How to Arrange Windows Efficiently with Magnet on Your Mac

Edited 2 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Magnet AppmacOSWindow OrganizationProductivityTask ManagementScreen ManagementDesktop UtilitiesWork EfficiencyApp ToolsmacOS Apps

In modern times, multitasking has become a vital skill for productivity. With the proliferation of tasks and applications in our digital lives, managing multiple windows efficiently can dramatically increase our productivity. For Mac users, the Magnet app is a fantastic tool that helps organize windows efficiently. In this guide, we will go into detail about what Magnet is, how it works, and provide a detailed step-by-step explanation of how to utilize its full potential.

Understanding magnets: an overview

Magnet is an organizational tool designed specifically for Mac users to help easily manage window arrangements. It simplifies the process of keeping your workspace neat and navigable by allowing you to easily resize and position windows. Whether you need a split-screen for two applications or want to organize multiple apps side by side, Magnet offers a seamless solution. It aims to reduce the hassle of switching between applications by keeping everything in view when you need it.

Why use magnets?

Before getting into the specifics of using Maget, let's first understand why you would want to use this app. On its own, macOS offers some window management features, but they can feel limited sometimes. Here are some reasons why Maget is a must-have app:

• Increased Productivity: By organizing windows efficiently, Magnet allows you to maintain focus and switch between tasks without losing track of open applications.
• Custom Comfort: Customize your window arrangement based on your unique work style.
• Time savings: Spend less time managing windows using keyboard shortcuts and predefined layouts.
• Supports various layouts: Control vertical, horizontal, quarters and even thirds of your desktop space to meet specific needs.

Installing the magnet

The first step is to install the Magnet app from the Mac App Store:

1. Open the App Store on your Mac.
2. Type "magnets" in the search bar and press Enter.
3. Click on the Magnet app in the search results.
4. To install the app, click on the Get button, then click on Install App.

Installing the magnet

Once you've installed Magnet, you can find it in your Applications folder or quickly access it from the menu bar. Let's set up the app to suit your workflow:

1. Launch Magnet: Start by opening the app. It will immediately add itself as a small icon in the top-right corner of your menu bar.

2. Menu bar options: Clicking the menu bar icon provides several options for positioning the window. Each option represents a different screen arrangement.

3. Preferences Settings: Click on Preferences. Here, you can configure keyboard shortcuts or other settings such as showing window layout when dragged to the edges, available states, and more.

Window arrangement options

Magnet offers several window arrangement options so you can have better control depending on your specific tasks:

• Half screen left or right: Split your screen completely in half, placing one window on the left and the other on the right.
• Top or Bottom Half: Similar to left and right halves, but splits the screen horizontally, at the top or bottom.
• Quarter Window: Useful for four windows, occupying each corner of the screen - helpful for monitoring multiple charts or documents simultaneously.
• Fullscreen: Maximize the window to cover the entire screen, ideal for immersive tasks.
• Center: Brings a window to the center for focus, keeping it off the edges if you need it.
• Thirds: Divide your screen into three vertical columns, this is useful when reviewing documents in all columns at once.

The power of keyboard shortcuts

Magnet features keyboard shortcuts to save time and ensure efficiency. This functionality can be accessed and customized to match your personal preferences:

Example of keyboard shortcut configuration:

• Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + Left Arrow: Move the current window to the left half of the screen.
• Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + Right Arrow: Move the current window to the right half of the screen.
• Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + Up Arrow: Place your window in the top half.
• Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + Down Arrow: Move your window to the bottom half of the screen.

These shortcuts can be customized by accessing Preferences and selecting Shortcuts from the Magnet menu.

Using magnets for advanced workflows

Below, we offer practical examples of how you can use magnets to improve your workflow:

Example 1: Dual Window Task

Let’s say you’re a writer and you need access to documents while writing an article:

• Use the shortcut Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + Left Arrow to anchor your reference document to the left half of the screen.
• To position your writing tool to the right, press Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + Right Arrow.
• This setup lets you easily see information while you're typing, which improves efficiency.

Example 2: The creative design process

For graphic designers working between different graphics devices:

• Maximize your primary tool with the fullscreen option for detailed tasks.
• Additionally, quarter other tools, such as color palettes and brush selectors, using the quarter window for quick access.

Example 3: Multitasking in business

For business professionals who handle spreadsheets, email, and reports:

• Place email on the left third of the screen to manage communications efficiently.
• Use the middle third for important reports that require your full attention.
• Reserve the right third for your spreadsheets, allowing for quick data updates and retrieval.

Conclusion

With Magnet, the power to organize your workspace is just a click or keystroke away. Using this utility, you transform the way you manage windows on a Mac, reducing the time spent shuffling between tasks and significantly increasing productivity. Whether you're a writer, designer, developer, or business professional, learning how to make the most of window management with Magnet can greatly impact your daily workflow. Adopt this method and see the benefits of implementing this app into your daily practice.

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