Automatic Tiling Window Managers
Automatic, non-overlapping window layouts for keyboard-driven workflows
Automatic tiling window managers take control of window placement, arranging windows into non-overlapping layouts without manual intervention. When you open a new window, it automatically finds its place in the tiled layout. These tools fundamentally change how you interact with your desktop, replacing the traditional floating window paradigm with an organized, keyboard-centric workflow.
How It Works
- 01Windows never overlap by default; screen space is automatically divided
- 02New windows are automatically placed and sized according to layout algorithms
- 03Heavy keyboard-driven navigation (focus, swap, resize via shortcuts)
- 04Layout algorithms determine window arrangement (BSP trees, master-stack, columns)
- 05Float mode available for exceptions (dialogs, certain apps)
- 06Workspace/space management often integrated
Best For
- Developers and terminal-heavy workflows
- Power users managing many windows simultaneously
- Multi-monitor setups where consistent layouts improve productivity
- Users who prefer keyboard over mouse
- Those coming from Linux tiling WMs (i3, bspwm, xmonad)
Examples
View all 5 →yabai
freeA tiling window manager for macOS based on binary space partitioning
AeroSpace
freeAn i3-like tiling window manager for macOS
Amethyst
freeAutomatic tiling window manager for macOS à la xmonad
Rift
freeRust-based tiling window manager with multiple layout styles
Glide
freeA breezy tiling window manager for macOS