Window tabs across apps
Combine windows from Finder, editors, terminals, browsers, and other Mac applications into tabbed shelves.
GroupShelf
GroupShelf is a native macOS utility that combines windows from different Mac applications into tabbed shelves. It helps users organize project- and task-related windows with drag-and-drop grouping, named shelves, color coding, and keyboard navigation.
Window tabs for Mac applications
GroupShelf is a macOS window-management utility that turns windows from different applications into tabbed groups, or “shelves.” It is designed for people who work across several Finder windows, browsers, terminals, editors, or other apps and want to organize them by project or task without changing the applications themselves.
The workflow is direct: hold Shift while dragging one window onto another to merge them into tabs, then drag a tab out when it needs to become a separate window again. Shelves can be named and color-coded, and tabs can be changed from the keyboard. GroupShelf requires macOS 15 or later, supports Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, and uses Accessibility permission to move, resize, and raise grouped windows; it does not read window contents or record the screen.
Features
Drag-to-tab workflow
Hold Shift and drag one window onto another to create a tab group; drag a tab out to split it back into a separate window.
Named and colored shelves
Assign each shelf an accent color and name to make project or task groups easier to distinguish.
Keyboard tab switching
Use Control + Option + Left/Right Arrow to move through tabs without reaching for the mouse. The shortcut is configurable.
Unlimited groups
Create as many shelves as needed for different projects or tasks; the site states there is no limit on groups.
Native macOS implementation
Built with AppKit rather than Electron and described as lightweight, with low battery impact.
Use cases
Project-based desktop organization
Keep Finder windows, terminal sessions, code editors, and browser windows for one project together in a single shelf, while leaving unrelated work in separate groups.
Task-focused workflows
Create separate shelves for research, writing, communication, or review work and switch between their tabs without rearranging every window manually.
Managing parallel work
Use named and color-coded shelves to distinguish multiple active clients, repositories, or workstreams at a glance.
Keyboard-driven navigation
Switch among related windows with the configurable keyboard shortcut when keeping hands on the keyboard is more convenient than selecting tabs with the mouse.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Groups windows from many Mac applications into tabs.
- Uses a simple drag-to-tab and drag-to-untab workflow.
- Supports named, color-coded shelves and configurable keyboard shortcuts.
- Provides a full-featured 30-day trial with no account required to start.
- Built with AppKit and supports both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
Cons
- Requires macOS 15 or later.
- Needs Accessibility permission to manage windows and is distributed as a direct download rather than through the Mac App Store.
- The license is limited to three activated Macs.
FAQ
How do I install and start the trial?
Download the disk image, drag GroupShelf into the Applications folder, launch it, and grant Accessibility permission in System Settings when prompted. The 30-day trial starts on first launch without an account or license key.
What are the system requirements?
GroupShelf requires macOS 15 or later and runs on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
How do I group and ungroup windows?
Hold Shift while dragging one window onto another to combine them into tabs. Drag a tab out to separate it. The modifier key can be changed in Settings.
What happens when the trial ends?
The trial includes all features for 30 days. After it ends, GroupShelf requires a license key to continue grouping windows.
How many Macs does one license cover?
One license can be used on up to three Macs. Devices can be deactivated through the customer portal to free a slot, and the portal also provides access to the license key and receipts.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Mac window management
- Platform
- macOS 15 or later
- Processor support
- Apple Silicon and Intel
- Grouping model
- Windows from any Mac app organized into tabbed shelves
- Trial
- 30 days, full features; starts on first launch
- License usage
- Up to 3 Macs per license
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