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TileMyMac vs ChainYourMac
These two are close cousins. Both are scrolling window managers for macOS: windows sit side by side in a row that runs past the edges of your screen, and both are set up in a settings window instead of a config file.
How they differ
ChainYourMac is further along (it's on version 2) and has more features today: a minimap of the row, dimming of inactive windows, focus-follows-mouse, per-app rules, a URL scheme, Raycast and command-line control, and automatic updates. It's also signed and notarized by Apple, so it installs without the extra step TileMyMac needs for now.
TileMyMac is simpler and costs less, especially for more than one Mac, and it comes with a 7-day money-back guarantee (ChainYourMac's sales are final). It's built on Paneru, an open-source window engine, and it works on macOS 13 or later.
Both have stacks and tabbed columns, trackpad swipes, one row per display, and Control + Option shortcuts.
Side by side
| Feature | TileMyMac | ChainYourMac |
|---|---|---|
| How it arranges windows | Scrolling: every window takes the next spot in a row | Scrolling: each window is a column on a strip that runs past the screen edges |
| Price, 1 Mac | $19.99 once | $19.99 once |
| Price, 3 Macs | $29.99 once | $49.99 once |
| Price, 5 Macs | $39.99 once | $79.99 once |
| Refunds | 7-day money-back guarantee | All sales are final |
| Setup | A settings window. No files to edit | A settings window. No config file |
| Trackpad | Swipe with three or four fingers to slide the row | Swipe with three or four fingers |
| Several displays | Each display gets its own row | Each display gets its own strip |
| Updates | Free. The app tells you when one is out | Free, installed automatically |
| Signed and notarized by Apple | Not yet: a one-time Open Anyway step on install | Yes |
| Macs | macOS 13 or later | macOS 13 or later, Apple silicon only |
| Engine | Paneru (open source, MIT) | Their own (not open source) |
Pick ChainYourMac if
- You want the extras: a minimap, focus-follows-mouse, per-app rules or Raycast control.
- You'd like automatic updates and a notarized app today.
Pick TileMyMac if
- You want the same scrolling layout for less, especially on 3 or 5 Macs.
- You'd like a money-back guarantee while you try it.
- You like that the window engine underneath is open source.
Questions
What's the difference between TileMyMac and ChainYourMac?
They work the same way: windows side by side in a sliding row, set up in a settings window. ChainYourMac has more extras and is notarized. TileMyMac costs less, has a 7-day money-back guarantee and runs on the open-source Paneru engine.
Can I get a refund if TileMyMac isn't for me?
Yes. Email us within 7 days of purchase for a full refund.
Try the row right on our home page: see how TileMyMac works.
Get TileMyMacSources: chainyourmac.com. Something out of date? Tell us and we'll fix it.