Amethyst for MAC
Free, open-source tiling window manager for Mac: windows arrange themselves automatically in layouts you control by keyboard.
Amethyst Overview
Amethyst is a tiling window manager for macOS, inspired by xmonad on Linux. Instead of dragging and resizing windows by hand, Amethyst arranges them automatically so they fill the screen without overlapping. You choose a layout, such as a tall main window with others stacked beside it, a grid or full screen, and switch between layouts, move windows and change their sizes with keyboard shortcuts. Each screen and each Space can have its own layout. Amethyst is developed by Ian Ybarra and a community of contributors.
Amethyst is free and open source under the MIT license. It needs macOS 10.15 or later and Accessibility permission to move windows, and it can be downloaded from GitHub or installed with Homebrew.
Key Features
Amethyst keeps every window in its place without any dragging.
- Automatic tiling: windows fill the screen without overlapping.
- Many layouts: tall, wide, columns, grid, fullscreen, floating and more.
- Keyboard control: switch layouts, focus and move windows with shortcuts.
- Per-screen layouts: each display and Space can use its own layout.
- Resize the main pane: grow or shrink the main window area with a key.
- Floating apps: let chosen apps float above the tiled windows.
- Configuration: set shortcuts and options in the app or a config file.
- Lightweight: a small menu bar app that stays out of the way.
What’s New in Version 0.24.3
Amethyst 0.24.3 is a stability release.
- Fixed a crash caused by window reflow race conditions
- Window values are now taken as snapshots for more reliable layouts
Amethyst FAQ
Is Amethyst free?
Yes. Amethyst is free and open source under the MIT license.
What is a tiling window manager?
A tool that arranges windows automatically so they fill the screen side by side without overlapping, instead of you dragging and resizing them.
Which macOS version does Amethyst need?
Amethyst needs macOS 10.15 Catalina or later.
Why does Amethyst need Accessibility permission?
macOS requires Accessibility permission for an app to move and resize other apps' windows. Allow it in System Settings › Privacy & Security › Accessibility.
How do I change the layout in Amethyst?
Use the layout shortcuts, by default with the Option and Shift keys, to cycle through layouts such as tall, wide and fullscreen.
Can some apps float instead of tiling?
Yes. You can set chosen apps to float, so Amethyst leaves them alone.
Does Amethyst work with several screens?
Yes. Each screen and each Space can have its own layout, and you can move windows between screens with shortcuts.
How is Amethyst different from Rectangle?
Rectangle snaps windows to positions when you ask. Amethyst tiles all windows automatically according to a layout.
Can I install Amethyst with Homebrew?
Yes. Run brew install --cask amethyst.
Where does the Amethyst download on amethyst.FULLMAC.app come from?
The download button leads to the official Amethyst releases on GitHub at https://github.com/ianyh/Amethyst/releases/latest. amethyst.FULLMAC.app does not change or repackage the app.
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FULLMAC.app does not host this app. Download buttons lead to the developer’s own pages.