Best at
Keyboard-first auto tiling
AeroSpace fits users who want tree-based tiling, workspaces, and direct keyboard control.
Tangrid vs AeroSpace
AeroSpace vs Tangrid
AeroSpace is strong when you want a keyboard-first tiling window manager with workspaces, TOML configuration, and CLI-first control. Tangrid is the better fit when you want tabbed layout, native macOS Spaces, and a workflow that stays comfortable with either mouse or keyboard.
Visit the official AeroSpace website
Prefer AeroSpace
You are comfortable with config files
A TOML-driven setup is fine for you, and deterministic layout control matters more than a visual UI.
Prefer Tangrid
You want power without a learning cliff
Tangrid adds tabbed layout, native Spaces support, and both mouse-first and keyboard-first operation without relying on dotfiles.
Biggest gap
Tangrid is easier to adopt progressively
You can start in snap mode, move into tiling later, and keep advanced window control visual instead of config-first.
Feature comparison
Main job
AeroSpace
Core
Keyboard-first auto tiling with workspaces and a tree-based layout model.
Tangrid
Broader
Layout control, tabbed layout, switching, search, previews, and Auto Flow.
Tabbed layout
AeroSpace
Missing
AeroSpace focuses on tree tiling rather than grouping windows into tabs.
Tangrid
Standout
Group related windows into one tiled stack and switch inside the layout without losing structure.
Input model
AeroSpace
Keyboard-first
Optimized around commands, shortcuts, and config.
Tangrid
Dual-mode
Validated mouse flow and full-keyboard flow both feel complete.
Layout adoption
AeroSpace
Tiling-first
Automatic tiling is the primary model from the start.
Tangrid
Snap <-> Tiling
Switch between snap mode and tiling mode, then adopt tiling gradually.
Spaces model
AeroSpace
Custom spaces
Its own workspace layer can get messy with Mission Control and native macOS Spaces.
Tangrid
Native Spaces
Uses built-in macOS Spaces directly, so Mission Control stays consistent.
Window switching
AeroSpace
Separate
Usually paired with macOS or another tool.
Tangrid
Built-in
The switcher is part of the same workflow.
Search exact window
AeroSpace
Out of scope
Not part of AeroSpace's core model.
Tangrid
Built-in
Search helps when many same-app windows pile up.
Preview workflow
AeroSpace
Out of scope
Not designed around thumbnails or previews.
Tangrid
Built-in
Switcher and Dock preview keep navigation visual.
Prefer AeroSpace
keyboard_command_key
- 01 You prefer a keyboard-centric tiling model with explicit workspaces.
- 02 You are comfortable editing TOML and thinking in commands or layouts.
- 03 You do not need tabbed layout, native macOS Spaces, or a visual settings UI.
Prefer Tangrid
dashboard_customize
- 01 You want tabbed layout so related windows can stay grouped together.
- 02 You want both mouse-first and full-keyboard operation to feel comfortable.
- 03 You want native macOS Spaces plus a gradual path from snap to tiling.
Compare tiling-first control with progressive control
-
01
Start with whether your main pain is pure tiling speed or keeping related windows organized.
-
02
Compare custom workspaces with native macOS Spaces and Mission Control.
-
03
If automatic tiling feels like too much upfront, compare Tangrid's snap-to-tiling path.
Common questions
Does Tangrid fully cover AeroSpace's workflow?
Mostly. Tangrid covers most of the practical AeroSpace workflow around layout control, workspace organization, keyboard navigation, and automated organization. The main difference is that Tangrid adds tabbed layout, native macOS Spaces, previews, search, dual mouse-and-keyboard operation, and a smoother snap-to-tiling path instead of mirroring AeroSpace's config-first i3-style model exactly.
When is AeroSpace still the better fit?
AeroSpace is still the better fit if you want a keyboard-centric, config-driven, i3-like tiling model and do not need tabbed layout, native macOS Spaces, or an extra visual layer.
What is the biggest difference in practice?
The biggest change is that Tangrid makes advanced layout more forgiving: tabbed layout keeps related windows together, native Spaces stay consistent with Mission Control, and you can use either mouse or keyboard comfortably.
Compare another tool
Open the comparison page for the other utility in your setup.
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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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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