For a long time, my macOS window management setup was based on tools like Rectangle. It handled window snapping well enough and required almost no setup. But as my workflow became more keyboard-driven and context-heavy, it started to feel limiting.
One of my friends eventually introduced me to AeroSpace, and that recommendation completely changed how I use macOS.
Rectangle is excellent for manual snapping. You resize, move, and adjust windows constantly.
AeroSpace takes a different approach.
If you've ever used i3 on Linux, AeroSpace will feel immediately familiar. It brings a real tiling window manager experience to macOS — structured layouts, predictable behavior, and a strong keyboard-first workflow.
Instead of managing windows visually, you manage intent.
What impressed me most is that I'm still using the default configuration; No custom rules. No complex setup. It already fits how I work.
I organize my workspaces by letter, each tied to a purpose:
c→ Chrome (browser)v→ VS Codet→ Terminal and related tools
For example:
- I open Chrome and send it to workspace
c - VS Code lives in
v - My terminal goes to
t
Now switching context is instant:
- ⌥ + c → browser
- ⌥ + v → code
- ⌥ + t → terminal
It becomes muscle memory very quickly.
Let's say I'm chatting and want Telegram next to my terminal tools.
- I focus the Telegram window
- Press ⌥ + shift + t
- Telegram moves straight into workspace
t
Later, I jump back to it with ⌥ + t.
No dragging. No searching. No desktop clutter.
This feels obvious once you get used to it — but it's hard to give up.
With multiple monitors, AeroSpace stays predictable.
Each display keeps its own workspaces. I usually:
- Keep coding (
v,t) on my main display - Keep browsing or docs (
c) on a secondary one
Moving a window to another display or switching focus is just another shortcut. Nothing breaks. Layouts stay intact.
AeroSpace also makes layout changes effortless.
- Split mode (⌥ + /) lets me divide the screen horizontally or vertically — perfect for editor + terminal or side-by-side work.
- Accordion mode (⌥ + ,) stacks windows so only one is visible at a time, ideal when I want focus without losing context.
Switching modes takes a second, and AeroSpace adapts automatically as windows open or close.
The biggest improvement isn't speed — it's reduced cognitive load.
I don't think about:
- Where should this window go?
- How should I resize it?
- Did I mess up my layout?
AeroSpace handles that for me.
Tools like Rectangle are great for basic snapping. AeroSpace is designed for flow.
The difference feels like:
- Floating windows vs structured workspaces
- Mouse-driven layouts vs keyboard-first control
- Constant rearranging vs predictable systems
Once you adapt, going back feels inefficient.
AeroSpace brings the spirit of Linux tiling window managers like i3 to macOS, without fighting the platform.
If you:
- Prefer keyboard-first workflows
- Work across many apps and displays
- Want consistent, low-friction window management
AeroSpace is worth trying — even with the default config.