I'm a MacOS power user, and this window snapping app clobbers the built-in tool (2025)

One of the most important aspects of a desktop for me is efficiency. I need an OS that makes it easy to work with multiple windows open in a way that is effortless and painless. The MacOS desktop is an outstanding option for users of all types. It is elegant, simple to use, and rock solid.

MacOS did not have built-in window snapping for the longest time, which was a glaring omission, especially given that most operating systems have had built-in window snapping for years -- especially Linux.

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There is good news. With the recent MacOS update (Sequoia), Apple has finally added window snapping. Even better, you do not have to do anything to enjoy the feature, as it is enabled by default.

What is window snapping?

Window snapping makes it possible for you to drag a window to the edge of your display (right, left, top, or bottom) and for the window to automatically snap to that edge so it only takes up a certain area of the display. For example:

• Drag a window to the right edge, and it will automatically take up the right half of the display.
• Drag a window to the left edge, and it will automatically take up the left half of the display.
  
• Drag a window to the top edge, and it will automatically take up the full display.
  

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Now that Apple has added window snapping to MacOS, you can be more efficient with your window placement, which makes multitasking on the desktop even easier. In addition, you can even use window snapping if you have Stage Manager enabled -- which makes MacOS even more efficient.

How to use MacOS window snapping

As I mentioned earlier, there is no need to enable the feature, as it works out of the box. To snap a window, all you have to do is click and hold the title bar and drag to one of the following locations:

• Top center: Full screen
• Top left; Top left quarter
• Top right: Top right quarter
• Bottom center; Center third of the display
• Bottom left: Bottom left quarter
• Bottom right: Bottom right quarter
• Left edge: Left half of the display
• Right edge: Right half of the display

Alternatively, you can also hover your cursor over the green button at the top left of the app you are using and select where you want the window to be placed:

Another option: Rectangle

For me, however, there is a better option than the one Apple has delivered for window snapping. That option is an app called Rectangle -- and I prefer it over the built-in option because it has considerably more window placement options and features.

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This app not only allows you to configure apps to ignore snapping, but it also allows you to break the screen into sixths (instead of just fourths). Rectangle also has keyboard shortcuts, which makes snapping windows even more efficient.

How to install Rectangle

What you will need: The only thing you will need for this is a MacOS device, such as a MacBook Pro/Air or an iMac.

How to configure Rectangle

How to use Rectangle

After configuring the app, close the Settings window. You can now drag open windows to the edges or corners to snap them in place. This is exponentially easier than remembering convoluted keyboard shortcuts or the awkward title bar button.

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So far, Rectangle has proven to be the most effective method of snapping windows in MacOS that I have found. Kudos to the developer for creating the app, and remember, if you enjoy using Rectangle, consider offering a donation to the developer. If you are not as discerning about how and where your windows are snapped, the MacOS built-in feature will probably be enough.

Enjoy that newfound window snapping on your MacOS devices.

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