Productivity

AeroSpace

AeroSpace is a free, open-source tiling window manager for macOS. It arranges your open windows into a grid automatically, so you do not need to drag and resize them by hand. It is built for people who like to control their Mac with the keyboard, and it is inspired by the Linux window manager i3.

Key Features

  • Tiling Window Layout: AeroSpace arranges your windows in a tree structure, so they snap into place instead of overlapping on your screen.
  • Fast Workspace Switching: You can switch between workspaces instantly, with no animations slowing you down.
  • No Need to Disable SIP: AeroSpace works without turning off System Integrity Protection, so your Mac stays secure.
  • Plain Text Config: You set up AeroSpace with a simple text file, which makes it easy to back up or share your settings.
  • Built-In CLI: AeroSpace comes with a command line tool, so you can control it from the Terminal or scripts.
  • Multi-Monitor Support: AeroSpace handles multiple monitors well, following the same approach as i3.
  • Free and Open Source: AeroSpace costs nothing to use and its code is public on GitHub.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is AeroSpace free?

Yes. AeroSpace is completely free to download and use.

Is AeroSpace open source?

Yes. The code is open source and available on GitHub, so anyone can see how the app works.

Does AeroSpace require disabling SIP?

No. AeroSpace does not require you to disable System Integrity Protection.

How do I install AeroSpace?

The easiest way is with Homebrew, using the command brew install --cask nikitabobko/tap/aerospace. This also gives you automatic updates.

Does AeroSpace use native macOS Spaces?

No. AeroSpace builds its own virtual workspaces instead of using native macOS Spaces, since Spaces have some limitations.

Is AeroSpace still in development?

Yes. AeroSpace is in Public Beta. You can use it every day, but some changes may still happen before it reaches version 1.0.

Is AeroSpace a free alternative to Rectangle or Magnet?

AeroSpace is free and open source, just like Rectangle. Magnet is a paid app, sold as a one-time purchase. All three work differently too. Rectangle and Magnet snap windows into positions using shortcuts or drag-to-edge. AeroSpace is a full tiling window manager, so it automatically arranges all your windows for you. If you want simple snapping, Rectangle or Magnet may fit better. If you want your whole screen organized automatically at no cost, AeroSpace is the stronger choice.

AeroSpace Download

More in Productivity