BetterStage Documentation
Everything you need to set up and master BetterStage — from your first stage to advanced auto-tiling and AI-powered workspace organization. Prefer task-based, step-by-step guides? Browse the tutorials.
Getting Started
Install BetterStage, grant Accessibility permission, and create your first stage.
Stages
Named workspaces that span all monitors with instant keyboard switching.
Workspaces & Continuity
Automatic restart, wake, and display recovery on the free tier, plus named Saved Workspaces on Pro.
Stages Bar
Visual overview panel showing all stages with live window thumbnails.
⌘Tab Switcher
Replace macOS ⌘Tab with a switcher that groups every window by Stage, searches, and jumps to the exact window. Pro.
Window Modes
Per-monitor modes: Enhanced Native or TabStack, including adaptive and saved pane layouts.
TabStack
Adaptive panes, saved layouts, and window groups you switch between with tabs. Pro.
Layout Presets
Built-in presets like Split View, Top / Bottom, Focus + Stack, and Four Corners. Save your own. Pro.
Window Management
Move windows between stages using shortcuts, the Snap Wheel, or drag-and-drop.
AI Staging
Describe your workspace in a chat panel and AI proposes a stage plan you can review, refine, apply, or undo. Works with your own API key or managed BetterStage AI (no key).
AI Staging Providers
Bring-your-own API key presets, including OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek, Ollama, and LM Studio.
Snap Zones
Snap windows to 16 zones, including Center, plus halves, quarters, and thirds.
Snap Wheel
Radial menu for snapping windows, switching stages, retiling, and quick actions.
Custom Actions
Add experimental Open Application, Open File, Run Command, and Run Shortcut actions to Snap Wheel submenus. Pro.
Shortcuts
Keyboard, mouse, and trackpad controls for stage switching, window snapping, tiling, and navigation.
Monitor Management
Multi-monitor setups, pinned monitors, display ID persistence, and hot-plugging.
License Keys
Activate, redeem, and manage BetterStage license keys for Pro features.
Settings Reference
Every BetterStage setting organized like the current Core, Controls, Automation, and System sidebar.
Settings Backup
Export and import portable preferences, with a clear list of device-local and security-sensitive exclusions.
App Compatibility
Known interactions with other Mac apps, organized by app with symptoms and workarounds.
Troubleshooting
Solutions to common issues: permissions, shortcuts, window detection, and crash recovery.