How do I customize Rectangle's keyboard shortcuts?

Customizing keyboard shortcuts in Rectangle is straightforward and highly recommended to tailor the app to your workflow. Access Rectangle's preferences by clicking its icon in the macOS menu bar and selecting 'Preferences.' Navigate to the 'Keyboard Shortcuts' tab. Here, you'll see a list of all available window actions and their default keybindings. To change a shortcut, click on the existing key combination next to the action and press your desired new key combination. Rectangle will automatically detect and record it. You can create unique combinations using modifier keys (Control, Option, Command, Shift) to avoid conflicts with existing system or application shortcuts. This flexibility allows for a truly personalized and efficient window management system.

Does Rectangle support multiple monitors or external displays?

Yes, Rectangle provides excellent support for multiple monitors and external displays, making it an invaluable tool for users with extended desktop setups. You can seamlessly move windows between displays using dedicated keyboard shortcuts (e.g., `Control+Option+Command+Left Arrow` or `Right Arrow`). Repeating these shortcuts can cycle a window through different screens in your setup. Rectangle is designed to intelligently handle various display configurations, including portrait-oriented monitors, ensuring that snapped windows are positioned correctly regardless of your screen arrangement. This feature dramatically simplifies the process of organizing your workspace across several screens, enhancing overall productivity for complex tasks.

I used Spectacle before; how similar is Rectangle, and can I import my old settings?

Rectangle is widely considered the spiritual successor to the popular Spectacle window manager, which was discontinued. It was developed by Ryan Hanson specifically to fill the void left by Spectacle, borrowing much of its core functionality and philosophy. Users migrating from Spectacle will find Rectangle's interface and default keyboard shortcuts very familiar. While Rectangle uses a different shortcut recording mechanism (MASShortcut) and adds more advanced actions, it explicitly supports importing Spectacle shortcuts. This ensures a smooth transition for long-time Spectacle users, allowing them to retain their muscle memory and preferred workflows with minimal disruption. It offers a modern, actively maintained alternative with expanded capabilities.

Are there any known issues or conflicts with Rectangle on macOS?

While generally stable and well-maintained, a small number of users have reported specific issues with Rectangle. One notable, though rare, conflict is the potential for Notification Center to freeze when the 'Snap windows by dragging' feature is enabled. If you encounter this, a common workaround is to disable the drag-to-snap option in Rectangle's preferences and rely primarily on keyboard shortcuts. Additionally, like any third-party utility that requires Accessibility permissions, Rectangle may occasionally encounter minor conflicts with other deep-system utilities or specific application behaviors. The GitHub repository serves as a good resource for checking active bug reports and potential workarounds, reflecting the transparency of its open-source development.

How do I ensure Rectangle launches every time my Mac starts up?

To ensure Rectangle automatically launches when you log in to your Mac, you need to enable the 'Launch at login' option within the application's preferences. To do this, click on the Rectangle icon in your macOS menu bar (usually near the clock), then select 'Preferences.' In the preferences window, typically under the 'General' or 'Settings' tab, you will find a checkbox labeled 'Launch at login' or 'Start at login.' Make sure this box is checked. Enabling this option will add Rectangle to your system's Login Items, guaranteeing that it's running and ready to manage your windows from the moment your desktop appears.

Is Rectangle a lightweight application, and does it consume much system resources?

Yes, Rectangle is designed to be a lightweight and efficient application. Written in Swift, it generally operates with negligible system resource usage, including CPU and RAM. It runs quietly in the background, primarily as a menu bar item, and only actively engages when you trigger a window management action via a keyboard shortcut or drag-to-snap gesture. This efficiency is one of its major advantages, especially compared to more feature-heavy alternatives. Users typically report no noticeable performance impact on their Macs, even during prolonged use or when managing many windows across multiple displays, making it an excellent choice for maintaining optimal system performance.

Can I use Rectangle to create custom window sizes or positions not included in the defaults?

The free version of Rectangle primarily focuses on a comprehensive set of predefined window actions like halves, quarters, thirds, maximizing, and centering. While you can customize the keyboard shortcuts for these existing actions, creating entirely new, arbitrary custom window sizes or positions is generally a feature found in the paid Rectangle Pro version. Rectangle Pro allows for much finer-grained control, including custom snap areas and the ability to define and save specific application layouts. However, the free Rectangle's flexibility in cycling through various split options (e.g., repeatedly pressing a half-screen shortcut to get two-thirds or one-third) often provides enough versatility for many users' custom needs.

