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TileMyMac vs AeroSpace
AeroSpace is a free, open-source tiling window manager in the style of i3, set up by editing a TOML file. TileMyMac keeps windows side by side in a sliding row, and you set it up by clicking.
How they differ
AeroSpace tiles: every window on a workspace shares the screen, so opening another one makes the others smaller. TileMyMac scrolls: a new window takes the next spot in the row and the others keep their size. When the row is wider than your screen, you slide along it.
AeroSpace is configured in ~/.aerospace.toml, and its author has said it will never have a settings window. Everything in TileMyMac is set in a settings window, with a guided setup on first launch.
AeroSpace is a great pick for keyboard-first power users who enjoy tuning a config file, and it's free. TileMyMac is for people who want a tidy Mac without learning a config format.
Side by side
| Feature | TileMyMac | AeroSpace |
|---|---|---|
| How it arranges windows | Scrolling: every window takes the next spot in a row | Tiling, like i3: windows share the screen and resize to fit |
| Price | $19.99 once | Free and open source (MIT) |
| Setup | A settings window. No files to edit | A TOML file, ~/.aerospace.toml. No settings window, by design |
| Trackpad | Swipe with three or four fingers to slide the row | No trackpad gestures |
| Workspaces | Up to 9 workspaces, each its own row of windows | Its own virtual workspaces, instead of macOS Spaces |
| Several displays | Each display gets its own row | Supported; displays need to be arranged a certain way |
| macOS | macOS 13 or later | macOS 13 or later |
| System Integrity Protection (SIP) | Not needed | Not needed |
| Status | New (version 0.1), with free updates | Public beta, with breaking changes expected before 1.0 |
Pick AeroSpace if
- You want classic i3-style tiling, where every window shares the screen.
- You're happy editing a TOML file, and like having your setup as text.
- You want a free, open-source tool.
Pick TileMyMac if
- You'd rather click through settings than edit a config file.
- You want windows to keep their size when a new one opens.
- You'd like trackpad swipes as well as keyboard shortcuts.
Questions
Is TileMyMac based on AeroSpace?
No. TileMyMac is built on Paneru, a separate open-source window engine that slides windows along a row. AeroSpace is a tiling window manager with a different design.
Can I import my AeroSpace config?
No. TileMyMac works differently from AeroSpace, so there's nothing to import. Setup takes about a minute in the settings window.
Try the row right on our home page: see how TileMyMac works.
Get TileMyMacSources: AeroSpace on GitHub, AeroSpace guide. Something out of date? Tell us and we'll fix it.