Apple introduced window snapping in macOS Sequoia at WWDC, a feature long-awaited by Mac users. While this new functionality offers a basic level of window management, it pales in comparison to the capabilities of third-party apps like BetterTouchTool. This article explores the strengths and weaknesses of macOS Sequoia’s window snapping and why BetterTouchTool remains the superior choice for optimizing your workflow.
Apple macOS Sequoia Window Snapping
macOS Sequoia’s window snapping allows users to drag windows to the screen’s edge, snapping them into pre-defined zones. This feature supports various screen divisions, including halves and quarters, and offers keyboard shortcuts for quicker access. Customization options are limited, allowing adjustments to the “drop zone” size and the removal of gaps between tiled windows.
macOS Sequoia Window Tiling Example
However, the native implementation falls short in several areas. Keyboard shortcuts are not customizable, and unlike Windows 11, snapping a window doesn’t automatically offer options for snapping another app to the remaining screen space. The process can feel cumbersome, and minimum size restrictions for some apps hinder seamless tiling.
BetterTouchTool: A Power User’s Dream
BetterTouchTool Settings for Window Snapping
BetterTouchTool, a paid application, provides a significantly more robust and customizable window management experience. It offers a plethora of features, including custom keyboard shortcuts, visual tweaks, and advanced settings for creating custom snap areas and shapes. The level of control offered by BetterTouchTool far surpasses the native macOS Sequoia solution, making it a powerful tool for productivity.
Beyond window snapping, BetterTouchTool offers innovative features like the ability to move or resize any window by hovering over it while holding a modifier key. This seemingly simple feature adds an incredible level of fluidity to window management. See it in action.
The Future of macOS Window Management
While macOS Sequoia’s window snapping is a welcome addition, its current implementation feels underdeveloped. The lack of customization and advanced features leaves much to be desired. Although it’s still in beta, more ambition from Apple would be appreciated, with features like customizable shortcuts and advanced controls being highly beneficial.
However, Apple’s tendency towards simplicity suggests that a full-featured solution like BetterTouchTool is unlikely to be replicated natively. This leaves BetterTouchTool as the undisputed champion for enhanced window management on macOS, offering a superior experience for the foreseeable future.
