zaro

What is the Shortcut for Tile Window on Mac?

Published in Mac Window Management 2 mins read

To tile a window on Mac, the primary shortcut involves pressing and holding the Option key while dragging the window. This method allows you to snap windows into place, optimizing your screen real estate.

How to Tile a Window Using the Option Key

Mac's built-in window management provides a simple yet effective way to arrange your open applications. The key to this functionality is the Option key.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

  • Standard Tiling:

    • Press and hold the Option key on your keyboard.
    • While holding the Option key, click and drag the window you wish to tile.
    • Move the window towards the highlighted area that appears on the screen. Releasing the mouse button when the area is highlighted will snap the window into that position, often alongside another window or to fill a half-screen space.
  • Faster Window Tiling (Edge and Corner Snapping):
    For a more direct and efficient tiling experience, you can leverage screen edges and corners:

    • Press and hold the Option key.
    • Drag the window directly towards an edge of the screen (top, left, or right).
    • Alternatively, drag the window towards any corner of the screen.
    • Releasing the mouse button when the window is positioned at an edge or corner will automatically tile it to a predetermined section, such as a half-screen or quarter-screen layout, depending on the macOS version and specific actions. This provides a quick way to arrange windows without needing to precisely target a highlighted area.

By utilizing the Option key in conjunction with dragging, you gain precise control over window placement, enhancing productivity by creating organized workspaces on your Mac.