BetterStage
Mac window manager with named project stages
BetterStage is a native window and workspace manager for macOS 14 or later (Swift/AppKit, no Electron, no SIP disabling). Every project gets a named Stage, and all participating displays switch at once. Each monitor can use Enhanced Native mode (floating windows with snapping) or TabStack (tiled panes with extra windows as tabs). There are 16 snap zones, a radial Snap Wheel, and fully rebindable shortcuts.
The free tier covers 3 stages, snap zones and automatic Workspace Continuity after a restart, wake or display reconnect. Pro unlocks all 9 stages, TabStack, App Routing, Pinned Displays and saved workspaces. Optional AI Staging builds a layout from a plain-language prompt — it requires your own provider API key (costs may apply there) or a local model via Ollama or LM Studio. Alternatively, the paid BetterStage AI subscription provides 200 credits per month.
Why no subscription? The Pro license is a one-time purchase including future updates; only the hosted AI service is billed as a subscription.
Keywords: window manager · tiling · macOS · workspaces · keyboard shortcuts · no subscription · one-time purchase
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