Why I want a “stacked zones” window manager for macOS — not another tiling one

Most macOS window managers take inspiration from Linux tiling systems — great for developers, but not so great for the way I (and many Mac users) actually work.

I open *a lot* of applications. Not because I want to tile them all side by side, but because every project I work on involves multiple tools, reference materials, and documents. I’ve tried almost every tiling window manager out there, but I keep coming back to the same realization:
what I really need is a zone-based, stacked window system.

Here’s the idea:

* The screen is divided into fixed regions (zones), each with a simple numeric label.
* Using a hotkey, I can send any active window to a specific zone — e.g. `⌥1`, `⌥2`, `⌥3`.
* Each zone behaves like a stack: only one window is visible, but others can be cycled through quickly.

This approach solves the real tension in window management — the *conflict over visible area*.
I don’t care which app sits in which area all the time; I care about seeing what matters *right now* as clearly as possible, without losing access to the rest.

When I’m deeply focused on a task, I want the main tool’s window to dominate the screen — large, centered, immersive.
But I also want other tools and references nearby, in smaller stacked zones, ready to switch to when needed.

It’s not about “perfect tiling.” It’s about **m**anaging focus and visibility in a way that respects how we actually use Macs.

Has anyone built something like this? Or is there a hidden gem I’ve missed?

https://redd.it/1o6ybje
@macappsbackup

Free Chat Apps for Ollama?

I recently discovered Ollama.

What is a free & recommended chat app to use with Ollama?

https://redd.it/1o6z7jd
@macappsbackup

Anyone want to share an alcove license?

According to their faq you can have up to 3 devices for one license.

https://tryalcove.com/

Let me know if this is against alcove’s tos.

https://redd.it/1o71jzz
@macappsbackup

Wipr2 blank spaces on YouTube home page?

Anyone else experiencing this with Wipr2 and other safari adblockers, where they work great on YouTube except there's a blank/empty space where sponsored ads are removed?

https://redd.it/1o73wm4
@macappsbackup

🚀 Just released: JSON Brace – a Safari Extension for macOS & iOS!

https://redd.it/1o750z5
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Send Files Using Menu Bar On macOS

hello everyone i found this app which skips the extra steps for airdrop but it is paid.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quickdrop-fast-file-share/id6745764555

anyone know about a free alternative to this which is similar in function. thanks

https://redd.it/1o74i7f
@macappsbackup

Shadow now understands what you "see" in meetings!


Hi all!

I’ve been sharing regular product updates about **Shadow**, and today I’m thrilled to announce another big leap forward 🚀



Last time, Shadow **learned how to see** with **Smart Screenshots** — automatically capturing what’s on your screen alongside your conversations. (In case you missed it, here’s the post: [Shadow (v1.4.0) — Now Captures Both Trannoscript👂 and Screenshots 👀](https://www.reddit.com/r/macapps/comments/1nhpr8q/shadow_v140_now_captures_both_trannoscript_and/))



Starting today, Shadow goes even further:

👉 It doesn’t just *capture* what’s on your screen — it **understands** it.

* A chart pops up and you’re not sure what it means? **Shadow can explain it.**
* A doc is on screen and someone asks a question? **Shadow connects the dots instantly.**
* Reviewing specs or designs in real time? **Shadow helps you make sense of them on the spot.**

No more context-switching. No more scrambling to keep up. Shadow stays with you — *seeing, hearing, and understanding* the meeting as it happens.



# 📌 How to use it

**During meetings**

Click the toggle at the bottom-right corner of your screen. From then on, Shadow will automatically understand what you’re seeing in real time.

https://reddit.com/link/1o7cfrs/video/3zktejvgbavf1/player



**After meetings**

Type @ and select what you want Shadow to reference when asking questions.

https://preview.redd.it/omgnfqohbavf1.png?width=2554&format=png&auto=webp&s=a6fcea548f7fc62aef20a8c7b9db1b34d82af06e



This update turns Shadow into a true **active partner** — one that doesn’t just listen, but *follows along with you* every step of the way.



I’d love for you to try the new version and share your feedback. Your thoughts and ideas always mean a lot 🙌



Your first 25 meetings are free — and I’m happy to offer special promotions for new community members too. Just let me know!

[https://shadow.do](https://shadow.do)

https://redd.it/1o7cfrs
@macappsbackup

Free Open Source App that brings cmdX + cmdV functionality to MacOS

It always bothered me that macOS doesn’t let you cut files in Finder with ⌘ + X like you can on other systems. After getting frustrated enough times, I decided to make a small app that adds ⌘ X and ⌘ V functionality for moving files.

It’s free, open source, and really simple. Just something I built for myself, but I thought others might find it useful too.



