A Cmd+Tab (⌘Tab) that switches windows, not just apps
On a Mac, ⌘Tab switches between apps. If you have three browser windows for three different projects, you land on whichever one was used last. Here are the built-in workarounds, the best dedicated switcher, and how BetterStage's ⌘Tab finds windows by project.
Published by BetterStage, the maker of one of the apps covered here. BetterStage features updated for 2.2.0 · October 2, 2026. AltTab details checked against its official site on October 2, 2026.
The short answer
With no extra software, use ⌘Tab to reach the app and ⌘` to cycle its windows. For a list of every window, install a window switcher: AltTab if you only want switching, or BetterStage if you also want windows organized into project Stages that the switcher understands.
Try BetterStage's Cmd+Tab switcher here
This is an interactive schematic of the real switcher's Grid layout. Pick a window on another Stage to see the Stage change, or type to search.
Interactive schematic. Click the switcher, then use Tab, the arrow keys, Return, and Esc, or start typing to search. Try “design” or “discord”.
Your options, compared
Based on Apple's documentation, AltTab's public site, and BetterStage's product documentation — not a timed benchmark.
Free, nothing to install
Built-in: ⌘Tab plus ⌘`
⌘Tab moves between apps in most-recently-used order. Once you're in an app, ⌘` (the key above Tab) cycles through that app's windows. It works everywhere, but you have to know which app holds the window you want, and windows aren't listed one by one.
Free, mouse- or trackpad-friendly
Built-in: Mission Control
Mission Control spreads out the windows on the current desktop so you can click one, and App Exposé shows the windows of a single app. It's visual, but it isn't searchable, and it doesn't know which project a window belongs to.
Best free dedicated window switcher
AltTab
AltTab lists every window with thumbnails, Windows-style. The core app is free and open source; AltTab Pro (one-time $9.99, or $24.99 for Pro Lifetime) adds search by typing, extra styles, and more shortcuts. Choose it if you want a focused switcher and don't organize windows into workspaces.
Best when you work in projects across monitors
BetterStage ⌘Tab Switcher
BetterStage groups windows into named Stages (Dev, Design, Comms) that span every display. Its optional ⌘Tab Switcher lists windows by Stage and, when you pick one on another Stage, switches there and brings up that exact window — even a hidden TabStack tab or a minimized window. Included with BetterStage Pro.
What makes BetterStage's switcher different
- Windows are grouped by Stage, in Stages Bar order, with the current Stage marked.
- Picking a window on another Stage switches Stages first, then focuses that window — even a hidden TabStack tab or a minimized window.
- Search matches window titles, app names, and Stage names. Type a Stage name to narrow the list.
- ⌘⌥B brings the selected window into the Stage you're in.
- Windows you show in several Stages appear under each one, and pinned-display windows get their own section.
Set it up in a minute
- Download BetterStage and grant Accessibility permission. Eligible Macs can start a 7-day Pro trial without a card.
- When onboarding asks about ⌘Tab, choose Use BetterStage ⌘Tab — or turn it on later in Settings → ⌘Tab Switcher.
- Optionally allow Screen Recording for live window previews. Without it, the switcher shows app icons.
- Hold ⌘ and press Tab. Windows appear under each Stage; release ⌘ to switch. Keep holding ⌘ and type to search.
The ⌘Tab Switcher is a Pro feature. Turn it off or quit BetterStage and the macOS ⌘Tab works again straight away.
Common questions
How do I switch between windows instead of apps on a Mac?
Without extra software, press ⌘Tab to reach the app, then ⌘` to cycle through that app's windows, or use Mission Control to see the windows on the current desktop. A window switcher such as AltTab or BetterStage's ⌘Tab Switcher lists every window directly, so you pick the window itself.
Can Cmd+Tab show all windows on macOS?
Not by default: the macOS app switcher shows one icon per app. Third-party switchers replace or complement it with a list of individual windows. BetterStage's switcher lists every window grouped by Stage; you can also include minimized windows or limit the list to the display under the pointer.
Is BetterStage a good AltTab alternative?
If you only need a window switcher, AltTab is excellent and its core app is free. BetterStage is the better fit if you also want project workspaces: its switcher knows which Stage each window belongs to and switches Stages to reach it. Use one or the other for ⌘Tab, not both.
Does the BetterStage Cmd+Tab Switcher need Screen Recording?
Only for live window previews. Previews stay in memory on your Mac and nothing is recorded, saved, or sent. Without the permission the switcher shows app icons; Accessibility is the only permission BetterStage requires.
Can I go back to the normal macOS Cmd+Tab?
Yes. Turn off Use BetterStage ⌘Tab in Settings → ⌘Tab Switcher, or quit BetterStage, and the macOS switcher works again straight away.
Related
Find any window, in any project
BetterStage is free to download with 3 Stages. Eligible Macs get 7 days of Pro — including the ⌘Tab Switcher — with no card required.
By BetterStage · features updated for 2.2.0 on