BetterStageDocs / Core Concepts
Stages
A stage is a named workspace that spans all of your monitors. Switching stages instantly hides the current set of windows and reveals the next — no animation, no delay.
What Are Stages?
Think of stages as virtual desktops, but better. Each stage holds a set of windows across every connected display. When you switch to a stage, only that stage’s windows are visible. Everything else disappears instantly.
- Each stage spans all monitors simultaneously.
- Windows keep their position and size when you switch away and back.
- Switching is instant — no sliding animations or transitions.
- No SIP disable required. Works with standard macOS APIs.
Creating, Renaming & Deleting
Manage stages from the Stages Bar or the right-click context menu.
Create
Open the Stages Bar and click the + button, or right-click any stage card and choose New Stage.
Rename
Right-click a stage card in the Stages Bar and choose Rename. Type a new name and press Enter.
Delete
Right-click a stage card and choose Delete. Windows from the deleted stage are moved to the active stage.
Switching Stages
The fastest way to switch stages is with keyboard shortcuts.
Auto-Switch on Focus
When Auto-switch on focus is enabled (the default), clicking on a window belonging to another stage will automatically switch you to that stage. This is useful when an app activates from a notification or Spotlight and its window lives on a different stage.
Toggle this in Settings > General > Auto-switch on focus.
Stage Limits
The free version of BetterStage supports up to 3 stages. Upgrade to BetterStage Pro to unlock up to 9 stages, giving you full access to the Opt+1 through Opt+9 shortcut range.
Free
3 stages
Great for separating work, personal, and communication.
Pro
9 stages
Full keyboard shortcut range for power users.