Automatic window tiling
Automatically sizes and positions open windows edge to edge, reducing manual dragging and resizing as apps are opened or moved.
KiwiDesk
KiwiDesk is a macOS window manager that automatically tiles and resizes open windows, with layouts, Spaces, profiles, shortcuts, and visual controls for mouse-and-keyboard workflows. It is designed for Macs running macOS 14 or later on Apple silicon and is free to use.
A window manager for an organized Mac
KiwiDesk is a window manager for Macs that automatically arranges open application windows into tidy, edge-to-edge layouts. Instead of repeatedly dragging and resizing windows, users can open apps normally and let KiwiDesk place them within the available screen space.
The app is designed for mouse and keyboard use and combines automatic tiling with configurable layouts, macOS Desktop profiles, visual Space and App Bar overlays, custom shortcuts, and app rules. It requires macOS 14 or later on Apple silicon, is free to use, and asks for Accessibility access so it can move and resize windows.
Key features
Seven layout modes
Offers seven layouts: Stack, BSP, Scrolling, Monocle, Grid, Track, and Floating, with the option to choose a layout per Space.
Desktop and Space organization
Uses native macOS Desktops with per-Desktop profiles, while allowing Spaces to be named, organized, and assigned to displays.
Visual navigation bars
The Space Bar provides a visual overview of Spaces and lets you click to switch or drag a window to another Space. The App Bar lists windows in Monocle and Scrolling layouts.
Custom shortcuts and app rules
Keyboard shortcuts can be changed by recording new key combinations, and app-launch bindings can bring a minimized app window forward.
Point-and-click configuration
Settings cover gaps, borders, colors, animations, pointer behavior, window placement, profiles, and rules for sending apps to specific Spaces or keeping windows floating.
Practical use cases
Focused writing or development
Use a focused Stack or Monocle layout while writing or coding, keeping the active window prominent and other windows available without manually rearranging them.
Research and reference work
Use a Scrolling, Grid, or Track layout to keep browser, reference, and research windows visible together while moving through a larger set of sources.
Separating projects and activities
Assign applications to named Spaces and bind a profile to each macOS Desktop so work, communication, and other activities can have separate arrangements.
Persistent utilities across Spaces
Keep a music player, notes panel, calculator, or similar window sticky so it remains available while you move between spaces; use the Space Bar to send other windows where they belong.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Automatic tiling reduces manual window resizing and keeps open windows visible without overlap.
- Seven layouts support different working styles, including focused, grid, scrolling, column-based, and conventional floating arrangements.
- Native mouse controls, visual Space and App Bars, and configurable shortcuts support users who do not want a keyboard-only workflow.
- Per-Space layouts, profiles, app rules, sticky windows, and monitor assignments allow separate setups for different tasks and displays.
- The app is signed and notarized, updates itself, and does not require Input Monitoring, Screen Recording, or disabling SIP.
Cons
- The current published compatibility information is limited to macOS 14 or later on Apple silicon; other Mac configurations are not specified.
- KiwiDesk needs Accessibility access to manage windows, and macOS shortcut conflicts can take precedence over KiwiDesk shortcuts.
- The product is focused on macOS and does not provide documented cross-platform support.
FAQ
What is KiwiDesk?
KiwiDesk is a macOS window manager that automatically arranges open windows into tiled layouts instead of requiring manual resizing and positioning.
How do I install and set up KiwiDesk?
Download the signed, notarized app, open it, and drag it to the Applications folder. On first launch, grant Accessibility access in System Settings under Privacy & Security; an onboarding wizard guides you through the permission.
What platform does KiwiDesk support?
KiwiDesk supports macOS 14 or later on Apple silicon. It is free to use and keeps itself updated from within the app.
What permissions does KiwiDesk require?
No. KiwiDesk requires Accessibility access so it can move and resize windows, but it does not require Input Monitoring, Screen Recording, or disabling System Integrity Protection (SIP).
Can I customize layouts for different Spaces or workflows?
Yes. KiwiDesk can use different layouts and profiles for macOS Desktops, assign apps to Spaces, pin selected windows so they follow you, and move windows between Spaces with its on-screen Space Bar.
Quick Facts
- Category
- macOS window manager
- Platform
- macOS 14 or later on Apple silicon
- Pricing
- Free to use
- Installation
- Download the signed app or install with Homebrew
- Required permission
- Accessibility access
- Layouts
- Seven: Stack, BSP, Scrolling, Monocle, Grid, Track, and Floating
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