Hammerdeck is a free, open-source window management utility providing keyboard-driven control over window placement across single and multi-display setups. It bundles several window arrangement modes with supporting tools for clipboard and app launching.
The core window management modes cover different use patterns. Window Snap moves windows between displays and toggles between maximized and 75% states. Window Grid places windows precisely using customizable grid cells, suitable for side-by-side layouts. Window Deck tiles all windows uniformly with the focused window displayed as a hero view. Window Fan fans windows against screen edges for quick switching between open apps. Window Rewind provides a single-step undo for the most recent window rearrangement.
The rules engine automates window layouts based on display events. Users define rules that trigger specific arrangements when a display connects or disconnects, eliminating the manual rearrangement required each time a user moves between a desk with external monitors and a portable setup.
A command palette provides fuzzy search across all available actions, accessible via keyboard. Additional tools include clipboard history for accessing recent clipboard entries and an app launcher for keyboard-driven application switching.
System requirements: macOS 13.0 or later. Compatible with Apple Silicon and Intel Macs (universal binary). Requires Accessibility permission for window management.
Pricing: Free. Open source under GPL v3. Available on GitHub or via Homebrew.
Limitations: As an open-source project, support depends on community activity and developer availability. The feature set emphasizes keyboard-driven workflows; users preferring mouse-based window management may find other tools more intuitive. GPU and multi-display configuration edge cases may require rule tuning.
Alternatives: Moom, Magnet, and Rectangle offer polished paid window management with simpler setups. BetterDisplay handles display scaling alongside window positioning. yabai provides advanced tiling window management for power users.
Suitable for users who prefer keyboard-driven window control, those managing complex multi-display setups, or developers seeking a free open-source alternative to commercial window managers.