How do I troubleshoot if Rectangle's snap features stop working?

If Rectangle's snap features stop working, the first thing to check is that it has the necessary Accessibility permissions. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility and ensure Rectangle is enabled. Sometimes, a macOS update or a system glitch can revoke these permissions. If permissions are granted, try restarting the Rectangle application from its menu bar icon or by quitting and relaunching it. For more persistent issues, restarting your entire Mac can resolve underlying system conflicts. Checking the GitHub issues page for Rectangle (rxhanson/Rectangle) can also reveal if others are experiencing similar problems or if a known bug has a specific workaround.

Does Rectangle offer any advanced options beyond its graphical interface?

Yes, beyond its user-friendly graphical interface, Rectangle does offer some advanced configurations that can be accessed via Terminal commands. These 'hidden' settings allow for fine-tuning certain behaviors that aren't exposed in the standard preferences pane. Examples might include adjusting animation speeds, edge resistance sensitivity, or more granular control over specific window behaviors. These commands are typically listed in the project's GitHub README or discussions. Additionally, Rectangle supports URL schemes, which can be used to programmatically trigger actions, enabling integration with macOS automation tools for complex custom workflows. This flexibility allows power users to sculpt their workspace precisely.

BUNDL

AI Builder

JavaScript is disabled. Some interactive features require JavaScript. Core content is still available below.

Loading…

Rectangle

Name: Rectangle
Availability: InStock

Move and resize windows using keyboard shortcuts

System UtilitiesFreeOpen SourceReplaces Magnet ($8)

Rectangle screenshot — Rectangle — Official Website

Quick Take: Rectangle

4.8

In 2026, Rectangle stands as the undisputed champion among free and open-source window management apps for macOS. Its ability to marry Windows-style drag-to-snap with extensive, customizable keyboard shortcuts makes it an indispensable tool for anyone seeking a more efficient workflow. While macOS has introduced its own window management features, Rectangle's precision, flexibility, and lightweight performance continue to set it apart. Its open-source nature ensures transparency, community-driven improvements, and a commitment to privacy that many proprietary alternatives cannot match. The minor hurdles of initial accessibility setup and the reservation of highly advanced features for its Pro sibling are easily outweighed by the immense value it provides at zero cost. Rectangle is not just a utility; it's a fundamental enhancement to the macOS experience, transforming window clutter into organized productivity. It's stable, actively developed, and highly recommended.

Best For

•Productivity-focused Mac users
•Developers and power users
•Multi-monitor setups
•Users seeking a free, open-source solution
•Individuals migrating from Spectacle

Install with Homebrew

brew install --cask rectangle

What is Rectangle?

Rectangle is a highly acclaimed, free, and open-source window management application for macOS, designed to bring robust window snapping and resizing capabilities to Apple's desktop operating system. Developed by Ryan Hanson, it emerged in 2019 as a modern, Swift-based spiritual successor to the beloved but discontinued Spectacle app. In 2026, Rectangle remains a pivotal tool in the macOS productivity landscape, addressing the platform's long-standing limitations in native window organization. Its core value proposition lies in empowering users to efficiently arrange their digital workspace with a combination of intuitive keyboard shortcuts and Windows-like drag-to-snap gestures. This dramatically enhances multitasking, especially for users navigating multiple applications, complex layouts, or multi-monitor setups. As macOS continues to evolve with features like Stage Manager, Rectangle's precise control and deep customization keep it a preferred choice for power users, developers, and anyone seeking to optimize their screen real estate without incurring software costs. It seamlessly integrates into the macOS environment, offering a lightweight yet powerful solution for a more streamlined and productive workflow. The ongoing open-source development ensures its adaptability and relevance in the ever-changing tech environment.

Deep Dive: Rectangle

Rectangle is a free and open-source macOS utility that significantly enhances window management through intuitive keyboard shortcuts and drag-and-snap functionality. It brings Windows-style window snapping to Mac, allowing users to efficiently organize their digital workspace and boost productivity beyond macOS's native capabilities.

