Built-in vs app · checked
Mac window tiling vs Rectangle
The verdict
The verdict: On macOS Sequoia or later, the built-in tiling handles halves, quarters and a few arrangements, with shortcuts in Window > Move & Resize. Rectangle is a free, open-source app that adds thirds and custom sizes and lets you set every shortcut yourself, and it runs on older macOS too.
Side by side
| Feature | Built-in tiling | Rectangle | Magnet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, built in | Free (Pro is paid) | Paid once |
| Halves and quarters | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Thirds and custom sizes | No | Yes | Thirds, yes |
| Keyboard shortcuts | A few, under Window > Move & Resize | For every layout, all editable | For every layout |
| macOS needed | Sequoia or later | Older versions too | Older versions too |
Which one to pick
- Pick Built-in tiling if you are on Sequoia or later and only ever need two windows side by side.
- Pick Rectangle if you want thirds, a wide monitor layout, or a shortcut for everything.
The options
Built-in tiling
Built in (macOS Sequoia and later)
Best for: Two windows side by side, now and then.
Good
- Nothing to install
- Drag to an edge or use the green button
Not so good
- No thirds or custom sizes
- Needs macOS Sequoia or later
Rectangle
Free, open source (Pro version is paid)
Best for: Keyboard people and big monitors.
Good
- Thirds, sixths and custom layouts
- Every layout has a shortcut you can change
- Works on older macOS
Not so good
- Needs Accessibility permission
- Can fight with built-in tiling until you turn one off
Magnet
Paid, one-time, Mac App Store
Best for: People who prefer an App Store app.
Good
- Simple, from the Mac App Store
Not so good
- Costs money for what Rectangle does free
Questions people ask
Will Rectangle conflict with the built-in tiling?
Both can react when you drag a window to the edge. Turn off one of them: in Rectangle's settings, or in System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Windows.
Is Rectangle safe?
It is open source and widely used. It needs Accessibility permission to move windows, which is normal for this kind of app.
Related tips
More comparisons and alternatives
No one paid to be on this page. If we ever add affiliate links, they will be marked.
Tomorrow, a day early
Get tomorrow's tip a day early
One email, the evening before the tip goes on the site. The same short tip. No digest, no thread, no upsell.
Opens the Beehiiv signup in a new tab and sends your address in the link. Finish there to join the list.
Subscribe on the newsletter pagehttps://techtipaday.beehiiv.com/subscribe