Useful macOS defaults: Window Manager

2024-09-09 17:00

com.apple.WindowManager controls window management features added in recent macOS versions, including Stage Manager and window tiling.

Stage Manager

Turn on Stage Manager from the command line:

defaults write com.apple.WindowManager GloballyEnabled -bool true

Turn it off:

defaults write com.apple.WindowManager GloballyEnabled -bool false

Show desktop items while using Stage Manager

By default, Stage Manager hides your desktop icons. To keep them visible:

defaults write com.apple.WindowManager StandardHideDesktopIcons -bool false

To hide them again:

defaults write com.apple.WindowManager StandardHideDesktopIcons -bool true

Show widgets on the desktop while using Stage Manager

defaults write com.apple.WindowManager StandardHideWidgets -bool false

Window tiling (macOS Sequoia and later)

macOS Sequoia added window tiling when you drag windows to screen edges. To turn off the tiling margins (the gap between tiled windows):

defaults write com.apple.WindowManager EnableTiledWindowMargins -bool false

To bring the margins back:

defaults write com.apple.WindowManager EnableTiledWindowMargins -bool true

Notes

After changing these settings, you may need to log out and back in for them to take effect.

Stage Manager can also be toggled from Control Centre or System Settings, then Desktop and Dock. Window tiling settings are in System Settings, then Desktop and Dock, then Windows.

Enjoyed this post?

Well, you could share the post with others, follow me with RSS Feeds and/or send me a comment via email.