TidyFrame vs Magnet
Both are $4.99 window managers for Mac. Here's where they differ, so you can pick the right one.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | TidyFrame | Magnet |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 once | $4.99 once |
| Free trial | Yes, 7 days, every feature | No |
| Where to buy | tidyframe.app (Gumroad) | Mac App Store |
| Snap with shortcuts and screen edges | Yes | Yes |
| Halves, thirds, quarters, sixths | Yes | Yes |
| Custom window positions | Yes | Yes |
| Save a multi-app workspace and restore it with one shortcut | Yes, opens closed apps too | Not listed |
| App rules (an app always opens in its place) | Yes | Not listed |
| Auto tidy (2 windows → halves, 3 → thirds…) | Yes | Not listed |
| App languages | 34 | See its listing |
| Minimum macOS | 14 Sonoma | 13 Ventura |
| Account or tracking | None | None |
Magnet details are taken from its Mac App Store listing in October 2026. "Not listed" means the feature isn't in Magnet's description; check the listing for updates. Magnet is a trademark of its owner. TidyFrame is an independent app and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Magnet's makers.
Where Magnet is strong
Magnet has been around since 2012, is installed and updated through the Mac App Store, supports macOS 13, and offers iCloud sync of its settings. For simple snapping it's a proven choice.
Where TidyFrame is different
Workspaces: your whole setup in one key
Snapping moves one window at a time. A TidyFrame workspace saves up to 6 windows at once, each in its exact place, and brings them all back with a shortcut like ⌃⌥⌘1. See how workspaces work.
Try before you buy
The App Store doesn't offer trials for paid apps. TidyFrame gives you 7 days with every feature, so you only pay if it fits how you work.
App rules and auto tidy
Tell TidyFrame where each app belongs and it puts it there whenever it opens. Or let it arrange whatever is on screen: two windows become halves, three become thirds.
Questions
Is TidyFrame a good Magnet alternative?
Yes, if you want to save whole multi-app layouts and restore them with one shortcut, or if you want to try before you buy. Both apps cost $4.99 once and both snap windows with shortcuts and screen edges.
Can Magnet save and restore layouts of several apps?
Magnet's App Store description lists snapping commands, custom commands and layout properties, but not saving a multi-app workspace and restoring it with one shortcut. TidyFrame's workspaces do that.
Does Magnet have a free trial?
Magnet is sold on the Mac App Store for $4.99 without a free trial. TidyFrame has a 7-day free trial with every feature.
Which one supports older Macs?
Magnet supports macOS 13 Ventura and later. TidyFrame needs macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Try TidyFrame free for 7 days
Every feature included. Then $4.99 once, no subscription. macOS 14 or later.
Download the free trial