I know you can move files with ⌥ + ⌘ + V, but I just prefer using ⌘ + X.



If you’re interested, you can check it out here:



https://cmdx.yonn.online/

https://github.com/YONN2222/cmdX

https://redd.it/1o7hihg
@macappsbackup

Musicer v2.0 Released — A minimal and elegant music player.
This update adds support for macOS 26, fixes several issues, and improves the overall interface layout.

https://redd.it/1o7jqfp
@macappsbackup

Please help me find this app, I'm losing my mind
https://redd.it/1o7oliq
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Worth Building? - Menu bar & Tabs for Every Window
https://redd.it/1o7phuc
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Buildrrr - Create custom branded DMGs the easy way
https://offfwhite.design/buildrrr

https://redd.it/1o7t21q
@macappsbackup

Access Amazon S3 natively on macOS

https://redd.it/1o7wnsl
@macappsbackup

Validate idea, an alternative Finder with multiple filters

Hi everyone,

This post is about validating my idea before I go all in on building it.
I’m planning to create a Finder alternative for macOS, and the first feature will be Multiple Filters — allowing users to search files using multiple conditions such as:

File name (contains text)
Extension
File size
Created date range

I plan to include this feature in PRO mode, where free users can use up to 2 filter conditions, while PRO users can unlock unlimited filtering and advanced options.

The app will be free to use, but with certain PRO-only features.

I know there are already Finder alternatives like Bloom, but I decided to pursue this because Finder is something every Mac user interacts with daily, and I believe there’s still room for improvement in usability and search power.

The tech stack will be ElectronJS + ReactJS, so the app won’t be a native macOS application.

Thank you everyone for reading.

I’d really appreciate your thoughts and feedback!

https://redd.it/1o7xial
@macappsbackup

Folder Preview 2: Updated with Thumbnails & Icons View

Folder Preview has updated to version 2 with new app icon and new features like image thumbnails and Icons view. The performance of the extension is also massively improved.

Folder Preview 2 is a free upgrade for people who have purchased the app before. Go check it out: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/folder-preview/id6698876601?mt=12

Right-click status bar to switch view.

Icons view is perfect for images.

https://redd.it/1o7yidh
@macappsbackup

Am I crazy or is Safari truly a very slow browser on Mac?

I've tried many browsers over the years, and you always hear people say some are slow, some are fast, but I could never really tell the difference. Kinda like iPhone cameras. They all seem good. But a couple of times a year I will try to force myself to start using Safari since it would be nice to have the seamless integration, especially since I'm basically forced to use it on my iPad since it's the only browser I can use extensions, see the bookmarks bar, and block ads, but I'm always shocked by how slow it is. Like, it's actually very sluggish. Chrome just feels wayyy faster.

It seems fine on an iPhone or iPad, but on my M3 MacBook Air and my old m2 MacBook Air, it's horrible.

Does anyone else feel this way, or am I just imagining it?

https://redd.it/1o7yxrl
@macappsbackup

Try Comet Browser - Get 1 Free Month of Perplexity Pro!

Hi everyone,

I've been testing Comet Browser, the new browser from Perplexity, and it's been a pleasant surprise. The way it integrates AI into everyday browsing is really interesting.

What impressed me most is how the built-in AI search and assistant features help you quickly find information and manage your daily activities. The interface is clean and modern, and I think it's well optimized for Mac.

If you're curious and want to check it out, you can use this link to get 1 free month of Perplexity Pro:

👉 https://pplx.ai/iamjonatha92677

\---

This post was automatically generated by Perplexity AI Assistant: no actual keys were pressed to interact with Reddit, everything happened as if by magic!

https://redd.it/1o80l56
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Macscope - I'm building better and productive replacement ⌘+Tab for MacOs.

https://redd.it/1o818a5
@macappsbackup

QuakeNotch v1.5.4 is here w/ better notch sizing and amazing Quake Terminal and Notch Music experience on your MacBook's notch! 🥳 (Use discount code HAPPYNEWVERSION15 for 50% off!)

https://redd.it/1o82cdo
@macappsbackup

Automatically switch DNS servers based on wifi network?

The noscript says it all

I’m looking for an application that will automatically set a different dns server when I connect to a specific wifi network

Looking forward to the replies

https://redd.it/1o86vj3
@macappsbackup

BetterMouse Config Sharing?

Hello, I'm interested in seeing how other users have their BetterMouse configured, specifically the Smooth Scrolling. I've had a difficult time finding a community. Would love to see your configurations. I'm using the M720 Logitech, and toying around with the Hi-Res support. Currently have Acceleration at 5 and Duration at 25, but can't seem to replicate the experience I was getting with MouseGlide. The Magic Mouse is a no-go for me.

https://redd.it/1o8cgox
@macappsbackup