History & Background

Rectangle emerged as a spiritual successor to Spectacle, another popular free and open-source window manager for macOS, after Spectacle's development ceased. Written in Swift, Rectangle adopted and improved upon Spectacle's core functionalities, offering a similar user experience with additional features. Its development by Ryan Hanson addressed a significant gap in macOS, providing robust window snapping capabilities that were previously lacking. Since its initial release, Rectangle has garnered substantial community adoption, evidenced by its active GitHub repository. The project's commitment to being free and open-source, while also offering a 'Pro' version for advanced features, has been key to its widespread use and continued evolution.

How It Works

Rectangle is built using Swift, a modern programming language developed by Apple, ensuring native performance and tight integration with macOS. It leverages macOS's accessibility permissions to control and manipulate application windows, a common approach for such utilities. To handle keyboard shortcuts, Rectangle utilizes `MASShortcut`, a library for recording global keyboard shortcuts, a departure from Spectacle's custom recorder. The application operates quietly in the menu bar, consuming negligible system resources. It supports macOS v10.15 (Catalina) and newer, and is compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. Crucially, Rectangle's architecture prioritizes user privacy, with no telemetry, analytics, or data collection implemented, and its MIT-licensed source code is publicly auditable.

Ecosystem & Integrations

While Rectangle itself is a focused window management tool, its design allows for effective integration within a broader productivity ecosystem on macOS. Users often combine Rectangle with other powerful utilities like Alfred (a productivity launcher) and BetterTouchTool (for extensive gesture controls) to create highly customized and automated workflows. The core logic of Rectangle has also been utilized in other applications, such as the Multitouch app, further demonstrating its foundational role in Mac utility development. Rectangle Pro, the paid counterpart, extends this ecosystem by offering advanced features like custom window sizes and positions, app layouts, and iCloud settings synchronization, allowing for a more deeply integrated and personalized experience across devices.

Future Development

In 2025 and early 2026, Rectangle continues its steady evolution, primarily focusing on stability, performance, and user-requested refinements. While no major architectural overhauls are anticipated, ongoing updates are likely to include bug fixes and minor feature enhancements. The Pro version, in particular, saw updates in late 2025 (e.g., version 3.64 in November 2025), focusing on advanced customization, cursor-based window manipulation, and improved integration with macOS features like Stage Manager. Future directions may explore deeper integrations with Apple's evolving macOS environment and hardware, particularly as Apple introduces new M5 and M6 powered Macs and potential display updates in late 2025 and 2026.

Key Features

Extensive Keyboard Shortcuts

Rectangle offers a comprehensive suite of customizable keyboard shortcuts, allowing users to move and resize windows with unmatched speed and precision. From snapping windows to halves, quarters, or thirds of the screen, to maximizing, centering, or moving windows between displays, almost every action can be bound to a hotkey. This feature significantly reduces reliance on the mouse or trackpad, fostering a keyboard-centric workflow that is highly efficient for power users and those seeking to maintain focus. The ability to customize these shortcuts means users can tailor the experience to their muscle memory, making it feel truly native.

Intuitive Drag-to-Snap Areas

Mimicking the popular Aero Snap feature from Windows, Rectangle allows users to drag application windows to screen edges and corners to automatically resize and position them. Dragging a window to the left or right edge snaps it to that half of the screen, while dragging to a corner places it in a quarter. The top edge typically maximizes the window. This visual and interactive method provides an easy entry point for new users and offers a quick alternative to keyboard shortcuts, especially for casual adjustments. It enhances the native macOS experience with a highly functional and familiar snapping mechanism.

Multi-Monitor Support

For users with multiple displays, Rectangle is an indispensable tool. It allows seamless movement of windows across different screens using dedicated keyboard shortcuts or by cycling snap actions. This is particularly useful for workflows involving extended desktops, enabling users to quickly organize applications across their entire workspace without manual dragging. The app can remember window positions across displays and is designed to handle various monitor orientations, including portrait setups, ensuring consistent and efficient window management regardless of your physical display configuration.

