ALOTIA  I wish I had checked MacUpdate recent reviews first before plunking money on this app. I purchased the license, which was delivered as part of the checkout process. However, the license cannot be installed. I have tried, as suggested in the email to drag it, and have tried to download it and copy it from the finder, but to no avail.

I had sent an email to their "info" alias and have not heard anything back.

Unfortunately, I paid this via Paypal--the only payment option it seems--and Paypal dismissed the claim saying "the buyer's protection does not apply to the quality of the goods". So much for Paypal's "buyer's protection", but that's another rant. Luckily, I found out about it with this small purchase.  
(Version 2.0.2)

DOOBIEXX  weird, do you know for a fact the dev has quit? He has many very popular apps out so I don't see why he would abandon everything unless something very bad has happened to someone or someone close to him.

Summary: Do you have proof the dev has quit? Other than not responding to emails which could be explained in many matters why he couldn't get back to those emails...  
(Version 2.0.2)

SCOTTY321  BUYER BEWARE: Witch for Mac OS X has been discontinued and is no longer being supported by the developer. Do not spend $$ on Witch for Mac OS X, because the bugs in the product will NOT be fixed.  
(Version 2.0.2)

DRDUL  In case anyone is wondering, Witch works on OS X 10.6.1.  
(Version 2.0.2)

SCOTTY321  Company is completely unresponsive to customers. Development stopped on this product in November 2008. Have tried to email tech support several times over the last month in regards to bug fixes -- ZERO response from the company. Cannot recommend this product at all.

This product does not work properly with Leopard's Spaces. When you use Witch's keyboard shortcut to cycle through ALL of your applications when Spaces is active, Witch won't show you all of your applications from the OTHER spaces. It shows you SOME of your applications from the other spaces, but not ALL of your applications from the other spaces. You actually have to switch over to that other space first and THEN use the keyboard shortcut to cycle through those applications that are located in that space. But then the same problem crops up over there -- the applications from the PREVIOUS space that you were in don't all show up again.

Emailed tech support many times over the last month... no response.

Do not support these developers or this product!  
(Version 2.0.2)

MASOREY  Nice and useful piece of software. It's a pitty that developer will not be as good. A week to go after payment and still waiting for the serial... They even don't reply to emails!!!  
(Version 2.0.2)

WCITYMIKE  Now Shareware. Somehow I'm not surprised -- I don't think Peter Mauer will have a freeware app left in his stable once he's done. Shame.  
(Version 2.0.1)

JOSH LINDQUIST  1000% improvement in window management for OS X with this app. It's like giving your windows the ability to dance with your fingers.

My usage:

Minimize Window: Command M (OS default)

Maximize Window: Option M

Un-minimize all Front-most app windows: Ctrl-Option-Command M

Thought I'd share my config incase you're at a loss for custom shortcut ideas. Pressing Option M in my config repeatedly toggles last window state w/maximized - SLICK. Witch makes modifying these shortcuts possible and easy with a nice System Pref module.

JL  
(Version 2.0.1)

GORDON142  Doesn't seem to work right with Spaces. Only sometimes displays Windows from non-active spaces.  
(Version 2.0)

DOBES  works perfectly with my Leopard. I just discovered this yesterday and I don't know how I got along without it. I prefer keyboard commands, and this allows me to unminimize windows and cycle through minimized windows without mousing, among many other things. I use command keys for Apple commands, control for Quicksilver, and Option for Witch, and now my OS is perfect!  
(Version 1.0.2)

MATTHEW GREEN  not working in leopard, will not stay enabled even tho it installs  
(Version 1.0.2)

NEUR0MANCER  I love this prefpane, too. Great functionality. I have one request, though--is it possible to get Witch to show the Safari or Firefox TABS that are open within the browser window and allow you to switch to a particular tab? I find myself habitually Command-Tabbing to switch to a Firefox tab, even though all I can do is switch to that window.

Thanks for the great software.  
(Version 1.0.2)

SIMICHAVEL  Once upon a time, when switching windows with Witch, I could highlight a window and click w or q, and thereby close the window oe even quit the program. This seems no longer to be possible. Any insights here? Tips? Plans for the future?

MacBook Pro / OS 10.4.7  
(Version 1.0.2)

GERBER  After hearing endless complaints from Windows users (or "switchers") about how much of a drag it was for cmd+tab to not include individual windows (as it does in Windows XP), I figured I'd give this little program a try and see what all the fuss was about.

Well, I'm gonna say it: The Windows way is better. Well, sort of.

See, on Windows, you don't see the NAME of every window. You just get an icon. You have twenty MS Word documents open? 20 MS Word icons will show up, and you get to scrub through and pick your favorite!

Witch gives you all that plus one better: Your windows are NAMED. This simple enhancement makes it a far superior app switcher than Windows or Mac provides.

Witch also provides a very customizable appearance, many configurable hotkeys to do just about anything (I especially appreciate the ability to switch between the current application's windows -- great for when I DO have 20 MS Word docs open!) and a handful of other goodies. All for the low low price of whatever you think is fair!

