I find window management in macOS frustrating. This free app provided the solution I was looking for.

      Apple’s method of Mac computing is quite unusual. Its consistent emphasis on simplicity, fluidity, and elegance distinguishes it from Windows, yet it can also come across as quite limiting. This is especially evident in how app windows function in macOS.

      Before macOS Sequoia, Apple didn’t even provide effective window tiling and snapping features. Windows has had these capabilities for some time, in a manner that even power users would appreciate.

      In its latest version, macOS offers suggested tiled placements when you drag a window across the screen, but it's still far from ideal. The challenges with resizing windows can be even more aggravating. Therefore, it's not surprising that various third-party apps have emerged to fill the void.

      Rectangle has been a long-time favorite within the Mac community for good reason. However, not everyone is willing to pay $10 for an app that manages their windows. This is where Swift Shift comes into play.

      What is Swift Shift?

      In recent weeks, I’ve explored the open-source community and uncovered some amazing applications. The Maccy clipboard manager is one of my top picks, closely followed by Swift Shift.

      Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

      This entirely free and open-source app significantly redefines how you handle Mac app windows. There are no advertisements, it doesn't consume system resources, and there are no hidden fees or subscription models involved.

      Created by Pablo Varela, the app doesn’t even operate in its own standalone window. Instead, it exists as a utility in the menu bar, featuring a compact dropdown with a small selection of essential controls.

      What makes it notable?

      The guiding principle of Swift Shift is simple: “Never look for those tiny arrows again.” This refers to the small colored buttons in the upper left corner of an app window and the two-sided arrow that appears when the cursor hovers over the edges.

      It’s frustrating to drag the cursor, wait for the arrow to show up, and then grab the edges to resize the window. Furthermore, during this process, you can only make horizontal or vertical changes.

      Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

      Achieving diagonal resizing requires additional patience for corner grabs. Swift Shift elegantly resolves these issues by completely eliminating the grab-and-drag method. There's no need to interact with window edges at all.

      Instead, you can resize an app window or move it around the screen directly from where the cursor is located. I found that Swift Shift works just as effectively with a laptop’s trackpad, although it's designed primarily for mouse control.

      How does it simplify window management?

      Swift Shift utilizes a quadrant system for moving and resizing windows. The entire app window serves as an active area; all you need to do is click and move the cursor as you wish.

      These segments roughly define the active resizing zone for each app window. Swift Shift / GitHub

      To reposition a window, you simply press a keyboard shortcut and move the cursor. Fortunately, this shortcut is customizable, allowing you to select the most convenient option for ease of use.

      I assigned it to Command + Option (⌘ + ⌥), as those keys are adjacent. Once I hit the keyboard shortcut, I left-click on the mouse (or trackpad) and move it. This action permits window movement on the same display or across external monitors as well.

      The real advantage emerges when it comes to resizing windows. You no longer have to use the preset macOS tiling features accessed by hovering over the small green button in the upper left corner or, worse, trying to grab the edges to find the resizing arrow.

      Swift Shift allows you to set a distinct keyboard shortcut for resizing. I selected Command + Control (⌘ + ⌃) for this function. You just hit the keyboard shortcut, left-click, and start moving it to adjust the window size based on the corner nearest to the cursor.

      For instance, if the cursor is closer to the bottom right corner, the bottom and right edges of the app window resize simultaneously. This adjustment is fluid and comes with smooth animations.

      Fewer controls, clear purpose

      As mentioned, all the tools and features offered by Swift Shift are contained in a small dropdown that can be accessed by clicking the app’s icon in the menu bar. Additionally, you can hide it if the menu bar becomes cluttered.

      For added versatility, you can adjust the shortcut behavior to focus solely on the active window for triggering movement and resizing.

      Moreover, you can skip the mouse (or trackpad) click and rely solely on the keyboard shortcuts and cursor movement to accomplish the task. This way, you avoid accidentally clicking any active elements in the app window.

      Active quadrant area for window resizing. GitHub / Swift Shift

      Alternatively, you can change the default left click on the mouse to a right click. This thoughtful flexibility is appreciated, as it helps improve my workflow while accommodating personal preference.

      Regardless of whether you’re left- or right-handed, or where you prefer your mouse to be placed, you can