Getting Started with Window Manager

What is Window Manager?

Window Manager is a window management utility for macOS that lets you quickly snap and resize windows using keyboard shortcuts, drag-to-snap hotspots, a menu bar dropdown, and a fullscreen button overlay. Whether you want to tile windows side by side, arrange them in thirds or quarters, or maximize them to fill the screen, Window Manager makes it fast and effortless.

First Launch

When you open Window Manager for the first time, you will be presented with a setup screen asking you to grant the app permission to manage your windows.

Window Manager requires Accessibility permission in macOS in order to move and resize windows on your behalf. Without this permission, the app cannot function.

Granting Accessibility Permission

macOS Ventura and Later (macOS 13+)

1. In the setup screen, click the blue button in the bottom-right corner to open System Settings.
2. You will be taken to Privacy & Security > Accessibility.
3. Find Window Manager in the list and turn its toggle on.
4. If prompted, enter your Mac password or use Touch ID to authorize the change.
5. Close System Settings and return to Window Manager.

macOS Monterey and Earlier (macOS 12 and below)

1. In the setup screen, click the blue button in the bottom-right corner to open System Preferences.
2. You will be taken to Security & Privacy > Privacy > Accessibility.
3. Click the lock icon in the bottom-left corner and enter your Mac password to allow changes.

4. Check the box next to Window Manager to grant it permission.
5. Close System Preferences and return to Window Manager.

After Setup

Once Accessibility permission has been granted, Window Manager is ready to use. By default the app runs in your menu bar, giving you quick access to all window positioning options from the top of your screen.

Tip: To keep Window Manager running every time you start your Mac, enable Start at login in the Settings. See the Settings article for details.

Four Ways to Position Windows

Window Manager gives you four methods to arrange your windows:

1. Drag-to-snap hotspots -- Drag a window to the edges or corners of your screen to automatically snap it into position.
2. Menu bar dropdown -- Click the Window Manager icon in the menu bar and select a position from the list.
3. Fullscreen button overlay -- Hover over a window's green fullscreen button to reveal a quick-pick overlay with popular arrangements.
4. Keyboard shortcuts -- Use customizable keyboard shortcuts to instantly move and resize the active window.

Each of these methods is covered in detail in the other help articles for Window Manager.

If you run into any issues during setup, please contact us and we will be happy to help.