Flexible Window Layouts (Halves, Quarters, Thirds)

Rectangle goes beyond basic half-screen splits, offering a wide array of predefined layouts including halves, quarters (corners), and various thirds and two-thirds configurations. This granular control over window placement helps users make optimal use of their screen real estate for diverse tasks. By repeatedly pressing a shortcut, users can cycle through different sizes or positions for a given snap area, providing even greater flexibility without needing to memorize an excessive number of key combinations. This versatility is key for complex multi-app workflows.

Ignore App Functionality

Recognizing that some applications may not behave well with window management tools, or that users might prefer certain apps to retain their original sizing and positioning, Rectangle includes an 'Ignore app' feature. Users can easily add specific applications to an ignore list, preventing Rectangle from applying its window actions to them. This ensures compatibility and allows for a customized experience, where users have ultimate control over which apps are managed, enhancing stability and user preference.

Configurable System Integration

Rectangle integrates deeply with macOS, allowing extensive configuration. Users can import and export their configurations as JSON files, making it easy to back up settings or transfer them between Macs. It also supports URL schemes to execute actions programmatically, opening up possibilities for automation with other macOS tools. The application is lightweight, uses negligible system resources, and respects user privacy by not collecting any data, reinforcing its commitment to a transparent and user-centric experience.

Who Should Use Rectangle?

1The Multitasking Developer

A software developer often juggles a code editor, a terminal, and a web browser across two monitors. With Rectangle, they can use `Control+Option+Left Arrow` to snap their code editor to the left half of their primary screen, `Control+Option+Right Arrow` for the browser on the right, and then `Control+Option+Command+Right Arrow` to instantly move the terminal to their secondary display. When testing, a quick `Control+Option+F` (maximize) on the browser fills the screen, and another `Control+Option+Left Arrow` brings it back, significantly cutting down on mouse movements and saving precious seconds throughout the day. This efficiency allows them to stay in their flow state longer.

2The Research-Intensive Student

A university student is writing a research paper, needing to reference multiple PDF articles and web pages while composing in their word processor. They can use Rectangle to quickly arrange their word processor to take up the left two-thirds of their screen (`Control+Option+E`), while dedicating the right third to a PDF viewer or Safari (`Control+Option+G`). As they switch between research sources, they can instantly swap the focused application in the smaller pane or move it to a different screen entirely, maintaining a highly organized digital workspace ideal for focused study and citation gathering.

3The Digital Content Creator

A video editor or graphic designer frequently uses a large primary monitor for their main creative application (e.g., Final Cut Pro or Photoshop) and a secondary monitor for asset browsing and communication. Rectangle allows them to quickly snap their main application to full screen on the primary display, then use `Control+Option+Command+Right/Left Arrow` to throw their communication app (like Slack or Discord) to the secondary monitor's left half, and their asset folder to the right half. This keeps their main workspace uncluttered while providing immediate access to essential supporting tools, enhancing creative focus and reducing distractions.

How to Install Rectangle on Mac

Installing Rectangle on your Mac is a straightforward process, offering both a convenient Homebrew Cask method for command-line enthusiasts and a traditional direct download for all users. Following these steps will quickly get you up and running with enhanced window management.

Download the Application

The easiest way to obtain Rectangle is by downloading the latest version directly from its official website (rectangleapp.com). Alternatively, if you use Homebrew, you can open your Terminal and execute the command: `brew install --cask rectangle`. This method is often preferred for easy updates and management of macOS applications.

Move to Applications Folder

If you downloaded the `.dmg` file, open it and drag the Rectangle application icon into your Applications folder. If you installed via Homebrew, this step is handled automatically. Once moved, you can eject the `.dmg` file and optionally delete it.

Grant Accessibility Permissions

Upon first launch, Rectangle will prompt you to grant accessibility permissions. Navigate to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility, find Rectangle in the list, and toggle the switch to enable it. This is crucial for the app to control and manage your windows effectively. Without this permission, Rectangle cannot function.

Configure Launch at Login (Optional)

For continuous productivity, it's recommended to set Rectangle to launch automatically when your Mac starts up. Open Rectangle's preferences (accessible from the menu bar icon), go to the 'General' tab, and check the 'Launch at login' box. This ensures Rectangle is always ready to assist with your window management needs without manual intervention.

