Purpose: yabai is a tiling window manager for macOS that automatically arranges windows using binary space partitioning.
Controls: Its command line interface lets users control and query windows, spaces, and displays.
Window features: It includes focus follows mouse, space switching animation controls, and the ability to create spaces beyond the limit of 16.
Window layouts: Users can choose between binary space partitioning and floating layouts, and configure padding, gaps, and split ratios.
Automation: Commands can be used in scripts, and yabai supports automation through rules and signals.
Integrations: The project documents integration with skhd for keyboard shortcuts and Übersicht or Sketchybar for custom status bars.
Installation: The maker documents installation using a codesigned binary installer script or Homebrew from the asmvik/formulae tap.
Supported systems: The project lists macOS Big Sur 11 or later for Intel and macOS Monterey 12 or later for Apple Silicon, including Tahoe 26.
Permissions: yabai requires Accessibility permission, and Screen Recording permission when window animations are enabled.
Advanced access: Partially disabling System Integrity Protection is optional but required for many advanced features that inject a scripting addition into Dock.app.
Security caveat: The maker cautions that disabling System Integrity Protection carries potential risk and provides no recommendation on whether users should disable it.
License: yabai is distributed under the MIT License.
Support: The project provides installation and configuration documentation through its GitHub wiki and asks users to review requirements before filing issues.
Known limitation: The wiki warns that native macOS tabs in applications such as Terminal and Finder do not behave correctly when creating tabs.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Window Management Software in 2026#10 of 64

Is yabai yours?

Claim it for free: prove the domain, then correct facts, plans and screenshots. An editor reviews every change.

Claim it free Promote yabai

Sources

github.com/asmvik/yabai· checked 4 Oct 2026
github.com/asmvik/yabai/wiki/Configuration· checked 4 Oct 2026
github.com/asmvik/yabai/wiki/Commands· checked 4 Oct 2026
github.com/asmvik/yabai/wiki/Installing-yabai-%28l· checked 4 Oct 2026
github.com/asmvik/yabai/wiki· checked 4 Oct 2026