macOS now snaps windows into halves and quarters on its own. A window manager still earns its place if you want thirds, custom shortcuts for every layout or tighter control across several displays. This guide helps you decide whether you need one, and which.
Do you need an app at all?#
Try the built-in tools first. They cover halves, quarters, fill and centre. Our guide to tiling without extra apps lets you try each layout in a live demo. An app helps when you want:
- Thirds or two-thirds layouts
- A shortcut for every layout, under your control
- Quick moves between displays
- Gestures or other automation beyond window layout
Find your match#
Which window tool fits you?
1/3
What do you want from window management?
Quick recommendations#
These match tools to needs and are provisional until testing is complete.
| If you want… | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Zero cost and zero install | macOS tiling | Built in on recent versions |
| Free snapping with thirds | Rectangle | Open source, keyboard driven |
| A simple paid tiler from the App Store | Magnet | Familiar snapping with a small footprint |
| Gestures and automation | BetterTouchTool | Window snapping is one feature among many |
| Windows plus launcher and clipboard | Raycast | One tool for several jobs |
Comparison table#
| Software | Best for | Price | Rating | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rectangle | Keyboard-driven window snapping | Price not yet verifiedCheck the vendor for current pricing | Not yet rated | Visit |
| Magnet | Snapping windows to halves, thirds and quarters | Price not yet verifiedCheck the vendor for current pricing | Not yet rated | Visit |
| BetterTouchToolFolivora.AI | Custom gestures, shortcuts, and window snapping | Price not yet verifiedCheck the vendor for current pricing | Not yet rated | Visit |
| RaycastRaycast | Launcher with extensions, clipboard history, and window commands in one tool | Price not yet verifiedCheck the vendor for current pricing | Not yet rated | Visit |
These links go to the official sites; none are affiliate links yet. Ratings appear only after we have tested a product. See how we test.
What each approach covers#
| macOS | Rectangle | Magnet | BetterTouchTool | Raycast | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halves and quarters | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Thirds | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes | No | No | Partly |
| Custom shortcut for each layout | Partly | Yes | Check the vendor | Yes | Yes |
| Gestures beyond window layout | No | No | No | Yes | No |
The tools#
Rectangle#
Rectangle is a free, open-source window snapper driven by keyboard shortcuts and drag-to-edge. It supports halves, thirds and corners and works across displays.
- Best for
- Keyboard-driven window snapping
- Price
- Price not yet verified · check the vendor for current pricing
- Our testing
- Not yet hands-on tested
Links to the official site. We earn nothing from this link.
Pros
- Free and open source
- Light on resources
- Customisable shortcuts
Cons
- Basic interface
- Snapping can clash with macOS tiling until you adjust one
- Fewer automated layouts than heavier tools
Magnet#
Magnet snaps windows to halves, thirds and quarters by dragging to edges or with shortcuts. It installs from the Mac App Store.
- Best for
- Snapping windows to halves, thirds and quarters
- Price
- Price not yet verified · check the vendor for current pricing
- Our testing
- Not yet hands-on tested
Links to the official site. We earn nothing from this link.
Pros
- Low price
- Simple and reliable for everyday tiling
- App Store install
Cons
- Fewer advanced features
- Some behaviour is limited by App Store rules
- Overlaps with macOS tiling for basic layouts
BetterTouchTool#
BetterTouchTool is an automation tool for gestures and shortcuts, and it includes window snapping.
- Best for
- Custom gestures, shortcuts, and window snapping
- Developer
- Folivora.AI
- Price
- Price not yet verified · check the vendor for current pricing
- Our testing
- Not yet hands-on tested
Links to the official site. We earn nothing from this link.
Pros
- Gestures macOS lacks
- Deep customisation
- Replaces several small utilities
Cons
- A lot of options to learn
- Needs accessibility permissions
- Trial is time limited
Raycast#
Raycast is a launcher that also manages windows, history and snippets. If you already want a launcher, its window commands cost nothing extra to try.
- Best for
- Launcher with extensions, clipboard history, and window commands in one tool
- Developer
- Raycast
- Price
- Price not yet verified · check the vendor for current pricing
- Our testing
- Not yet hands-on tested
Links to the official site. We earn nothing from this link.
Pros
- Several tools in one
- Large extension library
- Free tier is capable
Cons
- Some features sit behind a subscription
- An account is needed for some features
- More to learn than a single-purpose snapper
Safe installs#
Window managers need Accessibility permission to move other apps' windows. Grant it only to apps you trust, and see how to check whether a Mac app is safe. If you are weighing free against paid, read free vs paid Mac apps.
Pricing and compatibility#
Prices appear in the table above, marked unverified until checked on each vendor site and dated. Compatibility notes arrive once we confirm system requirements.
How we test#
See our review methodology. Hands-on testing of window managers will cover snapping accuracy, multi-display behaviour, shortcut conflicts with macOS tiling and how cleanly each app removes.
Frequently asked questions#
Do I need a window manager now that macOS can tile?#
For halves and quarters, no. For thirds and per-layout shortcuts, an app still helps.
Rectangle or Magnet?#
Both snap windows. The decision usually comes down to price and shortcut control. Our Rectangle vs Magnet page lays out the differences.
Will a window manager conflict with macOS tiling?#
It can. If both react to the same drag, turn off edge snapping in one of them.
Are window managers safe?#
Reputable ones are. They need Accessibility access, so install from the developer or the App Store only.
Written by
Guides are researched, written, and maintained by the Atypical Mac User editorial team. Every procedure is checked against the current version of macOS before it is marked as published.
Last updated . First published .
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