Best Apps for Window Management Mac

Managing windows efficiently on your Mac can significantly improve your productivity, making it easier to multitask, organize your workspace, and navigate between different applications. While macOS has built-in window management features, many users seek third-party apps that offer more advanced options for window tiling, resizing, and workspace organization. If you’re wondering about the best app for window management Mac, you’re in the right place.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the top apps for window management on Mac, highlighting their unique features, how they can enhance your workflow, and how you can choose the best one for your needs. From simple window snapping tools to powerful desktop organization utilities, we’ve got you covered.

What is a Screen Management Tool?

A screen management tool is a software or application designed to help users organize and manage their open windows and applications on a computer screen. These tools are particularly useful for users who have multiple windows or apps open simultaneously and need a more efficient way to arrange and navigate between them. A good screen management tool allows users to maximize productivity by providing features such as window snapping, resizing, tiling, and creating customized layouts.

Key Functions of Screen Management Tools:

1. Window Snapping: Allows users to snap windows to the edges or corners of the screen, automatically resizing and positioning them to fit specific areas.
2. Tiling: Organizes windows into non-overlapping tiles on the screen, allowing users to view multiple applications side by side.
3. Multiple Monitor Support: Many screen management tools enable users to manage windows across multiple monitors, providing a seamless experience when working with dual or multi-monitor setups.
4. Keyboard Shortcuts: These tools often come with customizable keyboard shortcuts, making it quick and easy to move, resize, or switch between windows without using the mouse.
5. Customizable Layouts: Some screen management tools allow users to save and load specific window layouts for repeated use, making it easy to restore a preferred workspace configuration.

In essence, screen management tools are designed to improve workspace organization, streamline navigation between apps, and reduce the clutter of overlapping windows. Whether you’re a multitasker, designer, developer, or anyone working with multiple applications at once, a screen management tool can enhance your efficiency and create a more organized workspace.

Why You Need a Window Management App for Mac

Before diving into the details of the best app for window management Mac, let’s first explore why you might need one in the first place. While macOS offers basic window management features such as dragging and resizing windows, these may not be sufficient for users who have many apps open at once or need more advanced control over their workspace.

1. Increased Productivity

Having multiple windows open and easily accessible is crucial when you’re juggling several tasks. A good window management app can allow you to organize your windows more effectively, ensuring that you can quickly switch between tasks without wasting time manually resizing or arranging windows.

2. Better Multitasking

On a Mac, having several apps or documents open at once can quickly lead to a cluttered screen. A window management app can help you streamline this by snapping windows into organized grids or tiling them efficiently, making it easier to work across multiple applications at once.

3. Improved Workspace Organization

Using a window management app allows you to create customized layouts for your workspace. Whether you’re working with documents, websites, or design tools, organizing your workspace in a way that fits your workflow can boost your efficiency and reduce distractions.

4. More Screen Real Estate

If you’re working on a small screen or have limited monitor space, a window management app can help you make the most of your available screen real estate. By tiling, snapping, or splitting windows, you can fit more on the screen without feeling overwhelmed by overlapping windows.

With these benefits in mind, let’s explore some of the best app for window management Mac.

Best App for Window Management Mac: 1. Magnet

When it comes to window management on Mac, Magnet is often considered one of the best apps available. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that allows users to quickly snap windows into place, organize them into a grid, and easily switch between apps. Magnet is known for its ease of use and smooth integration with macOS.

Key Features of Magnet

• Snap Windows into Place: Magnet lets you drag windows to the edges of the screen to snap them into place. You can snap windows to the left, right, or corners of the screen for easy tiling.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Magnet supports customizable keyboard shortcuts for quick window management without the need for a mouse or trackpad.
• Multiple Displays: Magnet works seamlessly with multiple monitors, allowing you to organize windows across different displays.
• Customizable Grid: With Magnet, you can arrange your windows into a grid, which is particularly useful for users with small screens or when working with multiple applications at once.

Magnet’s simplicity and smooth functionality make it a popular choice among Mac users looking for efficient window management.

Best App for Window Management Mac: 2. BetterSnapTool

If you’re looking for an app that provides a more customizable window management experience, BetterSnapTool is a great option. This app offers many of the same features as Magnet, but with a greater degree of customization for users who want more control over how their windows are arranged.

