Rectangle
FreeFree open-source window management app for macOS. Snap windows to halves, thirds, quarters, and custom sizes using keyboard shortcuts or drag-to-snap.
What does this tool do?
Rectangle is a free, open-source macOS window management utility that lets users organize multiple windows through keyboard shortcuts or drag-and-drop snap zones. Instead of manually dragging windows to resize them, users can assign windows to halves, thirds, quarters, or custom positions using configurable hotkeys or by dragging windows to screen edges and corners. The app supports both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 10.15 or newer, and it's positioned as a successor to the discontinued Spectacle app, even offering Spectacle's default shortcuts for easier migration. Rectangle Pro adds premium features like faster snapping, custom shortcuts for arbitrary sizes and positions, and additional layout options for a one-time $9.99 purchase after a 10-day trial.
AI analysis from Feb 23, 2026
Key Features
- Keyboard shortcuts for snapping windows to halves, thirds, quarters, and full-screen positions
- Drag-to-snap zones on screen edges and corners for quick window positioning without hotkey memorization
- Cycle-through functionality allowing repeated shortcut presses to toggle between predefined window sizes
- Portrait display layout support for vertically-oriented monitors
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts (Pro feature) for arbitrary window sizes and positions
- Spectacle app migration compatibility with pre-loaded default shortcuts
Use Cases
- 1Multi-window coding workflows where developers need to arrange IDE, terminal, and browser windows side-by-side for reference
- 2Content creators comparing source and output files simultaneously by snapping windows to different screen quadrants
- 3Data analysts viewing spreadsheets and charts in split-screen layouts without manual resizing
- 4Writers and editors working with reference material in one window and draft content in another using snap positions
- 5Remote workers using external monitors who need consistent window positioning across multiple displays
- 6System administrators monitoring multiple terminal windows for log files, dashboards, and status checks
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Completely free with open-source code, removing cost barriers and allowing community contributions or self-hosting verification
- Keyboard-first workflow with cycle-through shortcuts reduces friction compared to manual window dragging and resizing
- Intuitive drag-to-snap interface appeals to less technical users while power users benefit from customizable hotkeys
- Portrait mode display support accommodates non-standard monitor orientations used in some professional setups
Limitations
- macOS-only tool limits accessibility for Windows or Linux users, creating workflow inconsistency on cross-platform teams
- Free version lacks custom window sizes and positions, forcing users to purchase Pro ($9.99) for beyond-standard layouts
- No multi-monitor intelligent placement—users must manually configure each display rather than having smart distribution across screens
- Requires memorizing keyboard shortcuts or repeated key presses to cycle through positions, creating cognitive load versus mouse-driven alternatives
Pricing Details
Rectangle is free with open-source code available on GitHub. Rectangle Pro costs US$9.99 as a one-time purchase and includes a 10-day free trial. The free version provides standard snap positions (halves, thirds, quarters); Pro adds custom shortcut configuration for arbitrary window sizes and positions.
Who is this for?
macOS users across technical and non-technical backgrounds who regularly juggle multiple windows—particularly software developers, data analysts, content creators, remote workers, and system administrators. Best suited for individuals or small teams seeking keyboard-driven efficiency improvements without software costs.