Tangrid vs AeroSpace
An i3-style tree or Auto Flow on native macOS desktops.
AeroSpace is a keyboard-first tiling manager with an i3-inspired tree and a TOML configuration file. Tangrid’s Auto Flow arranges windows automatically and provides layout controls through app settings and shortcuts. Their biggest difference is how you control the layout and which desktop system it uses.
Feature comparison
| Feature |  Tangrid | AeroSpace |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic tiling | Auto Flow maintains a BSP-style arrangement | i3-inspired tree-based tiling |
| Layout controls | Rotate, flip, balance, and reorder by direction | Join windows, flatten trees, and balance sizes with commands |
| Configuration | App settings and keyboard shortcuts | TOML configuration and CLI commands |
| Desktop system | Uses native macOS Spaces and Mission Control | Emulates its own virtual workspaces |
| Multiple displays | Manage layouts across displays | i3-style multi-monitor workflows |
Choose if
Choose AeroSpace if you want to manage a layout tree from the keyboard, keep configuration in dotfiles, and use AeroSpace’s virtual workspaces.
Choose Tangrid if you prefer app settings for layout controls and want automatic tiling on the macOS Spaces you already use.
FAQ
Do I need a configuration file to set up Tangrid's automatic tiling?
No. Configure Auto Flow in the app, including floating rules, gaps, and layout shortcuts. You can adjust the layout without maintaining a TOML configuration.
Does Tangrid use native macOS Spaces or AeroSpace workspaces?
Tangrid uses native macOS Spaces and Mission Control. Its automatic layouts operate on those desktops; AeroSpace's virtual workspace system is not used by Tangrid.
Can I manage Tangrid's tiled windows with the keyboard?
Yes. Use directional shortcuts to focus or move windows within the layout. Auto Flow also supports layout rotation, flipping, and balancing, plus window movement between desktops and displays.
Can I keep utility windows floating in Tangrid?
Yes. Configure floating rules by app or window title. Matching windows stay outside the tiled layout; title rules can use regular expressions.
Can Tangrid adjust spacing separately for each display?
Yes. Auto Flow lets you configure gaps and margins globally or per display. Your laptop screen and external monitor can use different spacing.
More comparisons
Upgrade the way you manage windows on your Mac.
Try Tangrid free for 7 days. One-time purchase, 14-day money-back guarantee.