Key Features of BetterSnapTool

• Customizable Window Snapping: You can snap windows to different regions of the screen and even create custom snap zones based on your preferences.
• Adjust Window Sizes: BetterSnapTool allows you to adjust the size of snapped windows and set up specific dimensions for windows to fit neatly into your workspace.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Like Magnet, BetterSnapTool also supports customizable keyboard shortcuts, so you can snap and arrange windows quickly without needing to use a mouse.
• Multi-Screen Support: If you work with multiple monitors, BetterSnapTool’s multi-screen support allows you to easily manage windows across all your displays.

BetterSnapTool is perfect for power users who want more control over their window management without sacrificing ease of use.

Best App for Window Management Mac: 3. Rectangle

Rectangle is another highly recommended window management app for Mac users. It’s a free, open-source tool that offers a robust set of features for managing windows on your Mac. With its simple interface and useful features, Rectangle is ideal for users who need an easy-to-use solution without breaking the bank.

Key Features of Rectangle

• Window Snapping: Rectangle lets you snap windows to various regions of the screen using either your mouse or keyboard shortcuts.
• Customizable Keyboard Shortcuts: Rectangle comes with pre-configured keyboard shortcuts, but you can easily customize them to suit your preferences.
• Window Resizing: You can resize windows by dragging them to the screen edges or using keyboard shortcuts to change the window size.
• Supports Multiple Displays: Like the other apps, Rectangle works well with multiple monitors, giving you flexibility when working across several screens.

Rectangle is perfect for users who want an affordable and lightweight solution for window management, especially if you’re on a budget.

Best App for Window Management Mac: 4. Divvy

If you’re looking for an app with more advanced window management capabilities, Divvy is a powerful option to consider. Divvy is designed for users who want fine-grained control over their window layout and need a more organized and structured workspace.

Key Features of Divvy

• Grid-Based Window Management: Divvy lets you create custom grids for managing your windows, so you can easily snap windows into specific sections of the screen.
• Flexible Window Resizing: You can resize windows in increments, offering precise control over how your windows are arranged.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Divvy supports customizable keyboard shortcuts, allowing you to quickly arrange windows without lifting your fingers from the keyboard.
• Multi-Screen Support: Divvy works with multiple displays and lets you manage windows across different monitors with ease.

Divvy is ideal for professionals and power users who need precise control over their window management and workspace organization.

Best App for Window Management Mac: 5. Amethyst

For Mac users who prefer a tiling window manager, Amethyst is a great option. Unlike other window management apps that use snapping, Amethyst automatically tiles windows across the screen, making efficient use of your screen space.

Key Features of Amethyst

• Automatic Tiling: Amethyst automatically tiles windows to fit your screen, ensuring that all open windows are displayed without overlap.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: The app allows you to control window tiling and organization using customizable keyboard shortcuts.
• Dynamic Layouts: Amethyst provides several dynamic layout options, so you can quickly switch between different window arrangements.
• Multi-Monitor Support: You can manage windows across multiple monitors, making it a great choice for users with complex setups.

Amethyst is ideal for users who want a no-fuss, automatic window management solution with minimal manual input.

Best App for Window Management Mac: 6. Moom

Moom is another powerful window management tool that combines the ease of use with advanced window management capabilities. Moom allows you to move and zoom windows with precision and offers several customizable features to make your workspace more organized.

Key Features of Moom

• Move and Zoom Windows: Moom lets you move and resize windows with a simple mouse gesture or using keyboard shortcuts.
• Customizable Window Layouts: You can save specific window arrangements as custom presets and quickly apply them whenever you need.
• Full-Screen Support: Moom allows you to toggle between full-screen and windowed modes with ease.
• Multi-Screen Support: Moom also works with multiple monitors, giving you more control over how windows are displayed across different screens.

Moom is a great option for users who want a highly customizable solution with precise control over window placement and resizing.

How to Arrange Multiple Windows on Mac

Managing multiple windows on your Mac can be a challenge, especially if you’re working on several tasks at once. Fortunately, macOS offers several built-in features and third-party tools to help you arrange multiple windows on Mac efficiently. Whether you need to organize windows side-by-side, tile them, or switch between them quickly, there are simple solutions that can help you optimize your workspace and improve productivity.

Here’s how you can arrange and manage multiple windows on your Mac:

1. Use macOS Built-In Split View

macOS comes with a built-in feature called Split View that allows you to work with two apps side by side on your screen. This feature is perfect for multitasking, especially if you need to compare documents or reference information while working.

To use Split View:

1. Open the two apps or windows you want to work with.
2. Hover your cursor over the green full-screen button in the top-left corner of a window.
3. Hold down the Option key and click the full-screen button. This will snap the window to the left or right side of the screen.
4. Choose the other app to place on the other side of the screen. You can resize both windows by dragging the divider between them.