Pro Tips

• After installation, restart your Mac to ensure all keyboard shortcuts load properly.
• Disable 'Displays have separate Spaces' in System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Mission Control for a more consistent multi-monitor experience with Rectangle.
• Explore the default shortcuts in Rectangle's preferences to get a feel for its capabilities, then customize them to your liking.

Configuration Tips

Mastering Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

Rectangle's true power lies in its customizable keyboard shortcuts. Instead of relying solely on drag-to-snap, dive into `Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts` and remap actions to keys that feel natural to you. Consider using a modifier key combination (e.g., `Control+Option+Command`) paired with directional arrows or number keys for various splits (halves, thirds, quarters) and movements (next display). This allows for lightning-fast window arrangement without ever touching your mouse, significantly boosting productivity. Experiment to find a system that aligns with your muscle memory and workflow.

Optimizing Multi-Monitor Behavior

For multi-monitor setups, navigate to `System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Mission Control` and disable 'Displays have separate Spaces.' While this might alter some native macOS behaviors, it often leads to a more predictable and seamless window management experience with Rectangle, especially when maximizing windows or moving them across displays. Additionally, explore Rectangle's preference options for 'Traverse displays on subsequent left/right' to fine-tune how windows jump between screens with repeated shortcut presses, ensuring a fluid multi-display workflow.

Utilizing URL Schemes for Automation

For advanced users looking to integrate Rectangle with other automation tools like Raycast, Alfred, or Keyboard Maestro, leverage Rectangle's URL scheme support. You can execute specific window actions by opening a URL like `rectangle://execute-action?name=[action_name]`. This allows you to create complex macros or workflows that trigger Rectangle actions programmatically, such as arranging a specific set of applications into a predefined layout with a single command or hotkey, further enhancing your productivity automation.

Alternatives to Rectangle

While Rectangle stands out as a top-tier free and open-source solution, the macOS window management ecosystem offers several robust alternatives, both free and paid, each with its unique strengths.

Magnet

Magnet is a popular paid alternative available on the Mac App Store, known for its polished user interface and ease of use. It offers a similar drag-to-snap and keyboard shortcut functionality to Rectangle, with a strong focus on simplicity and immediate gratification. While Magnet might feel slightly quicker for basic window switching and boasts a visually appealing UI, Rectangle often pulls ahead in complex multi-monitor operations and memory efficiency. Magnet also has a fixed set of layouts, whereas Rectangle offers more customization for advanced users.

BetterTouchTool

BetterTouchTool (BTT) is a highly versatile, paid utility that goes far beyond just window management, offering extensive customization for trackpads, mice, keyboards, and Touch Bar. Its window snapping capabilities are robust, allowing custom snap areas and application-specific rules. However, BTT's sheer breadth of features can make it overwhelming if only window management is desired. Rectangle, in contrast, is solely focused on window management, offering a more streamlined and less complex solution, particularly for users who don't need BTT's extensive gesture and automation capabilities.

Moom

Moom is another established, paid window manager for macOS, recognized for its unique 'hover over green button' functionality that reveals a pop-up palette of resizing and moving options. It also supports custom keyboard shortcuts and the ability to save window layouts for instant recall. Moom is highly flexible and offers more layout options than native macOS tools. While Moom provides a distinct visual approach and layout saving features, Rectangle excels in its free, open-source nature, often being the preferred choice for those who prioritize cost-effectiveness and deep, keyboard-driven customization.

Pricing

Free, Open-Source

Rectangle is fundamentally a free and open-source application, available to all macOS users without any cost or subscriptions. This commitment to open source is a cornerstone of its appeal, making powerful window management accessible to everyone. The developer, Ryan Hanson, also offers a separate, paid application called Rectangle Pro. While Rectangle (the free version) provides a robust set of features that satisfy most users, Rectangle Pro extends this functionality with advanced capabilities like quicker snapping from anywhere on a window, support for up to 16 predefined positions, enhanced customization for specific app layouts, and cursor-based window movement. Rectangle Pro typically has a one-time purchase fee, offering a perpetual license for its enhanced feature set for users seeking even more advanced control. The free version, however, remains fully functional and actively maintained, receiving regular updates from its community-driven development.

