Freedom251 › Window Management Software
yabai
What yabai is
yabai is a free tiling window manager for macOS that arranges windows automatically with binary space partitioning. Users can instead choose floating layouts and adjust padding, gaps, and split ratios. Its command-line interface can control and query windows, spaces, and displays, and commands can be used in scripts with rules and signals. Other features include focus following the mouse, controls for space-switching animations, and creating spaces beyond the system limit of 16.
The project documents using skhd for keyboard shortcuts and Übersicht or Sketchybar for custom status bars. Installation options include a codesigned binary installer script and Homebrew through the asmvik/formulae tap. yabai requires Accessibility permission, plus Screen Recording permission when window animations are enabled. Partially disabling System Integrity Protection is optional, but many advanced features that inject a scripting addition into Dock.app require it. The maker warns of potential risk from disabling it and gives no recommendation on whether to do so. yabai is MIT licensed. Supported systems are macOS Big Sur 11 or later on Intel, and macOS Monterey 12 or later on Apple Silicon, including Tahoe 26.
Who it suits
yabai suits macOS users who want windows arranged automatically or prefer to set up floating and tiled layouts with adjustable spacing. Its scripting, rules, and documented connections to keyboard shortcut and status bar tools also suit users who want to automate window management.
What it does well
- Free and MIT licensed
- Offers binary space partitioning and floating layouts
- Command line controls windows, spaces, and displays
- Supports automation through scripts, rules, and signals
- Can create spaces beyond the 16-space limit
What to know first
- Available for macOS only
- Requires Accessibility permission
- Screen Recording permission is required when window animations are enabled
- Many advanced features require partially disabling System Integrity Protection
Limits
The listed free plan is for macOS only. Many advanced features require partially disabling System Integrity Protection.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| yabai | macOS only · MIT licensed | Free |
As github.com lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the yabai GitHub project
- Review the documented system requirements for your Mac
- Install using the codesigned binary installer script or Homebrew from the asmvik/formulae tap
- Grant Accessibility permission
- Grant Screen Recording permission if you enable window animations
- Use the GitHub wiki for installation and configuration guidance
Verdict
Choose yabai if you want a free macOS window manager with configurable layouts, command-line controls, and automation. Look elsewhere if you need a non-macOS platform or want its advanced features without partially disabling System Integrity Protection.
Questions
How much does yabai cost?
The listed plan is free. yabai is MIT licensed.
Which Macs does it support?
The project lists macOS Big Sur 11 or later for Intel Macs, and macOS Monterey 12 or later for Apple Silicon, including Tahoe 26.
How can I install yabai?
The documented options are a codesigned binary installer script or Homebrew from the asmvik/formulae tap.
What permissions does it need?
It requires Accessibility permission. Screen Recording permission is required when window animations are enabled.
Does it require disabling System Integrity Protection?
That step is optional, but many advanced features that inject a scripting addition into Dock.app require it. The maker warns of potential risk and provides no recommendation on whether to disable it.
Which integrations are documented?
The project documents skhd for keyboard shortcuts and Übersicht or Sketchybar for custom status bars.
Facts from yabai's own pages
- Advanced access
- Partially disabling System Integrity Protection is optional but required for many advanced features that inject a scripting addition into Dock.app. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Automation
- Commands can be used in scripts, and yabai supports automation through rules and signals. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Controls
- Its command line interface lets users control and query windows, spaces, and displays. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2019 · github.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Installation
- The maker documents installation using a codesigned binary installer script or Homebrew from the asmvik/formulae tap. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The project documents integration with skhd for keyboard shortcuts and Übersicht or Sketchybar for custom status bars. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Known limitation
- The wiki warns that native macOS tabs in applications such as Terminal and Finder do not behave correctly when creating tabs. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- License
- yabai is distributed under the MIT License. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Permissions
- yabai requires Accessibility permission, and Screen Recording permission when window animations are enabled. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- yabai is a tiling window manager for macOS that automatically arranges windows using binary space partitioning. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Security caveat
- The maker cautions that disabling System Integrity Protection carries potential risk and provides no recommendation on whether users should disable it. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project provides installation and configuration documentation through its GitHub wiki and asks users to review requirements before filing issues. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- 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. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Window features
- It includes focus follows mouse, space switching animation controls, and the ability to create spaces beyond the limit of 16. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Window layouts
- Users can choose between binary space partitioning and floating layouts, and configure padding, gaps, and split ratios. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Where yabai stands on Freedom251
- Window Management Software#37 of 65