How to solve one of the biggest macOS problems?
The best apps for working with windows on Mac
The macOS operating system is known for its slick user experience, great optimization, and overall simplicity. Despite this, however, we could find points where it rather annoyingly languishes. One of them, for example, is working with windows. While, for example, in the competing Windows system, working with windows is intuitive and fast, in the case of Apple’s system, we are more or less out of luck and have to make other arrangements. We’re talking specifically about snapping windows to the edges, adjusting how much screen space they take up, and so on.
Macs offer us perhaps only two options in this regard. Either grab a specific window by the edge, resize it, and then move it to the desired position, or split the screen into two apps using Split View. But again, when we relate this to Windows, it’s pretty lame. So it’s no wonder developers have devised their own, fairly effective solution based on what has worked for years with competitors. That’s exactly why we’re going to look at three popular macOS window management apps.
Magnet
One of the most popular tools for better working with windows in macOS is Magnet. Although it’s a paid app, it does what it’s supposed to do incredibly well. Of course, the overall simplicity, the availability of global keyboard shortcuts, and the widespread options are also great features. In fact, with Magnet, we can clamp windows not only on the right or left half but also on the bottom or top.
Besides, it allows you to split the screen into thirds or quarters, which comes in handy when working with a larger monitor. The magnet can take care of multitasking support for the user. It is also worth mentioning that the program does not collect personal data, is characterized by the simplicity above, and overall, it can become an inseparable partner of every apple person in no time.
The app is available through the Mac App Store for $7.99. While, on the one hand, it’s sad that the macOS operating system doesn’t offer a native solution, it’s good to remember that once you pay, Magnet will stay with you forever. And from our own experience, we can confirm that this investment pays off in the end.
Rectangle
If you don’t want to spend money on Magnet, then you don’t have to — there’s a free alternative that works almost the same. In this case, we are referring to the Rectangle app. As we’ve already mentioned, this software is free and even distributed under an open source license, making its source code accessible. Even this software can handle pinning windows to the edges, splitting the screen into four parts, and many other operations.
Of course, there are also keyboard shortcuts for faster work, which are more or less the same, or at least similar, to Magnet. In addition, if you like the Rectangle software, you can upgrade to the Rectangle Pro version, which offers several attractive benefits for ~$10. In this case, you get even faster-snapping windows to the edges of the screen, the ability to create your keyboard shortcuts and layout, and many other benefits.
Github and project web pages.
BetterSnapTool
The last application I will mention in today’s article will be BetterSnapTool. The program works the same as the apps mentioned above but also comes with some nice animations. Instead of keyboard shortcuts, it primarily relies on mouse or cursor movement. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use shortcuts in this case. In its design, appearance, and the animations above, the BetterSnapTool app is strongly reminiscent of the window management system you may be familiar with from competing Windows operating systems.
However, this software is paid for, and you must prepare ~ $3.25 for it. However, as we’ve already mentioned with Magnet, for example, it’s an investment that will make working with your Mac noticeably more enjoyable while boosting your overall productivity. When you combine this with larger external monitors, this type of app is an indispensable partner.
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