Pros

✓Completely free and open-source, offering powerful features without cost.
✓Highly customizable keyboard shortcuts for precise window control.
✓Intuitive drag-to-snap functionality for quick and easy window arrangement.
✓Excellent multi-monitor support, including seamless window movement between displays.
✓Lightweight and resource-efficient, running quietly in the background without performance impact.
✓Successor to the popular Spectacle app, offering a familiar experience for migrating users.
✓Supports a wide range of layouts, including halves, quarters, and various thirds.
✓No data collection and strong privacy commitment, being fully auditable due to its open-source nature.

Cons

✗Requires manual granting of Accessibility permissions during initial setup.
✗Advanced features like app-specific layouts or more complex custom snap areas are reserved for Rectangle Pro.
✗Can have a steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with extensive keyboard shortcuts.
✗Does not include app-switching or launching functionalities, requiring additional tools for a complete workflow.
✗Occasional reports of Notification Center freezing for a small number of users when drag-snapping is enabled.

Community & Support

Rectangle benefits significantly from being a free and open-source project, fostering a vibrant community primarily centered around its GitHub repository. The project's GitHub page (rxhanson/Rectangle) is highly active, reflecting ongoing development, bug fixes, and feature discussions. Users can report issues, suggest ideas, and even contribute code or localizations. The developer, Ryan Hanson, is generally responsive to community feedback and maintains clear documentation. While there isn't a dedicated forum beyond GitHub, the discussions and issue trackers serve as de facto support channels. The open-source nature means that the codebase is transparent and auditable, which is a major advantage for security-conscious users. The strong community engagement ensures Rectangle remains current, stable, and responsive to user needs in 2026.

Video Tutorials

Getting Started with Rectangle

Bog105.4K views

How to Use Rectangle: The Best FREE Window Manager for Mac (by far)

Anson Alexander • 49.1K views

Awesome Mac Apps Recommend (pt1): Rectangle - Snap Mac Windows #shorts

Mac Moment • 6.2K views

This Simple macOS Window Management Workflow Is All I Need

Josean Martinez • 139.8K views

Frequently Asked Questions about Rectangle

Rectangle is the free, open-source version, offering core window management features like keyboard shortcuts and drag-to-snap for halves, quarters, and thirds. It provides robust functionality for most users. Rectangle Pro, a separate paid application by the same developer, extends these capabilities significantly. Pro offers more advanced features such as quicker snapping from anywhere on a window (not just edges), support for more predefined snap positions (up to 16), custom snap areas, application-specific layouts, and cursor-based window movement. It’s designed for power users who require granular control and highly specific workflow optimizations. While the free Rectangle is excellent, Pro caters to those willing to invest in an even more customized and efficient experience.

Our Verdict

4.8/5

Best for:Productivity-focused Mac usersDevelopers and power usersMulti-monitor setupsUsers seeking a free, open-source solutionIndividuals migrating from Spectacle

About the Author

Jordan Kim

Productivity & Workflow Analyst

Productivity ApplicationsNote-Taking & Knowledge ManagementTask & Project Management

8+ years in operations management · PMP certified

Related Technologies & Concepts

RectangleRyan HansonmacOSSpectacleHomebrewMagnetBetterTouchToolOpen Source

Sources & References

Fact-Checked

Last verified: Feb 15, 2026

Key Verified Facts

Rectangle is available for macOS with Homebrew installation support[cite-1]
Rectangle supports Apple Silicon Macs natively[cite-10]

1
grokipedia.com
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
2
macked.app
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
3
onmymenubar.app
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
4
drbuho.com
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
5
github.com
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
6
majorgeeks.com
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
7
softpedia.com
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
8
youtube.com
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
9
tongfamily.com
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
10
jamieonkeys.dev
Accessed Feb 15, 2026

Research queries: Rectangle app Mac review 2026; Rectangle app creator Ryan Hanson; Rectangle app history; Rectangle app core value proposition 2026; Rectangle app features list

Compare Rectangle

Rectangle vs Amethyst

window managers

Rectangle is a Free Alternative

Rectangle can replace these paid apps:

Magnet$8

Browse all free alternatives

More System Utilities

Explore More on Bundl

All Apps Comparisons Free Alternatives Collections

Similar Apps