MacOS offers built-in window snapping now – but there’s a better option for power users

One of the most important aspects of a desktop for me is efficiency. I need an OS that makes it easy for me to work with multiple windows open in a way that is effortless and painless. The MacOS desktop is an outstanding option for users of all types. It’s elegant, simple to use, and rock solid. 

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MacOS didn’t have built-in window snapping for the longest time, which was a glaring omission, especially given that most operating systems have had built-in window snapping for some time. 

There’s good news. With the recent MacOS update (Sequoia), Apple has finally added window snapping. Even better, you don’t have to do anything to enjoy the feature, as it’s enabled by default.

What is window snapping?

Window snapping makes it possible for you to drag a window to the edge of your display (right, left, top, or bottom) and the window will automatically snap to that edge so it only takes up a certain area of the display. For example:

• Drag a window to the right edge and it will automatically take up the right half of the display.
• Drag a window to the left edge and it will automatically take up the left half of the display.
• Drag a window to the top edge and it will automatically take up the full display.

Most good window managers allow for the customization of snapping actions. Unfortunately, MacOS default only allows you (through a cumbersome window button action) to snap right or left.

Also: The 6 best MacOS Sequoia features that have nothing to do with AI or iPhones

Now that Apple has added window snapping to MacOS, you can also enjoy this highly efficient feature, so you can have multiple windows open and visible at the same time. As well, you can even use window snapping if you have Stage Manager enabled (which makes MacOS even more efficient).

How to use MacOS window snapping

As I mentioned earlier, there is no need to enable the feature, as it works out of the box. To snap a window, all you have to do is click and hold the title bar and drag to one of the following locations:

• Top center – full screen
• Top left – top left quarter
• Top right – top right quarter
• Bottom center – center third of the display
• Bottom left – bottom left quarter
• Bottom right – bottom right quarter
• Left edge – left half of display
• Right edge – right half of display

Alternatively, you can also hover your cursor over the green button at the top left of the app you are using and select where you want the window to be placed:

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An even better option

For me, however, there’s a better option than the one Apple has delivered for window snapping. That option is an app called Rectangle – and I prefer it over the built-in option because it has considerably more window placement options and features. 

Also: Upgrading to MacOS Sequoia? Here’s why you may want to hold off

This app not only allows you to configure apps to ignore with snapping but also allows you to break the screen into sixths (instead of just fourths). Rectangle also has keyboard shortcuts, which makes snapping windows even more efficient.

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Installing Rectangle

What you’ll need: The only thing you’ll need for this is a MacOS device, such as a MacBook Pro/Air or an iMac.