Tangrid vs yabai
Script your tiling or configure Auto Flow in the app.
yabai is a scriptable Mac tiling manager that automatically arranges windows with binary space partitioning. Tangrid’s Auto Flow also uses BSP-style layouts, with app settings, shortcuts, and floating rules. Compare how you configure tiling and manage the desktops around it.
Feature comparison
| Feature |  Tangrid | yabai |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic tiling | Auto Flow rearranges managed windows as they open and close | Binary space partitioning tiling |
| Configuration | App settings and built-in shortcuts | Configuration files, scripts, and CLI commands |
| Floating windows | App and window-title floating rules | Rules and commands for windows outside tiling |
| macOS desktops | Uses native Spaces; move windows with shortcuts | Controls native Spaces through CLI commands |
| Setup requirements | Accessibility permission for window movement | Accessibility; some advanced features need partial SIP changes |
Choose if
Choose yabai if you want to script tiling and desktop behavior precisely and are comfortable maintaining configuration files and a separate shortcut tool.
Choose Tangrid if you want automatic BSP-style layouts, floating rules, and layout shortcuts configured in the app.
FAQ
Can I configure Tangrid's automatic tiling without writing scripts?
Yes. Configure Auto Flow, floating rules, gaps, and shortcuts in the app. Directional shortcuts let you focus and move windows within the layout.
Does Tangrid provide a BSP-style automatic layout?
Yes. Auto Flow organizes managed windows with BSP-style splits and supports split or tab priority. You can rotate, flip, balance, and reorder the layout.
Can Tangrid exclude certain apps or window titles from tiling?
Yes. Add floating rules for apps or window titles in Auto Flow settings. Window-title rules support regular expressions for matching selected windows.
Which permission does Tangrid need to arrange windows?
Tangrid needs macOS Accessibility permission to move and resize windows. Live window previews require Screen Recording permission. Tangrid processes previews locally without uploading screen content.
Can I leave yabai running while trying Tangrid's Auto Flow?
Pause yabai's automatic window management while evaluating Auto Flow. Let one app control window placement at a time so its layout behavior is easier to assess.
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