We stand with Ukraine to help keep people safe. Join us
Optimal Layout
Optimal Layout
4.2
0.0
Optimal Layout free download for Mac

Optimal Layout

Version 2.3.2

Move, resize, and reorganize windows.

4.2
Based on 20 user ratesRead reviews & comments

Optimal Layout overview

Optimal Layout (formerly WindowFlow Pro) makes organizing your application windows a breeze:

  • Keyboard commands allow you to smoothly move and resize windows that snap into alignment.
  • Window tiling instantly reorganizes a messy group of overlapping windows to optimally fill your screen.
  • Window switching that lists all your open app windows, even those that are minimized or in another space and shows you a preview of the window.
Tile windows to make the most of your screen space
  • Tile shortcuts are pre-defined layouts which Optimal Layout can organize your windows into. Example layouts are shown on the right.
  • They are easy to use, just select the windows in Optimal Layout, then press the numbers 1-5 to apply a tile layout.
  • If you've got multiple displays you can also indicate which display the windows should tile to.
  • More tile shortcuts are available and they aren't limited to 3 or 4 windows.
Designed With You In Mind
  • Ideal for developers, designers and power users who work from multiple windows.
  • Keyboard junkies will love being able to keep their hands where they are most productive.
  • Optimized for Macs with large or multiple displays.
  • Operates seamlessly in the background, only becoming visible when needed.
  • Highly customizable: re-define the keyboard shortcuts and Optimal Layout's behavior.

What’s new in version 2.3.2

Updated on Apr 28 2015

Version 2.3.2:
  • Important bug fixes

Information

License

Shareware

Size

2.2 MB

Downloads

18675

App requirements

  • Intel 64
  • Mac OS X 10.7 or later
Try our new feature and write a detailed review about Optimal Layout. All reviews will be posted soon.

Write your thoughts in our old-fashioned comment

MacUpdate Comment Policy. We strongly recommend leaving comments, however comments with abusive words, bullying, personal attacks of any type will be moderated.
0.0

(0 Reviews of )

