Tech riderRev. 4 Oct 2026
- 1Runs onMac
- 2CostsFree plan
- 3PlatformsMac
- 4Application rulesYes
- 5Virtual desktop controlsYes
5 lines stated Written from the maker's own pages: github.com
Overview
yabai is ranked #11 of 64 in window management software on Specifiction. It runs on macOS. There is a free plan.
yabai plans and pricing
All plansCompared on window management software
- Free plan
- Yesgithub.com
- Platforms
- macOSgithub.com
- Application rules
- Yesgithub.com
- Virtual desktop controls
- Yesgithub.com
Facts
- Purpose
- yabai is a tiling window manager for macOS that automatically arranges windows using binary space partitioning.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
- Controls
- Its command line interface lets users control and query windows, spaces, and displays.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
- Window features
- It includes focus follows mouse, space switching animation controls, and the ability to create spaces beyond the limit of 16.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
- Window layouts
- Users can choose between binary space partitioning and floating layouts, and configure padding, gaps, and split ratios.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
- Automation
- Commands can be used in scripts, and yabai supports automation through rules and signals.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The project documents integration with skhd for keyboard shortcuts and Übersicht or Sketchybar for custom status bars.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The maker documents installation using a codesigned binary installer script or Homebrew from the asmvik/formulae tap.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
- 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.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
- Permissions
- yabai requires Accessibility permission, and Screen Recording permission when window animations are enabled.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
- Advanced access
- Partially disabling System Integrity Protection is optional but required for many advanced features that inject a scripting addition into Dock.app.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
- Security caveat
- The maker cautions that disabling System Integrity Protection carries potential risk and provides no recommendation on whether users should disable it.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
- License
- yabai is distributed under the MIT License.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project provides installation and configuration documentation through its GitHub wiki and asks users to review requirements before filing issues.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
- Known limitation
- The wiki warns that native macOS tabs in applications such as Terminal and Finder do not behave correctly when creating tabs.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Company
- Founded
- 2019github.com · 28 Sept 2026
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Where it ranks on Specifiction
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Sources
- github.com/asmvik/yabai· checked 4 Oct 2026
- github.com/asmvik/yabai/wiki/Configuration· checked 4 Oct 2026
- github.com/asmvik/yabai/wiki/Commands· checked 4 Oct 2026
- github.com/asmvik/yabai/wiki/Installing-yabai-%28l· checked 4 Oct 2026
- github.com/asmvik/yabai/wiki· checked 4 Oct 2026