BETTERSTAGE

Docs / Setup

Getting Started

Get BetterStage up and running in under two minutes. Install the app, grant one macOS permission, and create your first stage.

System Requirements

  • macOS 14 Sonoma or later
  • Apple Silicon or Intel Mac

Installation

Download the latest version of BetterStage and get started in seconds. The free version includes 3 stages and full snap zone support. A 10-day free trial of all Pro features is included automatically — including AI Staging, which uses an LLM to analyze your open windows and organize them into project-focused stages.

Download BetterStage
  1. Download BetterStage.dmg using the button above.
  2. Open the .dmg and drag BetterStage to Applications.
  3. Launch BetterStage — it appears as a menu-bar icon.

Required Permissions

BetterStage needs one macOS privacy permission to function. On first launch you will be prompted to grant it. You can also enable it manually in System Settings > Privacy & Security.

Accessibility

System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility

Required for reading and controlling window positions and sizes. BetterStage uses the macOS Accessibility API to move, resize, and organize your windows across stages. Keyboard shortcuts use the native Carbon hotkey API, so no Input Monitoring permission is needed.

Creating Your First Stage

On first launch, BetterStage walks you through a short onboarding with feature highlights for stages, snap wheel, and tiling. It also creates three default stages — Work, Comms, and Personal — with all your current windows assigned to the first one.

  1. Switch between your stages with Opt+1, Opt+2, and Opt+3.
  2. Send a window to another stage with Opt+Shift+2.
  3. Open the Stages Bar by moving your mouse to the top center edge of the screen, or press Opt+Up Arrow. Create more stages with the + button or Opt+N.
NextStages →