Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

yabai VS Tiles

Compare yabai VS Tiles and see what are their differences

yabai logo yabai

A tiling window manager for macOS based on binary space partitioning

Tiles logo Tiles

Tiles is a window manager which allows you to easily reorganize windows by either dragging them to the edges of the screen, using keyboard shortcuts, or the menu bar.
  • yabai Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-26
  • Tiles Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-25

yabai features and specs

  • Efficient Window Management
    Yabai provides advanced tiling window management for macOS, greatly increasing productivity by allowing users to manage windows through keyboard shortcuts and layouts, minimizing the need for mouse interactions.
  • Highly Customizable
    The software offers extensive configuration options, enabling users to personalize their window management experience according to their specific workflow and preferences.
  • Open Source
    Being open source, Yabai is free to use and modify, allowing the community to contribute to its development and enhancement. This fosters a collaborative environment for improving the software.
  • Supports Scripting
    Yabai supports scripting through AppleScript or shell commands, enabling users to automate complex workflows and integrate Yabai with other tools and applications seamlessly.
  • Lightweight
    Yabai is designed to be a lightweight window manager, which means it consumes minimal system resources, ensuring that your Mac continues to run smoothly even with numerous active windows.

Possible disadvantages of yabai

  • Steep Learning Curve
    For beginners, the configuration and use of Yabai can be daunting, requiring a significant amount of time and effort to fully understand and utilize its capabilities effectively.
  • Requires SIP Disablement
    To utilize some of Yabai's more advanced features, users need to partially disable System Integrity Protection (SIP), which can reduce the overall security of the macOS system.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    As macOS updates and changes, compatibility issues may arise, potentially breaking functionality. Users may need to wait for updates from the developer community to resolve these issues.
  • Limited Official Support
    As an open-source project, Yabai does not come with official support channels. Users must rely on community forums and documentation, which may not always provide immediate or comprehensive assistance.
  • Complex Configurations
    Setting up Yabai to fit specific needs can be complex and time-consuming, especially for users who are not familiar with scripting or advanced configuration files.

Tiles features and specs

  • Improved Organization
    Tiles allows users to organize windows efficiently on their Mac, making it easier to manage multiple open applications and workflows.
  • Intuitive Interface
    The software provides an easy-to-use interface that simplifies the process of arranging and managing windows.
  • Customizable Layouts
    Users can customize window layouts to suit their personal preferences and workflow needs, enhancing productivity.
  • Drag and Drop Functionality
    Tiles supports drag and drop features that make it convenient for users to adjust their window sizes and positions quickly.
  • Resource Efficiency
    The application is designed to use minimal system resources, ensuring that it doesn’t significantly slow down the Mac.

Possible disadvantages of Tiles

  • Compatibility Issues
    Tiles may have compatibility issues with certain Mac applications, leading to unexpected behavior in window management.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    While Tiles offers basic functionality for window management, it may lack more advanced features that power users might find in other competing tools.
  • Learning Curve
    Users unfamiliar with window management applications might need some time to learn and get accustomed to using Tiles effectively.
  • Potential for Clutter
    Improper use of Tiles could lead to window clutter if users do not regularly maintain their workspace organization.
  • Free Version Limitations
    The free version of Tiles might have restrictions on certain features, prompting users to consider a paid upgrade for full functionality.

yabai videos

Yabai Demonstration

More videos:

  • Demo - yabai macOS Tiling Window Manager Demonstration

Tiles videos

No Tiles videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to yabai and Tiles)
Window Manager
80 80%
20% 20
OSX Tools
81 81%
19% 19
Mac Tools
84 84%
16% 16
Social Media Tools
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using yabai and Tiles. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, yabai should be more popular than Tiles. It has been mentiond 133 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

yabai mentions (133)

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Tiles mentions (19)

  • How to deactivate window resizing? (windows maximize when bumped to the menu bar)
    Tiles (window manager) → shut off/on, no difference. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Are these softwares safe to use?
    I'm using MacOS on a M1 Macbook and I've been recommended to use two softwares, namely AppCleaner and Tiles and I would like to ask you if you think they are safe to use. I've heard good things about them, AppCleaner was mentioned to me as a neccesary tool for Mac users to help you remove all the junk files a normal uninstall process wouldn't. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Apple Begins Testing Speedy M3 Chips as It Pursues Mac Comeback
    Thanks! I remember checking that out, I must've read it wrong I thought it was only free for 10 days but that's the pro version. I've been using Tiles for now which seems to be good enough :). Source: about 2 years ago
  • Tiling manager
    I’ve been using Tiles https://freemacsoft.net/tiles/ for my tiling needs. Is there a better one out there that is also free? Source: over 2 years ago
  • Hey any good apps to install on a brand new macbook? Im still new to the Os
    Adguard is a great ad blocker for Safari. I also recommend Tiles, Dropover and CopyClip. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing yabai and Tiles, you can also consider the following products

Rectangle - Window management app based on Spectacle, written in Swift.

Moom - Move your mouse over the green zoom button in any window, and Moom's mouse control overlay will appear (as seen in the above animation).

Bento - Bento is a platform that allows users to customize the work management for the team by enabling them to collaborate as a team.

Magnet Window Manager - Magnet Developers

Hopp by Wix - Meet the link-in-bio that’s built to convert. Hopp by Wix is a fully customizable, high-performance link-in-bio tool that helps creators, businesses, & entrepreneurs share, promote, and sell - all from one sleek, professional page.

BTT Remote - A remote control for you Mac, using your iPhone or iPad