ShiftIt review
A focused, open-source Mac utility for keyboard-based window placement.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
ShiftIt is an open-source macOS utility for moving, resizing, maximizing, centering, and full-screening application windows with keyboard shortcuts. It is aimed at Mac users who want direct keyboard control over common window positions without a broader desktop management system. The current fork supports macOS 14.6 and later on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, and it can run from the macOS menu bar with an option to hide its icon.
Its main strength is the range of keyboard-accessible placements. ShiftIt can move windows to the left, right, top, or bottom half of the screen, place them in any of the four corners, maximize or center them, and toggle full-screen mode. It also supports thirds and sixths for ultrawide screens. Repeated hotkey presses can cycle window sizes, while keyboard shortcuts can be recorded and customized. That combination makes the utility suitable for users who want a compact set of predictable layouts and control over the shortcut scheme.
ShiftIt remains a focused tool rather than a broad window-management suite. Its platform support is limited to macOS, and the current fork requires macOS 14.6 or later. The feature set centers on placement, sizing, maximizing, centering, and full-screen control, so users looking for wider desktop workflows should consider a different type of window manager. For Mac users who primarily need basic keyboard placement, menu bar access, and flexible shortcuts, ShiftIt is a direct fit; users outside macOS or seeking a broader feature scope should look elsewhere.
ShiftIt pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Half, corner, fullscreen, thirds, and sixths layouts
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts with repeated hotkey sizing
- Open-source macOS menu bar utility
- Where it doesn't
- Supports macOS only
- Current fork supports macOS 14.6 and later
- Focused on placement rather than broader window workflows
ShiftIt fact sheet, pricing and score →
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