Yabai
A tiling window manager for macOS that uses binary space partitioning to automatically organize windows.
What is Yabai?
yabai is a tiling window manager for macOS that automatically organizes application windows using a binary space partitioning algorithm. It extends the native macOS window manager, providing keyboard-driven control over windows, spaces, and displays to eliminate manual window arrangement and reduce distractions.
macOS power users, developers, and productivity enthusiasts who want efficient, keyboard-centric window management and are comfortable with command-line configuration.
yabai offers a lightweight, scriptable alternative to macOS's default window manager, with features like focus-follows-mouse, space creation beyond system limits, and animation-free transitions. Its integration with tools like skhd for keyboard shortcuts makes it highly customizable for advanced workflows.
Overview
A tiling window manager for macOS based on binary space partitioning
Use Cases
Best For
- Automatically tiling windows on macOS for efficient screen space usage
- Setting up keyboard-driven window management workflows
- Managing multiple virtual spaces beyond macOS's 16-space limit
- Disabling animations when switching between spaces for faster navigation
- Implementing focus-follows-mouse behavior on macOS
- Controlling windows and displays via command-line scripts
Not Ideal For
- Users in corporate or security-sensitive environments where disabling System Integrity Protection is prohibited
- Those who heavily rely on native macOS tabs in applications like Terminal or Finder due to known compatibility issues
- Casual users seeking a GUI-based, plug-and-play window manager without command-line configuration or system tweaks
Pros & Cons
Pros
Uses binary space partitioning to automatically arrange windows, optimizing screen space without manual dragging, as described in the README for distraction-free workflows.
Integrates with skhd for customizable keyboard shortcuts, enabling fast, scriptable window management that prioritizes keyboard-driven navigation over mouse use.
Allows creating virtual spaces beyond macOS's 16-space limit, facilitating better organization for multi-tasking power users.
Disables animations for space switching, making transitions instant and improving speed, as highlighted in the features for faster workflow.
Cons
Full functionality requires disabling System Integrity Protection, which compromises macOS's built-in security against malware and unauthorized system changes.
Involves multiple permissions, system setting adjustments, and potential breaking changes with macOS updates, as noted in the caveats and requirements table.
Issues with NSDocument-based apps like Terminal and Finder when creating tabs, forcing users to avoid tabs or use workarounds, per the README caveats.
Frequently Asked Questions
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