How to Maximize Workflow Using Magnet on macOS

Edited 8 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Magnet AppmacOSProductivityTask ManagementApp EfficiencyWindow OrganizationWork ToolsDesktop UtilitiesMac Apps

Working efficiently on a computer often requires handling multiple tasks, windows, and applications simultaneously. For Mac users, the challenge is to ensure that screen space is used effectively, and tasks are managed in a way that enhances productivity rather than hinders it. This is where an application called Magnet comes in. Magnet is a window manager application available for macOS that allows you to organize your open applications into various setups, improving your workflow in a way that native macOS support cannot provide.

Understanding magnets and their importance

Magnet is designed to overcome the limitations of macOS's built-in window management system. Normally, macOS offers limited control over window placement and sizing without manually dragging and dropping. This is especially problematic when you're working on multiple projects or handling complex tasks that require comparing information. Magnet solves these problems by providing an intuitive way to snap windows into easily arranged positions. This setup is similar to the window management seen in other operating systems such as Windows, but with advanced features to specifically cater to avid Mac users.

Features of magnets

• Screen Division: Magnets help you neatly divide your desktop into halves, thirds, and even quarters. It can be adjusted horizontally and vertically, creating a customizable workspace to suit your needs.
• Easy shortcuts: Magnet provides simple keyboard shortcuts that allow you to quickly move windows around without any fuss. This eliminates the need for constant dragging and resizing.
• Multi-display support: If you work with multiple monitors, Magnet remains a useful tool by seamlessly supporting multi-display setups.
• Customizable settings: While Magnet offers predefined options for window placement, users can create custom shortcuts and configurations to suit individual workflows.

Installing the magnet

Getting started with magnets is simple:

1. Go to the Mac App Store and search for "Magnets".
2. Purchase and download the app. As of the last update, there might be a one-time purchase fee, which is pretty reasonable considering the value it offers.
3. Once installed, you'll find Magnet in your Applications folder.

How to use a magnet

Once you have installed Magnet, launch the application. It will likely ask for permission to use some features of your macOS system due to the nature of its operation. Follow the required setup instructions and allow these permissions:

• Grant accessibility access: Go to "System Preferences", then "Security & Privacy", and under the "Privacy" tab, find "Accessibility". Make sure Magnet is checked to allow it to control your windows.

Basic window management

After setup, Magnet will usually remain in your menu bar for quick access. From here, you can use simple keyboard shortcuts to manage your windows or use the menu bar directly to click on possible setup configurations.

⌥ + ⌘ + ← : Align window to the left half ⌥ + ⌘ + → : Align window to the right half ⌥ + ⌘ + ↑ : Align window to the top half ⌥ + ⌘ + ↓ : Align window to the bottom half ⌥ + ⌘ + F : Fullscreen window

These shortcuts help organize your workspace quickly. The ability to divide windows into specific areas allows for better management of tasks, aiding productivity.

Organize multiple applications

For users who regularly work with multiple applications, such as web browsers, text editors, and other productivity tools, magnets' ability to keep your workspace organized is indispensable. Using magnets, you can easily:

• Align two documents together: Ideal for document comparison or referencing when working on reports or coding.
• Divide your screen into four parts: If you're monitoring social media feeds, email, internet research, and video conference calls simultaneously, dividing your screen into four parts can be very useful.

Moving the magnet further

For those who feel comfortable with Magnet's basic functionality, it may be worth exploring its settings to further customize the workspace:

Custom keyboard shortcuts

Magnet allows users to set custom keyboard shortcuts, giving you the ability to configure the app to better fit your personal workflow:

Open Magnet's preferences panel. Navigate to "Shortcuts". Click on a function you wish to change and enter a new key combination.

This feature is especially useful if you are already accustomed to specific keybindings from other applications or platforms.

Integration with Mission Control

macOS's Mission Control provides an overview of all open applications and desktops. Combining it with Magnet can make your workflow even better. For example:

• Use magnets to organize windows into a single desktop.
• Switch between different desktops with Mission Control, where each desktop has pre-organized setups that suit different tasks (such as one desktop for communications tools and another for productivity apps).

Using magnets with external displays

If you're using multiple monitors, Magnet allows for seamless window management across all displays. This can be beneficial as follows:

• Set up a 'communications hub' on one display, with all your messages and email clients neatly arranged, while the second monitor focuses entirely on your workflow, with essential tools and applications.

Conclusion

By providing such precise control over window management, Magnet becomes an essential tool in the arsenal of anyone looking to optimize productivity on the Mac. Its integration provides a more organized and effective workflow, allowing users to focus less on the logistics of window management and more on the tasks at hand. With the ability to customize keyboard shortcuts and seamless integration with various displays and macOS features, Magnet ensures that screen space is maximized for whatever your needs may be.

Overall, Magnet's value emphasizes the continued need for effective window management solutions in the digital workplace, highlighting not only the utility of a clean and organized desktop, but also the clear productivity benefits brought by such tools.

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