This method allows you to maximize your screen real estate while keeping both apps visible and easily accessible.

2. Use Mission Control for Window Organization

Mission Control is another built-in feature in macOS that helps you manage and organize windows. It allows you to get an overview of all your open windows and switch between them quickly.

To use Mission Control:

1. Swipe up with three fingers on your trackpad or press the F3 key on your keyboard to open Mission Control.
2. All your open windows will be displayed in a grid, and you can click on the one you want to bring to the foreground.
3. You can also drag windows to different desktop spaces from here, which is useful if you prefer to separate your work into different virtual desktops.

Mission Control makes it easy to organize and access multiple windows at once, especially when working with many apps or documents.

3. Tile Windows Using Third-Party Apps

While macOS offers basic window management features, third-party apps can provide more advanced window tiling and management options. If you need more control over how your windows are arranged, consider using a window management app.

Popular apps for window tiling include:

• Magnet: A simple and intuitive tool for snapping windows to predefined areas on the screen. With Magnet, you can easily arrange windows side by side, quarter-sized, or in custom grid layouts using drag-and-drop or keyboard shortcuts.
• BetterSnapTool: A customizable window management tool that allows you to create custom snap zones on your screen. You can also resize windows and arrange them according to your preferred layout.
• Rectangle: A free and open-source app that allows you to easily move and resize windows using keyboard shortcuts or by dragging them to the edges of the screen.

These apps can help you quickly arrange multiple windows and optimize your workspace, especially when using multiple monitors.

4. Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Quick Window Movement

To increase your efficiency, macOS allows you to use keyboard shortcuts for switching and resizing windows. You can use the built-in Command + Tab shortcut to cycle through open apps, and Command + ~ to switch between windows of the same app.

For more advanced window management, you can use the following keyboard shortcuts when using apps like Magnet or Rectangle:

• Command + Left/Right Arrow: Move a window to the left or right half of the screen.
• Option + Left/Right Arrow: Snap the window to a specific area of the screen (quarter-sized windows).
• Command + Control + F: Toggle full-screen mode for any window.

Using these shortcuts can save you time and help you arrange multiple windows quickly without needing to use your mouse.

5. Use Multiple Desktops for Better Window Organization

If you’re working with too many windows and feel overwhelmed, creating multiple virtual desktops can help you keep everything organized. macOS allows you to create separate desktops where you can move specific apps or windows.

To use multiple desktops:

1. Open Mission Control (swipe up with three fingers or press F3).
2. In the top-right corner, click the + button to create a new desktop space.
3. Drag windows to the new desktop space, where they will remain separate from your other windows.
4. You can quickly switch between these spaces using Control + Left/Right Arrow.

Multiple desktops allow you to categorize your windows based on tasks or projects, making it easier to manage everything on your Mac.

6. Use Split View with Multiple Monitors

If you’re using multiple monitors, you can extend Split View to more than just one screen. With macOS, you can open a full-screen window on one monitor while arranging windows on another monitor. This is especially useful for users who need to have many applications open at once.

To arrange windows across multiple monitors:

1. Set up the Split View on your primary monitor as mentioned earlier.
2. On your second monitor, use the Mission Control feature to drag windows to the second screen.
3. You can use window management apps like Magnet to tile and snap windows on the second monitor as well.

Using multiple monitors and Split View together can dramatically increase your productivity by giving you more screen space to work with.

7. Organize Windows Based on Priorities

When managing multiple windows on your Mac, it’s important to prioritize which windows need immediate attention and which can be minimized or hidden. For example:

• Keep Active Windows Visible: Place your most frequently used apps or documents front and center.
• Minimize Distractions: If you have apps open but not actively using them, consider minimizing them to keep your workspace focused.
• Use Focused Desktops: Use multiple desktops for different tasks (e.g., one for work, another for personal browsing) and only show relevant windows.

This kind of organization helps you stay focused on the task at hand while preventing unnecessary distractions.

8. Declutter Your Desktop with Stacks

For users who prefer to keep their desktop organized and uncluttered, macOS offers a feature called Stacks, which can automatically organize your files into groups (e.g., by file type or date). While Stacks is more for file organization than window management, it can complement your window management efforts by keeping your desktop clean.

To enable Stacks:

1. Right-click on your desktop and select Use Stacks.
2. Your files will be grouped by type (e.g., documents, images, PDFs) into collapsible stacks.
3. Click on a stack to view the grouped files, and drag items out of the stack as needed.

Stacks help ensure that your desktop remains organized while you focus on managing your windows effectively.