Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about BetterStage.
What is BetterStage?
BetterStage is a native macOS workspace manager that combines named virtual desktops (called stages), per-monitor Window Modes (Bento Box auto-tiling and saved Tabbed Layouts), and snap zones in a single lightweight app. Unlike macOS Stage Manager, BetterStage stages span all your monitors simultaneously and switch instantly via keyboard shortcuts.
Does BetterStage require SIP to be disabled?
No. BetterStage works without any changes to System Integrity Protection (SIP). It uses the macOS Accessibility API to manage windows, which only requires granting Accessibility permission in System Settings. Unlike yabai, there is no need to partially disable SIP.
What permissions does BetterStage need?
BetterStage requires only the Accessibility permission in macOS System Settings. This allows it to read window positions, move windows between stages, resize windows for tiling layouts, and manage window visibility during stage switches. No other permissions (Input Monitoring, Screen Recording, etc.) are required.
Does BetterStage work with multiple monitors?
Yes. BetterStage stages span all your monitors at once. When you switch to Stage 1, every monitor shows its Stage 1 windows simultaneously. You can also pin specific monitors so they stay visible across all stages — useful for keeping a reference display unchanged.
What macOS version does BetterStage require?
BetterStage requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later. It is a 100% native app built with Swift and AppKit, designed to be lightweight on system resources.
Is there a free version of BetterStage?
Yes. The free tier includes 3 stages, snap zones, the Snap Wheel, keyboard shortcuts, and full multi-monitor support. Every download also includes a 10-day free trial of Pro, which unlocks all 9 stages, Bento Box auto-tiling, Tabbed Layout Mode, AI Staging, and Pinned Displays.
How much does BetterStage Pro cost?
BetterStage Pro is a one-time lifetime purchase with three device tiers: Pro · 1 Device ($16.99), Pro · 3 Devices ($24.99), and Pro · 5 Devices ($36.99). Every license includes all future updates — no subscription, no recurring charges.
How many stages can I have?
The free tier supports 3 stages. BetterStage Pro unlocks all 9 stages. Each stage is a named workspace (e.g., Dev, Design, Comms) that spans all your monitors and switches instantly with Opt+1 through Opt+9.
Does BetterStage support automatic window tiling?
Yes. BetterStage Pro includes Bento Box and Tabbed Layout Mode as two of the three per-monitor Window Modes (the third is macOS Native, free for everyone). When a monitor is in Bento Box, every window on it is automatically arranged into a non-overlapping grid; you can resize tiles by dragging the dividers, swap windows by dropping one onto another, or insert a new split by dropping on a tile edge. Tabbed Layout Mode lets each pane hold multiple windows you switch between with tabs. You can also use the 15 snap zones and the Snap Wheel for quick layouts in any mode.
What is AI Staging?
AI Staging uses an LLM to analyze your open windows — titles, URLs, file paths — and automatically groups them into project-focused stages. You bring your own API key (OpenAI, Claude, or any compatible provider). It's a Pro feature included in the 10-day free trial, so you can try it immediately after installing BetterStage.
How is BetterStage different from macOS Stage Manager?
macOS Stage Manager gives you 4 unnamed window groups on a single monitor with a sidebar that takes up screen space. BetterStage gives you 9 named stages spanning all monitors, instant keyboard switching (Opt+1-9), zero UI overhead, plus per-monitor Window Modes (Bento Box auto-tiling and Tabbed Layouts) — none of which Stage Manager offers.
How is BetterStage different from Rectangle?
Rectangle is a window snapping utility — it resizes and positions individual windows but doesn't manage workspaces. BetterStage includes 15 snap zones (comparable to Rectangle) plus named workspaces, automatic Bento Box tiling, saved Tabbed Layouts, a radial Snap Wheel, and instant stage switching. It's a complete workspace manager, not just a snapping tool.
Can I control BetterStage entirely from the keyboard?
Yes. BetterStage is designed for keyboard-first workflows. You can switch stages with Opt+1 through Opt+9, send windows between stages, focus tiled windows directionally, move tiled windows around the grid, and optionally keep Cmd+` cycling scoped to the active stage only.
How fast is stage switching?
BetterStage switches stages in under 16ms. There are no sliding animations or delays. Press Opt+1 and your entire desktop transforms immediately across all monitors.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. Every download includes a 10-day free trial of Pro — all 9 stages, Bento Box auto-tiling, Tabbed Layout Mode, AI Staging, and Pinned Displays. After the trial, you keep the free tier (3 stages, snap zones, Snap Wheel, keyboard shortcuts) or buy a lifetime Pro license.
Does BetterStage work alongside Spaces or Mission Control?
Yes. BetterStage operates independently of macOS Spaces. You can keep using Mission Control and Spaces as normal — BetterStage manages its own workspaces without interfering. Most users find they no longer need Spaces once they start using stages.
What happens to my windows if BetterStage crashes or I uninstall?
All your windows are restored automatically. BetterStage includes crash protection that unhides every window on unexpected exit. If you uninstall, simply quit the app first and all windows return to their normal positions. No windows are ever permanently hidden.
Can I use BetterStage on my work and personal Mac?
Yes. Pick the Pro · 3 Devices or Pro · 5 Devices tier to run BetterStage on multiple Macs. Pro · 1 Device covers one Mac; Free plans are limited to 1 device.
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Last updated: May 2026