yabai

Spec sheet

Purpose

yabai is a tiling window manager for macOS that automatically arranges windows using binary space partitioning.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Integrations

The project documents integration with skhd for keyboard shortcuts and Übersicht or Sketchybar for custom status bars.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Support

The project provides installation and configuration documentation through its GitHub wiki and asks users to review requirements before filing issues.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

License

yabai is distributed under the MIT License.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Founded

2019Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com

Advanced access

Partially disabling System Integrity Protection is optional but required for many advanced features that inject a scripting addition into Dock.app.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Automation

Commands can be used in scripts, and yabai supports automation through rules and signals.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Controls

Its command line interface lets users control and query windows, spaces, and displays.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Installation

The maker documents installation using a codesigned binary installer script or Homebrew from the asmvik/formulae tap.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Known limitation

The wiki warns that native macOS tabs in applications such as Terminal and Finder do not behave correctly when creating tabs.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Permissions

yabai requires Accessibility permission, and Screen Recording permission when window animations are enabled.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Security caveat

The maker cautions that disabling System Integrity Protection carries potential risk and provides no recommendation on whether users should disable it.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Supported systems

The project lists macOS Big Sur 11 or later for Intel and macOS Monterey 12 or later for Apple Silicon, including Tahoe 26.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Window features

It includes focus follows mouse, space switching animation controls, and the ability to create spaces beyond the limit of 16.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Window layouts

Users can choose between binary space partitioning and floating layouts, and configure padding, gaps, and split ratios.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Every yabai plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Window Management Software#52 of 657.1