manage the positions of windows on your desktop without having to manually drag and drop them.
The user-friendly interface for Divvy's quick setup not only saves time but also makes it easy for people who are new to window management. Advanced users still have the option to snap windows quickly using keyboard shortcuts. Also, it goes without saying that the software lets you change preferences for different appearance settings, customize keyboard shortcuts, and set up individual shortcuts for different window resizing requirements. Last but certainly not least is support for a multi-monitor setup, which enables you to increase productivity by organizing and arranging windows on desktops across all of your external displays.
6. Moom
The most straightforward tool on the list for managing windows is Moom, which can move and zoom windows. It makes it simple to move and zoom desktop windows to different locations. Let's say you've used Split View in macOS. If that is the case, you will find that Moom's features are somewhat compatible with it, particularly the various layout options, which can be accessed via the arrow button in the window title bar on both applications.
A pop-up palette appears when you click the green button in Moom. You can arrange windows on your desktop by clicking on one of the many preset layouts in this palette.
If you want to resize and arrange windows in a custom layout, you can click on the empty box in the Moom palette and click and drag the mouse to draw out the dimensions of your window. The pre-configured layouts work fine.
In addition, you can snap a window in place by grabbing it and dragging it to an edge or corner using Moom's Snap to Edges and Corners feature. The software allows you to organize and arrange windows on your desktop using keyboard shortcuts if you prefer to use a mouse. In addition, it gives you the ability to create individualized commands to efficiently carry out a variety of window actions. A Snapshot of the window layout can be saved. By activating that layout once more in the future, the windows can then be easily restored to their original positions.
