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LanesMac vs yabai
yabai is a free, open-source tiling window manager for macOS that arranges windows with binary space partitioning. It is very scriptable, is usually paired with a separate hotkey daemon such as skhd, and some of its advanced features require partially disabling System Integrity Protection. LanesMac is a scrolling window manager with built-in shortcuts and a settings window, and it never asks you to touch SIP.
Every feature free for 24 hours. No account needed.
Choose LanesMac if…
- You don't want to disable any part of System Integrity Protection
- You want shortcuts, gestures and settings built in, with nothing to script
- You want new windows to open beside you without resizing the rest
- You'd like a trackpad swipe to move between windows
Choose yabai if…
- You want a free, open-source tool
- You want deep scripting and control from the command line
- You need to manage macOS Spaces from your window manager
- You're comfortable maintaining config files and a separate hotkey tool
Side by side
| Feature | LanesMac | yabai |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Scrolling strip of full-height columns | Binary space partitioning |
| Opening a window | Opens beside the focused one; others keep their size | Splits an existing tile in two |
| Keyboard shortcuts | Built in and rebindable in Settings | Usually set up with a separate tool such as skhd |
| Setup | Settings window | Config files and shell scripts |
| System Integrity Protection | Never needs changes | Some advanced features need it partially disabled |
| macOS Spaces | Not managed | Can manage Spaces (with SIP partially disabled) |
| Trackpad | Swipe to scroll the strip | Keyboard and scripts |
| Price | One-time $19.99, lifetime license | Free and open source |
Based on each project's public documentation as of 2026. See yabai for its latest features.
Ready on day one
LanesMac works as soon as you allow Accessibility: the strip, stacks, tabbed columns, widths and every shortcut are already set up, and anything you change takes effect from the Settings window. yabai gives you more raw control, but you assemble your own setup from its config, a hotkey tool and scripts.
Automation still included
If you like scripting, LanesMac includes the lanesmac command-line tool and lanesmac:// links, so you can focus windows, save and load layouts and flag a column when a job finishes, from Raycast, Alfred or a shell script.
Questions
Does LanesMac need SIP disabled like some yabai features?
No. LanesMac only uses the Accessibility permission. You never need to change System Integrity Protection.
Can LanesMac manage macOS Spaces?
Not today. Each display gets one strip instead, with window search and an overview to find anything quickly.
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.