There are no reviews yet
  • Comments

  • User Ratings

laptopleon
laptopleon
Aug 28 2023
2.3.2
0.0
Aug 28 2023
0.0
Version: 2.3.2
230829 I really liked this one. Still used it daily! However, since it's not been updated for 8 years now and I'm finally moving away from my old Mac Pro 2008 / Mojave as my daily driver, I have to find another solution. I still hope it comes back though. No BetterSnapTool doesn't dynamically change windows with the dock size.. And it's harder to set up.
Tachy0n
Tachy0n
Aug 11 2020
2.3.2
3.0
Aug 11 2020
3.0
Version: 2.3.2
Still seems to work in 10.14. Pity it's no longer maintained, but it is FREE on the MAS: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/optimal-layout/id412627292?mt=12
Scott-C-H-
Scott-C-H-
Jan 24 2017
2.3.2
0.0
Jan 24 2017
0.0
Version: 2.3.2
I've paid for a lot of Mac utility software like this only to end up seeing them become an abandonware, and this is one of them. It is one of the reasons I have decided to never pay for and install “system enhancement utilities" like this. Here is how it always turns out; You buy a piece of software like this thinking your workflow would miraculously improve and you would save a lot of frustrations and time. Then, you start spending more time tinkering and troubleshooting as you use this type of utilities more. Soon, you become a volunteer beta tester for these developers while becoming more and more dependent upon a novel way of doing things on your Mac. After a while, you stop seeing updates and bug fixes and then painfully realize that the developers of the utilities you paid for and came to be heavily dependent on abandoned them. You will have to spend a lot of time relearning as you endure a lot of frustration as a result of your workflow ripped apart only because some developers no longer felt like building your software. I found that, in the long run, these “system enhancements” added more complexity, frustration and “needs” to tinker with, and that I was much better off just making good use of all the default features on my Mac. Any small gains in UI efficiency are not worth the massive trade-off of depending on this type of utilities.
Elva123
Elva123
Nov 4 2016
2.3.2
5.0
Nov 4 2016
5.0
Version: 2.3.2
It is fantastic. Useful tool indeed.
AppleFriend
AppleFriend
Aug 31 2016
2.3.2
4.5
Aug 31 2016
4.5
Version: 2.3.2
Like this app because it is not only optimal layout instrument, it also has and optimal value for money. Plus OL is very handy and convenient for everyday usage. I got used to my special layout and can't imagine how I could work without it. That's great!
fabiorico
fabiorico
Jun 15 2016
2.3.2
4.0
Jun 15 2016
4.0
Version: 2.3.2
Good idea, indeed, to create an app for clearing out the windows mess on a desktop and facilitate computing. Have been trying it for a couple of weeks, it works perfectly enabling me to customize keyboard shortcuts for my need. One little drawback, I have found cheaper analogue apps for sizing windows. So, my conclusion - OL should be tested on your own to check whether you need it.
RogerKatz
RogerKatz
Oct 28 2014
2.2.28
0.0
Oct 28 2014
0.0
Version: 2.2.28
The latest version is 2.3.1
Danlfsmith
Danlfsmith
Mar 3 2014
2.2.24
5.0
Mar 3 2014
5.0
Version: 2.2.24
Very handy program that I've been using since it was called WindowFlow. The way I explain it to others is that with stock OS X, command-tab will tab between open applications. With OptimalLayout, option-tab will tab between all open windows among the open applications. Very useful when working with multiple programs with multiple open windows at once.
Ashkenaz
Ashkenaz
Apr 7 2012
2.2.2
0.0
Apr 7 2012
0.0
Version: 2.2.2
The developer should be commended for not compelling the user to purchase via the App Store. This tipped the balance for me.
Sgginc
Sgginc
Aug 6 2011
2.2.2
0.0
Aug 6 2011
0.0
Version: 2.2.2
Link is for v2.2. Go to developer’s site for v2.2.2. Thanks ... Ken
Trevorml
Trevorml
Jun 28 2011
2.1.0
4.5
Jun 28 2011
4.5
Version: 2.1.0
Great app... but after having to rebuild a HD I have to reinstall OL2 but the link for the license is no longer active :( cheers from Oz Trevor
Fishscale
Fishscale
Jun 18 2011
2.1.0
5.0
Jun 18 2011
5.0
Version: 2.1.0
I have owned OL since it's first release. The app is extremely flexible, lightweight, and powerful. I have tried many other window switching apps and none compare feature or price wise to OL. Now with tab support it is even more flexible. Layout options can be customized to your liking as can a plethora of hotkeys. I don't think anyone here will argue that OL isn't a great app, but what makes it so spectacular is the active development and openness of it's dev. Whenever I have a request, I can drop an email and I soon receive a reply and sooner rather than later the feature request is implemented! I could go on all day listing off the great features of OL but try it out for yourself. Great app + Great dev = Many happy customers! Thank you for listening to our requests and making the best window switching app even better! I can't say enough positive remarks about this app, it truly is amazing in many regards. Oh yeah, you can try it before you buy it!! I told you the dev was a good guy. ;)
NaderK
NaderK
Jun 17 2011
2.1.0
5.0
Jun 17 2011
5.0
Version: 2.1.0
just keeps getting better & better
Nmege
Nmege
Jun 2 2011
2.0.2
0.0
Jun 2 2011
0.0
Version: 2.0.2
Great app, a must. But for some reason, it doesn't show if you search for it in the MacUpdate search box. I found this page because i had saved it on Evernote.
hechy
hechy
May 31 2011
2.0.2
3.5
May 31 2011
3.5
Version: 2.0.2
Easily the best window switcher for mac! I'm a mac newbie and really missed the windows window switcher :) Only drawback is the ram consumption.
Martinbb
