Amethyst

Name: Amethyst
Brand: Amethyst

Free, open-source tiling window manager for macOS inspired by xmonad.

softwareWindow Managementwindow managertilingopen source

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Our Verdict

Best for

Developers who want free, keyboard-driven tiling window management on the Mac.

Skip if

You want a polished GUI configuration panel or official support.

What is Amethyst?

Amethyst is a free and open-source tiling window manager for macOS that automatically arranges open windows into layouts such as tall, wide, column, row, and binary space partitioning, similar to Linux tiling managers like xmonad. Windows are controlled entirely from the keyboard, with customizable modifier-key shortcuts for focusing, swapping, and resizing tiles. The project is distributed under the MIT license, installable via Homebrew or a direct download from GitHub releases, and supports multiple monitors and macOS Spaces. Configuration is handled through a YAML file, and advanced users can define custom layouts in JavaScript.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentDesktop App

open source✅ Yes

api available❌ No

support optionsGitHub issues, community wiki

key integrationsHomebrew

Key Features of Amethyst

Automatically arranges open windows into tall, wide, column, row, or BSP tiling layouts.

Every window action, including focus, swap, and resize, is bound to a keyboard shortcut.

Supports multiple monitors and macOS Spaces, with independent layouts per screen.

Configuration lives in a plain-text YAML file that can be version-controlled.

Custom layouts can be scripted in JavaScript for advanced tiling behavior (beta).

Distributed under the MIT license and installable via Homebrew cask or direct download.

Includes a floating-window toggle for apps that should not be tiled automatically.

Use Cases for Amethyst

Keyboard-only window management

Developers who prefer keyboard shortcuts over mouse dragging tile and switch windows without touching the trackpad.

Coding with multiple panes

Arrange an editor, terminal, and browser in a tall layout that automatically resizes as windows open and close.

Multi-monitor setups

Run different tiling layouts on each connected display for a consistent, organized desktop.

Switching from Linux tiling managers

Users moving from xmonad or i3 get a familiar tiling model on macOS.

Pros & Cons of Amethyst

Pros

Completely free and open source with no license fee.
Highly keyboard-driven, appealing to users coming from Linux tiling managers.
Active GitHub project with over 16,000 stars and regular releases.
Simple installation via Homebrew.

Cons

Requires granting accessibility permissions and some manual setup to work smoothly.
No official GUI-based preferences panel comparable to paid alternatives.
Custom JavaScript layouts are still a beta feature with rougher edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amethyst free?

Yes, Amethyst is free and open source under the MIT license.

How do I install Amethyst?

Install via Homebrew with 'brew install --cask amethyst' or download the app directly from the GitHub releases page.

Does Amethyst require special permissions?

Yes, it needs accessibility permissions granted in macOS Privacy and Security settings to control windows.

Can I customize tiling layouts?

Yes, beyond the built-in layouts, advanced users can define custom layouts in JavaScript.

Pricing Overview

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Free

Amethyst

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