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A PaperWM-style window manager for Mac
PaperWM, a GNOME Shell extension, and niri, a Wayland compositor, made scrollable tiling popular on Linux: windows sit side by side on a strip that runs past the edge of the screen, and you scroll to the one you need. Neither runs on macOS. LanesMac brings the same idea to the Mac as a native app.
Every feature free for 24 hours. No account needed.
Choose LanesMac if…
- You loved PaperWM or niri on Linux and want the same model on your Mac
- You want columns, stacks and tabbed columns that work like you expect
- You want a settings window and trackpad swipes instead of a config file
- You don't want to modify macOS or disable System Integrity Protection
Choose PaperWM and niri if…
- You're on Linux: PaperWM or niri are the real thing there
- You want a free, open-source setup you can patch yourself
Side by side
| Feature | LanesMac | PaperWM and niri |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | macOS 13 or later | Linux (GNOME for PaperWM; Wayland compositor for niri) |
| Layout model | Scrolling strip of columns | Scrolling strip of columns |
| Stacks in a column | Yes, two or three windows | Yes |
| Tabbed columns | Yes | niri: yes |
| Setup | Settings window | Extension settings / config file |
| Trackpad | Swipe to scroll the strip | Gestures supported |
| Price | One-time $19.99, lifetime license | Free and open source |
Based on each project's public documentation as of 2026. See PaperWM and niri for its latest features.
The same model, Mac manners
If you know PaperWM or niri, you already know LanesMac: focus moves left and right along the strip, new windows open beside you, and you can stack windows into a column or turn a column into tabs. On the Mac it uses the Accessibility permission, lives in the menu bar and keeps every option in a settings window.
Familiar shortcuts
Every default shortcut starts with ⌃⌥, with Vim keys as an alternative to the arrows: ⌃⌥H / L to move focus, ⌃⌥⇧H / L to move a window, ⌃⌥R to cycle widths and ⌃⌥S to stack. Every one can be rebound in Settings.
Questions
Can I run PaperWM or niri on macOS?
No. Both are built for Linux desktops. LanesMac is a native macOS app that brings the same scrolling layout to the Mac.
Does LanesMac support macOS Spaces like workspaces in niri?
Not today. Each display gets its own strip, and window search and the overview help you find any window 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.