cordlessdog.com

Maintains window positions across display connections and disconnections with automatic restoration

Stay maintains window positions across display configuration changes. The app stores window layouts for different display setups and restores positions automatically when displays are connected or disconnected, addressing the common frustration of rearranging windows after docking or undocking. (Free)

Users can save multiple display configurations with specific window positions for each setup. The app supports both manual restoration on demand and automatic restoration when display changes are detected. This functionality proves valuable for users who regularly switch between desk setups, such as laptop-only mode and docked with external monitors.

The menu bar interface provides quick access to saved configurations and restoration controls. The app runs in the background monitoring display changes without significant resource usage.

Multiple versions support different macOS releases, with the latest version requiring macOS 14.6 or later. Earlier versions extend compatibility back to macOS 10.8, demonstrating long-term development support.

System requirements: macOS 14.6+ for latest version (Stay 1.5.1). Earlier macOS versions supported through legacy releases.

Limitations: Window restoration depends on applications maintaining consistent window identifiers. Some apps may not cooperate with position management. Multi-monitor setups with three or more displays may encounter complexity in configuration management.

Alternatives: Moom (paid, includes window management features), Rectangle (free, open-source window snapping), Swish (paid, gesture-based window management).

Suitable for users who frequently connect and disconnect external displays, particularly laptop users with desk setups or professionals who move between workspaces.

FAQ

What does Stay do?+

Stay stores per-display-configuration window layouts and reapplies them automatically when monitors connect or disconnect. The menu bar interface also exposes manual restore so you can recover a saved layout on demand.

Is Stay free?+

Yes. Stay is free to download and use on macOS.

How do I install Stay on macOS?+

Download Stay from https://cordlessdog.com/stay/ and drag the .app to your Applications folder.

Does Stay run on Apple Silicon?+

Yes. Stay runs on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) and Intel Macs. The current build (Stay 1.5.1) requires macOS 14.6+, with legacy releases extending compatibility back to macOS 10.8.

What happens when I undock my MacBook with Stay running?+

Stay detects the display change and restores the laptop-only window layout you saved for that configuration. Reconnecting external monitors triggers the multi-display layout, with no manual repositioning needed.

Why might Stay fail to restore some windows?+

Window restoration depends on apps reporting consistent window identifiers. A small number of apps don't cooperate well with position management, and multi-monitor setups with three or more displays add configuration complexity.

Related Apps