Tangrid vs FancyZones
Bring a familiar window-placement workflow to macOS.
FancyZones is a Windows PowerToys utility for arranging windows in custom zones. Tangrid is a native macOS window manager with edge snapping, 18 positions on a 3×6 grid and modifier-key movement. It is an alternative for Mac window placement, with its own layout system rather than a FancyZones configuration importer.
Facts checked: · Official product documentation
Feature comparison
| Feature |  Tangrid | FancyZones |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | macOS 14 or later | Windows PowerToys |
| Placement targets | 18 positions on a 3×6 grid, including thirds and sixths | Custom zones created with the FancyZones editor |
| Mouse placement | Drag to screen edges with a destination preview | Drag into highlighted zones; Shift is the default activation key |
| Move without the title bar | Configure a modifier and drag inside a window | Zone activation modifies a normal window drag |
| Configuration reuse | Create layouts in Tangrid; no FancyZones import | PowerToys zone layouts for Windows |
Choose if
Stay with FancyZones if you work on Windows and need the custom zone editor included in PowerToys.
Choose Tangrid if you have moved to macOS and want thirds, sixths, edge previews and modifier-key window movement.
FAQ
Is Tangrid a macOS version of PowerToys?
Tangrid is an independent Mac app. Its Snap Assistant provides window placement on macOS, but it is not affiliated with Microsoft and does not include the other PowerToys utilities.
Can I split a Mac screen into three columns?
Yes. Snap Assistant supports thirds and sixths across 18 grid positions. Choose the position you need with the available snapping controls or shortcuts.
Can I bring my FancyZones JSON to Tangrid?
Tangrid does not import FancyZones JSON. Configure placement in Tangrid and check your apps’ minimum window sizes, especially when dividing a small display into several columns.
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