Martinbb
May 24 2011
2.0.2
0.0
May 24 2011
0.0
Version: 2.0.2
Note to MacUpdate: the price on this page appears to be incorrect. On the developer's site it is given as $14. On the App Store it is $13.99.
KNOBO
KNOBO
Apr 28 2011
2.0.1
5.0
Apr 28 2011
5.0
Version: 2.0.1
This tool is something like a "5-tool player" window manager, mover and app switcher. This app replaced a whole bunch of apps on my Mac and become instantly inevitable for me.
ChrisPolus
ChrisPolus
Apr 28 2011
2.0.1
4.5
Apr 28 2011
4.5
Version: 2.0.1
Optimal Layout 2 is a huge improvement over the first version. In version 1 I only used shortcuts to move windows around, as the window manager and grouping windows into groups etc. was too complicated for me. I constantly had to peek at shortcuts as I seldom used these features. All these features were just not sitting right in my workflow. Optimal Layout 2 very nicely surfaces these features into a new, easy to use UI. To place windows quickly and precisely you can draw into a special area and the window jumps there (sounds strange, look at the dev's videos to understand). Very easy shortcuts help to save a window position you like and then recall this position for later use. You can access these features in multiple ways: either directly via shortcut, or via the window manager, or you can have icons representing the saved window positions in your menu bar on top and simply and quickly click on one of them. Great! Over all I'm now using much more of the functionality of Optimal Layout, it's much easier to understand than the first version. The only reason I'm not giving it a 5 star is because I like a feature other window managers are having that's missing in Optimal Layout. Other tools allow you to drag a window to the top edge which makes the window full screen, or to the top right edge to make the window fill the right half of the screen etc. If one could have hot areas (top screen, top right corner, right edge, bottom right corner, bottom edge, etc.) with Optimal Layout and drag windows onto these hot areas or hot corners and the window would fly to a programmed position, it would truly be feature complete for my personal use. Great work in Optimal Layout 2! I like it a LOT!
Macdamien1
Macdamien1
Apr 28 2011
2.0.1
5.0
Apr 28 2011
5.0
Version: 2.0.1
Remembering sets of windows is for me the best approach. This version 2 is a valuable improvement since the version 1. It's clearer in aspect, always keyboard oriented but with the possibility to use the mouse for unconvinced (for a time) of the superiority of the keyboard. I'm happy to see the actually good gestion of my BÉPO (dvorak like) layout.
Sgginc
Sgginc
Apr 28 2011
2.0.1
0.0
Apr 28 2011
0.0
Version: 2.0.1
Too complicated for me. The developer’s video makes it seem simple like a magician’s slight of hand. In reality you can really mess up your windows especially hidden ones as in SOHO Notes Services window and BusyCal‘s drop down window. There is an ignore windows option but it is unclear exactly what is being ignored. I was also unable to remove a custom window position I saved. Just keeps coming back. It could also use an undo option. If you click a window position button and all goes wonky it would be nice to just undo it. It would make playing with it easier. As it is, when my windows are all messed up as a result of selecting a window position button, I need to manually fix it all. This makes it too difficult to learn. Again, I believe the developer’s video is the product of someone who knows this program inside out. Or I’m just mentally challenged. Thanks ... Ken
ameers
ameers
Oct 9 2022
2.3.2
5.0
Oct 9 2022
5.0
Version: 2.3.2
Tachy0n
Tachy0n
Aug 11 2020
3.0
Aug 11 2020
3.0
Version: null
Elva123
Elva123
Nov 4 2016
5.0
Nov 4 2016
5.0
Version: null
AppleFriend
AppleFriend
Aug 31 2016
4.5
Aug 31 2016
4.5
Version: null
fabiorico
fabiorico
Jun 15 2016
4.0
Jun 15 2016
4.0
Version: null
Ededed
Ededed
Apr 22 2014
5.0
Apr 22 2014
5.0
Version: null
Eat-A-Peach
Eat-A-Peach
Apr 3 2014
3.5
Apr 3 2014
3.5
Version: null
Danlfsmith
Danlfsmith
Mar 3 2014
5.0
Mar 3 2014
5.0
Version: null
Trevorml
Trevorml
Jun 28 2011
4.5
Jun 28 2011
4.5
Version: null
tgilfix
tgilfix
Jun 25 2011
2.5
Jun 25 2011
2.5
Version: null
Izdale
Izdale
Jun 18 2011
5.0
Jun 18 2011
5.0
Version: null
Fishscale
Fishscale
Jun 18 2011
5.0
Jun 18 2011
5.0
Version: null
NaderK
NaderK
Jun 17 2011
5.0
Jun 17 2011
5.0
Version: null
hechy
hechy
May 31 2011
3.5
May 31 2011
3.5
Version: null
KNOBO
KNOBO
Apr 28 2011
5.0
Apr 28 2011
5.0
Version: null
ChrisPolus
ChrisPolus
Apr 28 2011
4.5
Apr 28 2011
4.5
Version: null
Macdamien1
Macdamien1
Apr 28 2011
5.0
Apr 28 2011
5.0
Version: null
Diefis
Diefis
Jan 29 2011
0.5
Jan 29 2011
0.5
Version: null
Beige
Beige
Jan 29 2011
5.0
Jan 29 2011
5.0
Version: null
leoofborg
leoofborg
Mar 13 2010
4.0
Mar 13 2010
4.0
Version: null
How would you rate Optimal Layout?
Similar apps
WindowSwitcher
Quickly switch between open windows.
Is this app is similar to WindowSwitcher? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
1
Upvotes
1
Total score
0
Downvotes
Contexts
Fast window switcher.
Is this app is similar to Contexts? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
0
Upvotes
1
Total score
0
Downvotes
DivX
Playback DivX media.
Is this app is similar to DivX? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
0
Upvotes
0
Total score
0
Downvotes
MaxSnap
Powerful window manager.
Is this app is similar to MaxSnap? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
1
Upvotes
0
Total score
-1
Downvotes
Command-Tab Plus
Keyboard-centric application and window switcher.
Is this app is similar to Command-Tab Plus? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
1
Upvotes
0
Total score
-1
Downvotes