One of the downsides of Mac OS is that there’s no native/internal window management feature. I hate to admit it, but in this manner, Windows OS definitely trumps Mac OS. Luckily, us Mac users have numerous apps that we can use to help us achieve window management bliss.
Window managers are especially great if you need to look at two or more windows at the same time. Instead of having to manually resize and arrange the windows as you like, these apps can do all of the work for you.
1. Divvy
The description for Divvy says it best, “it allows you to quickly and efficiently ‘divvy up’ your screen into exact portions.” All you have to do is click and drag within the Divvy grid interface to select the area (on your screen) that you’d like your window(s) to occupy; your windows will then be resized and moved to that relative position on your screen. If that’s too much for you, you can create shortcuts instead that will automatically resize and move your windows. Divvy even works with multiple monitors.
Price: $13.99
Divvy
2. Optimal Layout
Optimal Layout is an advanced window manager for Mac OS that does more than just resize and organize your windows. It also makes it easier to switch between your application windows, and can even rearrange an entire group of windows at once to help optimize your screen real estate. Much like Divvy, it also has a grid that you can click and drag to select a position for your windows. Along with using your mouse to position your windows, you can also use keyboard shortcuts.
Optimal Layout
3. Moom
Moom is my app of choice for window management on my Macbook Pro. You can use the grid system to select the area that the windows should cover, and you can also set up keyboard shortcuts. Plus, you can drag windows to the edges as well. So whether you prefer using the keyboard, mouse, or grid system, Moom will work for you since it supports all three. Moom even lets you save your favorite window arrangements and easily access them from the pop-up palette, which appears when you hover your mouse over the green zoom button.
Price: $9.99
Moom
4. Window Magnet
Window Magnet is an affordable window manager that lets you easily snap windows into various sizes and positions. All you have to do is drag-and-drop the windows to the edges or corners of your screen, and they’ll snap to half or a quarter of the screen. Window Magnet works in a similar manner to window management in on Windows computers, with the addition quarter sections. You can also drag any window to the top of the screen to maximize it – no need to use the green zoom button.
Price: $0.99
Window Magnet
Simple is Sometimes Better
Here are a few simpler alternatives that you may want to try out as well. They’re all pretty much on the same level of Window Magnet.
Window Adjustment, an app that works in the same manner of Window Magnet, is also available for the same price. It’s a really simple app that can snap windows to the left, right, top and bottom, as well as full screen and quarter-sized sections. Window Adjustment is just $0.99 and is great if you don’t need any advanced options.
Cinch, an app that I’ve used in the past, is also similar. It’s great if you’re just looking for simple window management functions – dragging and snapping windows to the left, right, and top of the screen. Honestly, I really can’t remember why I stopped using it; it’s available for $6.99.
Split Screen is extremely simple and only does three things: snap to the left, snap to the right, and maximize windows. If you just want to look at two windows side-by-side anothing nothing else, this app is for you. It hasn’t been updated in almost two years, but the reviews for this are so great that I wanted to include it; it’s available for $0.99.
What Do You Use?
Do you use a window manager on your Mac? If so, which one do you use?
Charnita has been a Freelance Writer & Professional Blogger since 2008. As an early adopter she loves trying out new apps and services. As a Windows, Mac, Linux and iOS user, she has a great love for bleeding edge technology. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn.
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