Comparison overview

Compare the Mac window manager you use today.

Each page compares the day-to-day tradeoff that usually drives the switch: snapping precision, automatic tiling, window switching, search, previews, and whether your layout stays intact once the desktop gets crowded.

Workflow matrix

Snapping

Rectangle

Core

Shortcuts and configurable snap areas.

Magnet

Core

Drag edges, shortcuts, and menu bar.

AeroSpace

Core

Keyboard-first tiling and resize flow.

yabai

Core

BSP tiling with command-driven control.

AltTab

Not a focus

Built for switching first.

Tangrid

Core

Snap inside a broader workflow.

Window switching

Rectangle

Separate

Usually handled by macOS or another tool.

Magnet

Separate

Usually handled elsewhere.

AeroSpace

Separate

Usually paired with macOS or another tool.

yabai

Command-first

Directional focus works without visual previews.

AltTab

Core

Built around switching to any window.

Tangrid

Built-in

Part of the same product layer.

Search exact window

Rectangle

Out of scope

Not part of the core snapping workflow.

Magnet

Out of scope

Not part of the main pitch.

AeroSpace

Out of scope

Not part of the core tiling model.

yabai

Scriptable

Queries are available through the command line.

AltTab

Not highlighted

Official messaging centers switching and thumbnails.

Tangrid

Built-in

Vertical search is designed for dense apps.

Preview-led navigation

Rectangle

Out of scope

Placement is the main job.

Magnet

Light

Placement-first workflow.

AeroSpace

Out of scope

Not preview-led by design.

yabai

Out of scope

Designed around commands rather than thumbnails.

AltTab

Core

Thumbnail browsing is the main interaction.

Tangrid

Core

Switcher and Dock preview stay visual.

Layout cleanup as windows change

Rectangle

Manual

Windows move when you invoke a snap action.

Magnet

Manual

Mostly one move at a time.

AeroSpace

Core

Automatic tiling keeps windows arranged.

yabai

Core

BSP layouts react as managed windows change.

AltTab

Separate

Placement remains another tool's job.

Tangrid

Auto Flow

Layouts can stay orderly as windows change.

Tool comparisons

Magnet

Drag-to-edge snapping

Best when a mouse-friendly snapping utility is enough.

Best for: Tidy placement with dragging or shortcuts.
Tangrid adds: Adds search, previews, switching, and Auto Flow.

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AeroSpace

Keyboard-first auto tiling

Best when deterministic tiling and config-driven control are the priority.

Best for: Advanced users who prefer workspaces, commands, and dotfiles.
Tangrid adds: Adds tabbed layout, native macOS Spaces, built-in switching, and a visual control layer.

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Rectangle

Free window snapping

Best when shortcuts and edge-based snap areas are all you need.

Best for: Fast, free movement and resizing with a focused tool.
Tangrid adds: Adds Auto Flow tiling, tabbed layouts, switching, search, and Dock previews.

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yabai

Scriptable BSP tiling

Best when commands, rules, signals, and custom automation are the point.

Best for: Power users building a keyboard- and script-driven environment.
Tangrid adds: Adds visual setup, Snap Assist, tabbed layouts, switching, search, and Dock previews.

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AltTab

Preview switching

Best when thumbnail switching and shortcuts are the whole job.

Best for: Jumping to any window with a visual switcher.
Tangrid adds: Adds vertical search, live position preview, gestures, and pointer centering.

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DockDoor

Dock previews and switching

Best when you want to preview and switch windows from the Dock.

Best for: Dock-centered window peeking and Alt-Tab switching.
Tangrid adds: Adds snapping, Auto Flow, exact search, and layout follow-through.

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