Repolode
Submit
qeude

qeude/Defi

A scrolling, Niri-inspired tiling window manager for macOS that arranges windows in columns on a horizontal strip.

Open-source alternative to:Magnet

View on GitHubWebsite
Stars
165
Forks
6
Open issues
4
Last commit
14 hours ago

What is it?

Defi is a window manager for macOS that places windows in columns on a horizontal strip. When a new window opens, the strip grows, and moving past the screen edge scrolls the desktop to bring off-screen windows into view. It is inspired by the Niri compositor but works with native macOS windows, which can still be focused by clicking, through the Dock, or with Command-Tab.

Workspaces are created dynamically, with an empty one always available, and named workspaces can be kept for recurring tasks. Each display has its own workspaces and layout. App rules can send applications to named workspaces, keep them floating, or set their initial width. An Overview lets you browse workspaces and drag windows between them, and window borders highlight the focused window.

Behavior is configured in TOML at ~/.config/defi/config.toml and reloads on save. The project includes a bundled CLI for scripts and SketchyBar integration. It requires Apple Silicon and macOS 26 or newer, and is currently in alpha. Accessibility permission is required; Screen Recording is optional and enables animations and Overview previews.

Key features

  • 01Automatically places new windows into scrolling columns and reflows them when windows close.
  • 02Dynamic workspaces with an always-empty workspace plus optional named workspaces.
  • 03App rules for named workspace assignment, floating windows and initial column width.
  • 04Per-display workspaces and layouts.
  • 05Overview for browsing workspaces and dragging windows between them.
  • 06Live-reloaded TOML configuration with customizable shortcuts, gaps and animations.

Use cases

  • Keeping many windows reachable on a single laptop screen without manually resizing them.
  • Separating work for different projects into named workspaces on each monitor.
  • Keyboard-driven window management from scripts or a SketchyBar status bar.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Install with Homebrew

    brew install --cask qeude/tap/defi
  2. 2

    Launch Defi

    open /Applications/Defi.app

Things to know

  • Requires Apple Silicon and macOS 26 or newer.
  • Alpha stage: behavior and configuration may change before a stable release.
  • Uses its own virtual workspaces rather than native macOS Spaces.
  • Screen Recording permission is optional but needed for animations and Overview previews.

In collections

Open-source Mac apps

Topics

#window-manager#tiling#macos#swift#productivity#keyboard-shortcuts#accessibility#mac#macos-app#niri

FAQ

What is Defi?
A scrolling, Niri-inspired tiling window manager for macOS that arranges windows in columns on a horizontal strip. Defi is a window manager for macOS that places windows in columns on a horizontal strip. When a new window opens, the strip grows, and moving past the screen edge scrolls the desktop to bring off-screen windows into view. It is inspired by the Niri compositor but works with native macOS windows, which can still be focused by clicking, through the Dock, or with Command-Tab.
Is Defi free to use? What license does it have?
Defi is open source under the MIT license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is Defi still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to Defi was on Nov 6, 2026.
What can I use Defi for?
Keeping many windows reachable on a single laptop screen without manually resizing them. Separating work for different projects into named workspaces on each monitor. Keyboard-driven window management from scripts or a SketchyBar status bar.
How do I install Defi?
Install with Homebrew: brew install --cask qeude/tap/defi Launch Defi: open /Applications/Defi.app
Where can I get Defi?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/qeude/Defi

Summary generated by AI from the project's README. GitHub stats refresh daily.

Related projects