Why are there *so* many window manager apps? What do they accomplish that free ones like Rectangle don't?

[Oneechan69]

From what I can tell, window managers is by far the largest category of Mac apps. I regularly see new window manager apps on r/macapps and simple searches can show posts listing a whole bunch of different ones. I was very overwhelmed with the list and downloaded several to try. Months later, I'm not just using Rectangle free version to show windows on the right or left half of the screen, either full-sized, half, or 1-2/3rd. Only a few different hotkeys for position and sizing windows. I only have 1-2 windows focused at a time and have hotkeys set with Hammerspoon to switch between frequently used apps. I feel like a lot if not most of these apps are for fine-grained control and niche features which the vast majority of users would never need.

 

[ignatius345]

Sequoia has pretty decent window management shortcuts built in now. No need for third-party apps unless you want more specific features and customization like Magnet or BetterSnapTool have.

 

[Oneechan69]

Sequoia has pretty decent window management shortcuts built in now. No need for third-party apps unless you want more specific features and customization like Magnet or BetterTouchTool have.

And hotkeys for specific window positions, like the whole screen or left and right halves or thirds.

 

[gregmac19]

Sequoia has pretty decent window management shortcuts built in now. No need for third-party apps unless you want more specific features and customization like Magnet or BetterSnapTool have.

Sequoia does have decent window management shortcuts built in, but I wouldn't want to be without Swish (https://highlyopinionated.co/swish/). (Note: You can get it now on sale for $8, down from $16.) Although I haven’t used it yet, the latest version of Moom (i.e., 4), which was recently released, looks good too. (https://manytricks.com/moom/)

 

[auxbuss]

i use Moom. As well as all the usual windows' management stuff, I particularly like its configurability, especially the latest version. But the "killer" feature for me is layouts. I like my apps to be in certain positions on the screen, in general, and using a layout I can "reset" them all with a single keystroke.

 

[splifingate]

Mac OS windows Management (as sexy as it is) often kills me inside . . .

. . . why it it--when I'm deep in my Browser--does it make sense that a new iMessage window opens entirely within that footprint of the open Browser window?

I mean, this even happens on just one of my two 27" 4K mons, when the other stays blank!

It's a consumption, rather than an overlay.

Maddening, to say the least.

There's a definite need, @Oneechan69