For years, macOS users had to rely on third-party apps like Rectangle to get essential window management features such as keyboard shortcuts and drag-to-snap gestures. These tools filled a much-needed gap, offering a better way to multitask on Mac. However, with macOS Sequoia, Apple has finally introduced window tiling. So should you use Rectangle or Mac’s native window tiling feature because you can’t use both together?
Spoiler alert – Rectangle still offers better window management than the native macOS tiling features. I’ll explain in a minute.
Table of Contents
1. More Tiling Options
While macOS Sequoia‘s tiling is a great step forward, it only offers basic layouts dividing the screen into halves and quarters. Rectangle, however, goes 2 steps further allowing you to tile windows into thirds, sixths, or even custom sizes. You can easily snap a window to one-third of the screen or combine windows in complex layouts.
You even have tiling options to make windows slightly larger or smaller. While not everyone may need all these options, Rectangle can easily fit into anyone’s tiling needs, whereas you have to adjust your workflow to use the native tiling options.
Here is a look at all the keyboard shortcuts for different windows titling options that you get with Rectangle app.
2. Easily Change Keyboard Shortcuts
With Rectangle, you have the freedom to customize keyboard shortcuts fully. Whether you want to move windows between monitors or resize them to specific areas, everything can be controlled with custom key combinations. MacOS Sequoia, on the other hand, also offers shortcuts but little customization. There is a workaround to change the keyboard shortcuts but the process is clumsy and time-consuming.
3. Full Control Over Drag-and-Drop Snap Areas
The drag-and-drop snap areas in Rectangle are fully customizable. For example, when you drag a window to the top left corner, you can choose whether it takes up the entire left half or just the top left corner of the screen. In contrast, with the native macOS tiling option, you must play by the rules and stick to the predefined layouts.
4. Todo Mode: Pin an App to the Side
Rectangle’s Todo Mode allows you to pin an app (like a to-do list) to the side of your screen. This way, you can manage other apps, switch between them, adjust their layout, and more, all while the pinned app stays fixed on the sideways visible. It adjusts other windows as if your screen has been resized to accommodate the pinned app.
I use a notes app to jot down ideas while researching, but you can choose any app you prefer. In Rectangle app settings, you can customize the pinned app’s position, width, and other preferences. The native macOS tiling doesn’t offer any advanced features like this.
5. Customize the Gaps Between Windows
Rectangle allows you to adjust the spacing or gaps between windows, giving you a cleaner, less cluttered desktop that makes it easier to focus on your tasks. While macOS Settings lets you choose whether you want space between windows, the native method doesn’t allow you to control the exact amount of space. With Rectangle, you can fine-tune the gap to your liking.
macOS Advantage: Snap Multiple Windows with a Single Click
macOS does have one advantage that Rectangle doesn’t currently offer. Instead of snapping one window to the left and another to the right separately, a smart macOS keyboard shortcut will snap both windows to the left and right instantly. The good news is you can use this feature alongside Rectangle’s advanced window tiling options, giving you the best of both worlds.
Price
The native macOS Sequoia windows tiling option is free to use. No surprises there. Rectangle app has a freemium model. The free version comes with a bunch of options and settings and is good enough for most users.
The pro version will cost you $10.99 with a 10-day free trial available. You get advanced features like making your own size and position, quick snaps, a workspace with pre-selected apps with keyboard shortcuts, and more.
Rectangle vs. macOS Window Tiling
Have your heart set on Rectangle? You can disable the macOS tiling feature completely.
- Go to System Settings > Desktop and Dock.
- Under Windows, disable the Tile by dragging windows to screen edges option.
But if the native options are enough for your needs, you can always uninstall Rectangle. Using both features together may cause conflict.
In summary, while macOS Sequoia has made strides with its window management tools, Rectangle remains the more flexible and customizable solution, especially for users looking for advanced tiling options and finer control over their window layouts.
