Amethyst vs yabai
macOS window managers compared
Amethyst and yabai automatically tile macOS windows and support keyboard-driven workflows. Amethyst offers selectable layouts and GUI or YAML configuration, while yabai centers on command-line control and binary space partitioning.
Amethyst: Tile and Arrange Windows on macOS
Amethyst is a macOS window manager that automatically arranges windows in tiling layouts, with keyboard controls inspired by xmonad. It suits people who want predictable window placement and keyboard-driven navigation across desktops and screens.
yabai: Tile and Control macOS Windows from the Command Line
yabai is a macOS window manager for people who want automatic tiling and command-line control over windows, spaces, and displays. It suits users comfortable configuring macOS permissions and, for some advanced features, changing System Integrity Protection settings.
| Amethyst | yabai | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Swift | C |
| License | MIT | MIT |
| Stars | 16.3k | 29.7k |
| Forks | 536 | 777 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 |
Key differences
- Amethyst offers several selectable layouts, including Tall, Column, Fullscreen, and Floating; yabai tiles using binary space partitioning.
- Amethyst provides shortcuts and GUI or YAML settings; yabai provides command-line controls, with shortcuts set up through optional third-party software.
- Amethyst is written in Swift, while yabai is written in C. Both use the MIT license.
- Amethyst supports custom JavaScript layouts, described as beta; yabai includes focus-follows-mouse behavior and can disable space-switching animations.
- Some advanced yabai features require partially disabling System Integrity Protection; Amethyst requires Accessibility permission to control windows.
- Amethyst lists 16.3k stars and yabai lists 29.7k stars. Both are unarchived.
Choose Amethyst if you…
- want a choice of structured layouts, including a floating option
- prefer GUI or YAML configuration and built-in window-management shortcuts
- want custom JavaScript layouts, with beta status in mind
Choose yabai if you…
- want command-line control over windows, spaces, and displays
- need focus-follows-mouse behavior or the option to disable space-switching animations
- are comfortable configuring permissions and considering optional System Integrity Protection changes for advanced features
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This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.