Compare
LanesMac vs Rectangle
Rectangle is a popular, free, open-source app for snapping windows into halves, thirds and corners with keyboard shortcuts or by dragging them to the screen edges. It's great for quick, occasional arranging. LanesMac is a window manager: it arranges every window for you on a scrolling strip, so windows never overlap in the first place.
Every feature free for 24 hours. No account needed.
Choose LanesMac if…
- You're tired of arranging windows by hand every day
- You want windows to never overlap or hide behind each other
- You work with many windows at once, like code, docs, browser and terminal
- You want to move between windows with one swipe or shortcut
Choose Rectangle if…
- You only snap a window into place now and then
- You want a free app that changes very little about how your Mac works
- You're happy with overlapping windows most of the time
Side by side
| Feature | LanesMac | Rectangle |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Automatic: every window gets a column on the strip | Manual: snap a window when you ask |
| New windows | Placed beside the focused window | Open where macOS puts them |
| Overlapping windows | Never | Windows can still overlap |
| Moving between windows | Swipe or shortcut along the strip | macOS app switching |
| Learning curve | A handful of shortcuts | Very low |
| Price | One-time $19.99, lifetime license | Free and open source (paid Pro version available) |
Based on each project's public documentation as of 2026. See Rectangle for its latest features.
Snapping vs managing
Rectangle helps you place a window; after that, the layout is up to you. LanesMac keeps the whole layout tidy all the time: new windows slot in next to you, widths stay where you set them, and your setup comes back after a restart.
Not either-or forever
Many people start with a snapping tool and move to a window manager once they're juggling more windows. Since two tools moving windows will clash, quit Rectangle while you try LanesMac. You can float any window with ⌃⌥T if you want it to stay where you put it.
Questions
Can I use LanesMac and Rectangle at the same time?
It's best not to. Both move windows, so their shortcuts and layouts can clash. Quit Rectangle while you use LanesMac.
Is a window manager hard to learn?
Not with LanesMac. You only need a few shortcuts to start, and the trackpad swipe works right away.
See which one fits
The quickest way to decide is to try it with your own windows. LanesMac is free for 24 hours, then a one-time purchase.