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SPECIFICTION
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Amethyst

github.com

Free plan macOS
Visit github.com
Spec score 7.9 #18 of 65 in Window Management Software

What it is

Amethyst is a free tiling window manager for macOS, intended to arrange windows into layouts in the style of xmonad. Its built-in choices include Tall, Wide, Two Pane, several column variants, Widescreen-Tall, Fullscreen, Column, Row, Floating, and Binary Space Partitioning. Keyboard shortcuts can switch layouts, resize the main pane, change focus, move windows between screens or Spaces, and toggle floating or global tiling. Users can configure the app through its interface or a YAML file in their home directory; when present, that file takes precedence over GUI settings. JavaScript custom layouts are available as a beta feature. Amethyst supports application rules, virtual desktop controls, and layout presets, but not window grouping. It requires macOS 10.15 or later and permission to use macOS accessibility APIs. Downloads are available from the releases page or through the Homebrew cask. The project says it does not collect personal information or transmit information over a network, and its repository identifies the license as MIT. It recommends disabling automatic rearrangement of Spaces by most recent use because that setting can make keyboard navigation unpredictable.

Spec sheet

What it does
Amethyst is a tiling window manager for macOS along the lines of xmonad.Read 28 Sep 2026 · ianyh.com
Intended users
The project describes itself as a macOS tiling window manager and compares its approach to xmonad.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Free plan
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · github.com
Privacy
Amethyst states that it does not collect personal information or transmit information over a network.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Support
The project directs users to its troubleshooting guide for common issues and suggests Twitter or Gitter for questions or feedback.Read 28 Sep 2026 · ianyh.com
License
The repository identifies its license as MIT.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Accessibility access
Amethyst must be given permission to use macOS accessibility APIs.Read 28 Sep 2026 · ianyh.com
Configuration
Amethyst supports YAML configuration in the home directory, and that file overrides settings defined through the GUI when present.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Custom layouts
Custom layouts can be implemented in JavaScript and are marked beta.Read 28 Sep 2026 · ianyh.com
Download
Amethyst is available for direct download from its releases page or through the Homebrew cask.Read 28 Sep 2026 · ianyh.com
Keyboard controls
Keyboard shortcuts can cycle layouts, resize the main pane, change focus, move windows between screens or Spaces, and toggle floating or global tiling.Read 28 Sep 2026 · ianyh.com
Layouts
Built-in layouts include Tall, Wide, Two Pane, three-column variants, Widescreen-Tall, Fullscreen, Column, Row, Floating, and Binary Space Partitioning.Read 28 Sep 2026 · ianyh.com
Minimum OS
Amethyst supports macOS 10.15 and later.Read 28 Sep 2026 · ianyh.com
Spaces setting
The project recommends disabling automatic rearrangement of Spaces by most recent use because it can make keyboard navigation unpredictable.Read 28 Sep 2026 · ianyh.com

Plans and prices

Free and open source Free macOS tiling window management · Configurable layouts and keyboard shortcuts · Application floating or tiling rules Read 19 Sep 2026 · github.com
Free Free Amethyst is free and always will be Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com

Every Amethyst plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Includes a wide selection of built-in layouts.
  • Shortcuts move windows between screens or Spaces.
  • Supports application rules and virtual desktop controls.
  • Free and licensed under MIT.
  • Project says it does not transmit information over a network.

Limits

  • Requires macOS 10.15 or later.
  • Requires permission to use accessibility APIs.
  • Window grouping is not supported.
  • JavaScript custom layouts are beta.

Who it suits

Amethyst suits macOS users who want keyboard-driven window tiling with multiple built-in layouts and configurable rules. It may appeal to users comfortable granting accessibility access and configuring the app through a GUI or YAML file.

Verdict

Amethyst offers extensive layout choices and keyboard controls for macOS window management. It requires accessibility permission and does not provide window grouping.

Where Specifiction places it

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