/alt-tab-macos

Windows alt-tab on macOS (switch between windows not app)

Primary LanguageSwiftGNU General Public License v3.0GPL-3.0

Purpose

Screenshot

alt-tab-macos brings the power of Windows "alt-tab" window switcher to macOS.

How to use

  • Press ⌥ option + ⇥ tab to shows the thumbnails
  • Hold ⌥ option and press ⇥ tab to select the next thumbnail
  • Hold ⌥ option and press ⇧ shift + ⇥ tab to select the previous thumbnail
  • Release ⌥ option to switch focus to the window

Extra:

  • You hover and click with the 🖱️ mouse
  • You cycle with ⇦ left arrow and ⇨ right arrow
  • You can cancel with ⎋ escape

Configuration

  • Change the shortcut key, switch to a Windows theme, and more, using the Preferences window
  • If you like scriptable/portable configuration, you can edit ~/Library/Preferences/alt-tab-macos.json

Alternatives

Before building my own app, I looked around at similar apps. However, none was completely satisfactory so I rolled my own. Also the almost-good-enough apps are not open-source.

Alternative Differences
HyperSwitch and HyperDock Closed-source. Thumbnails are too small. App icon is on top of the thumbnail
Witch and Context 10-15$. Closed-source. Focus on text. No thumbnails
Built-in MissionControl No keyboard support
⌘ command + ⇥ tab Only shows apps, not windows (note: can press down to see window of selected app)
⌘ command + ` Cycles through tabs and windows, but only of the same app. Only cycling, no direct access

Screenshots

1 row Screenshot

2 rows Screenshot

Windows theme Screenshot