# Amethyst — Automatic Tiling Window Manager for macOS

> An open-source tiling window manager for macOS that automatically arranges application windows into non-overlapping layouts using keyboard shortcuts.

## Install

Save as a script file and run:

# Amethyst — Automatic Tiling Window Manager for macOS

## Quick Use
```bash
brew install --cask amethyst
# Launch Amethyst, grant Accessibility permissions
# Shift+Option+Space → cycle layouts
# Shift+Option+J/K  → move focus between windows
```

## Introduction
Amethyst is an automatic tiling window manager for macOS inspired by xmonad. Instead of manually dragging and resizing windows, Amethyst automatically arranges all open windows into a chosen layout pattern, keeping the screen organized without overlapping.

## What Amethyst Does
- Automatically tiles all windows into non-overlapping layouts
- Offers multiple layout algorithms: tall, wide, fullscreen, column, and more
- Switches layouts on the fly with keyboard shortcuts
- Moves and resizes windows across multiple monitors
- Assigns specific layouts to individual Spaces

## Architecture Overview
Amethyst is a native Swift application that hooks into the macOS Accessibility API to observe window creation, destruction, and focus changes. When a window event fires, the active layout algorithm recalculates positions for all managed windows and applies the new frames. Layout state is maintained per-Space, and user preferences are stored in a plist or YAML configuration file.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Install via Homebrew: `brew install --cask amethyst` or download from the website
- Requires macOS 12 or later with Accessibility permissions enabled
- Configure keyboard shortcuts and layouts in the Preferences panel
- Use a `.amethyst.yml` file in your home directory for version-controlled config
- Exclude specific applications from tiling via the floating list

## Key Features
- Multiple built-in layouts including tall, wide, 3-column, widescreen-tall, and binary space partition
- Per-Space layout memory that persists across layout switches
- Mouse-follows-focus option for multi-monitor setups
- Window margin and padding controls for visual spacing
- Fully customizable keyboard shortcuts via config file

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Rectangle** — Manual snap-based window management; Amethyst is automatic tiling
- **Yabai** — Scriptable tiling WM with more features but requires partial SIP disabling
- **Magnet** — Paid manual snapping tool from the Mac App Store
- **i3/Sway** — Linux tiling WMs; Amethyst brings a similar philosophy to macOS
- **AeroSpace** — Newer macOS tiling WM with i3-inspired tree-based layout model

## FAQ
**Q: Does Amethyst work with Stage Manager?**
A: Stage Manager changes how macOS manages window groups, which can conflict with Amethyst's tiling. Most users disable Stage Manager when using Amethyst.

**Q: Can I float specific windows?**
A: Yes. Press the float shortcut on any window to remove it from the tiling layout, or add the application to the permanent floating list in preferences.

**Q: Does it work with multiple monitors?**
A: Yes. Each monitor manages its own set of tiled windows independently, and shortcuts let you throw windows between screens.

**Q: How does Amethyst differ from Yabai?**
A: Amethyst is a pure Accessibility API app with no system modifications needed. Yabai offers more control (window opacity, borders, stacking) but requires disabling parts of System Integrity Protection for full functionality.

## Sources
- https://github.com/ianyh/Amethyst
- https://ianyh.com/amethyst/

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-f8e33811
Author: Script Depot