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SPECIFICTION
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Amethyst vs Launchpad

Amethyst

github.com

Launchpad

launchpad.net

Side by side

FigureAmethystLaunchpad
Price fromFreeFree
Free planYesYes
Free trial——
Open source——
Web—Yes
macOSYes—
Linux—Yes
API—Yes
Self-hosted—Yes
Plans published22
Spec score · Window Management Software7.9 (#18)8.2 (#9)
Free planYesYes
Intended usersThe project describes itself as a macOS tiling window manager and compares its approach to xmonad.The manual describes Launchpad as a platform for open-source projects and community contributors.
SupportThe project directs users to its troubleshooting guide for common issues and suggests Twitter or Gitter for questions or feedback.Launchpad provides community support through Answers and links to Launchpad Support and a user guide.

Plans

Amethyst

  • Free and open sourceFree
  • FreeFree

Amethyst pricing →

Launchpad

  • Open-source projectsFree
  • Commercial subscriptionPriced on request

Launchpad pricing →

In their own words

Amethyst

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.

Visit github.com

Launchpad

Launchpad is a free platform for open-source collaboration, with tools to build and publish software. Projects can host Git repositories, review and merge changes, and link code changes to bug reports. Bug tracking can also integrate reports from Bugzilla, Trac, GitLab, and Mantis. Teams can build and distribute Debian packages, snaps, rocks, charms, and OCI images; documented architectures include AMD64, AMD64v3, ARM, and RISC-V. Localization tools support importing, exporting, and sharing translations, while blueprints help track project ideas and work. Launchpad Answers supports community help requests and FAQs. Automation options include a REST-style API, the launchpadlib Python client, and webhooks. The platform is available through the web, Linux, API, and self-hosted options. Commercial projects can request private branches, bugs, teams, mailing lists, and PPAs, but these features require Canonical authorization. Security documentation describes least-privilege access, restrictive networking, and fine-grained permissions; it also says automatic security monitoring was not in place as of July 2023.

Visit launchpad.net