An i3-like tiling window manager for macOS with tree-based window management and CLI-first configuration.
AeroSpace is an i3-like tiling window manager for macOS that replaces the native window management system with a tree-based, keyboard-centric interface. It solves the problem of inefficient window organization on macOS by providing fast workspace switching, multi-monitor support, and plain text configuration for power users. The project emulates its own virtual workspaces to overcome limitations in macOS Spaces.
Advanced macOS users, developers, and Linux expats familiar with i3 who want efficient, keyboard-driven window management without disabling System Integrity Protection.
Developers choose AeroSpace for its i3-like workflow on macOS, CLI-first design, and dotfile-friendly configuration. Its unique selling point is providing robust tiling window management without requiring SIP disabling or relying on macOS's limited native Spaces.
AeroSpace is an i3-like tiling window manager for macOS
Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.
Provides familiar keyboard shortcuts and tree-based management, making it easy for Linux i3 users to transition to macOS without a steep learning curve.
Emulates its own workspaces for instant transitions without animations, avoiding the need to disable System Integrity Protection as stated in the README.
Uses TOML files for dotfile-friendly setup, allowing easy versioning and customization through a simple text editor.
Offers i3-like handling with independent workspace management per monitor, addressing common limitations in macOS window management.
The project is in public beta with acknowledged breaking changes until version 1.0, which can disrupt workflows for daily users.
Explicitly de-prioritizes ricing and aesthetic customizations, offering minimal support for gaps and lacking features like window borders or animations.
Not notarized by Apple, which may trigger security warnings on macOS and require manual steps to bypass, as noted in the installation notes.