My one regret is that it can't take over cmd+tab, so you end up having to use option+tab or something dumb like that. Apple shouldn't be so greedy with their keyboard shortcuts.  
(Version 1.0.2)

RIDOGI  This is an excellent app. I haven't replaced command tab, but it bridges the gap between command tab and command tilde nicely. The ability easily bring up a specific minimized window is incredibly useful. I do have a few suggestions to make this app even better.

1. Adopt command tab's tilde for reversing the direction in addition to shift.

2. Adopt command tab's quick change (with just a tap of the tab key) between the two most recent windows without showing the witch window.

Those complaints said, this thing is a great addition to my workflow and has earned 5 stars across the board. $ has been sent via the link on the author's page. I look forward to future versions of this.  
(Version 1.0.2)

HARSHEY  I switched from windows and I missed the ALT+TAB feature.

Yes mac has Command+TAB and Command+` but they do not cycle through windows minimized to the dock. Also they do not give a list of all windows that are open for a given application.

Now with WITCH I can finally leave windows behind. This is how apple should have implemented the Command+` to cycle through windows...

Anyway this app is a lifesaver...

WITCH+QUICKSILVER change the way I use my mac for the better...   
(Version 1.0.2)

JEFF H.  Don't know how I got along without this...

Just installed this not 15 minutes ago and alreadt it's indispensable!

Thanks SOOO much!  
(Version 1.0.2)

SIMICHAVEL  FANTASTIC! Beautiful, easy, customizable. Fills a gaping hole in Apple's application switcher.  
(Version 1.0.2)

MAXALENTIX  Normally I don't like to install all kinds of utilities because I end up not using them. Witch is an exception because now I can't imagine using OS X without it. Witch allows you to switch to any other application window or an instance of an application window by using a key combination that you choose. It is simple to setup and very useful.

Equally useful is "Textpander" by the same developer.

--Gary  
(Version 1.0.1)

SHARK  When I used windows machines I loved being able to switch to a any window using the keyboard and have been wanting something along the same lines for osx and here it is.  
(Version 1.0.1)

ANONYMOUS  The second-best utility on OS X, without question. Only just pipped at the post by Quicksilver as "the-utility-that-doubles-your-use-and-enjoyment-of-OSX".

Peter's a genius.  
(Version 1.0.1)

ANONYMOUS  Can you make it possible to use multiple hotkeys for the same function? I have a hotkey that I prefer to use with a full keyboard, but doesn't work well when I'm not using that keyboard with my laptop.

For the interface I'd be happy with selecting a current hotkey and simply pressing another to add it. If I wanted to clear the current one I could use the already present "clear hotkey" button.

Thanks!  
(Version 1.0.1)

FR33ZE  Y0 MASSIF! GIVE IT UP FOR PETER MAURER!

My selecta is dropping you the mad-fresh, software selection straight from his dome. Original software flava! Big it up! Give it up for my selecta inside and make a small donation to keep his threads crisp and his sneakers dry. E-Z

Peter Maurer 0wnz!

Respect.  
(Version 1.0.1)

SLIMLINE  Peter Maurer is GOD!

Check all other developer apps.  
(Version 1.0.1)

ANONYMOUS  Nice features, easy to install and to use, stable, free = perfect!!!

From the same author, Butler is a great utility too.  
(Version 1.0)

ANONYMOUS  Is Peter Maurer the Messiah? I think he is.  
(Version 1.0)

PAUL LIEBER  Wow, wow wow wow WOW. Peter Maurer does it again, with another intuitive, user friendly, powerful application. Free equates to yet another 'Wow.'

If you haven't downloaded this, you're truly missing out. Excellent app.

Related, I second the notion on Peter's terrific responsiveness to questions about any of the apps he develops. I'm continuously amazed at his quick reply to any question/bug concerns.  
(Version 1.0b4)

ANONYMOUS  Seems to work in Tiger, if anyone's curious. :)  
(Version 1.0b4)

ANONYMOUS  A great application. I had half expected Apple to 'borrow' this idea and code the alt-tab it properly themselves but until then, this is a lovely implementation.  
(Version 1.0b4)

ANONYMOUS  Holy cats, is this thing beautiful!

Might be nice if there was some way to make this override Apple's built-in switcher (the way Lite Switch does). Absolutely smashing.  
(Version 1.0b4)

ANONYMOUS  One word: briliiant! I don't know how I did anything before I had this program. This combined with Butler is perfect (maybe should be incorporated into one program?), the other poster is right, apple needs to hire this dude right now.  
(Version 1.0b4)

ANONYMOUS  I had to hit back to check the version of the software: 1.0b4? A beta? Witch is more stable, full-featured and customizable than most software well into the double digits. It's a shame so many people are submitting superficial and misinformed reviews, because this is some of the most useful and well-coded freeware that I've come across in a long time. Bravissimo.  
(Version 1.0b4)

GRADUS  This witch put a spell on me! Use it one time, and you won't be able to remember the time when you fiddled with Exposé and the app switcher. Great concept, great design. Kudos to Peter Maurer. Your contributions to the Mac community are very much appreciated.  
(Version 1.0b4)

ANONYMOUS  he does it again... They really need guys like him at Apple. They owe him for making OS X about 100 times more convenient to use...  
(Version 1.0b4)

ANONYMOUS  The border around selected elements needs to leave a couple more pixels around the edge of the name and icon. The current layout looks just a bit too cramped because there's no "clearance" between the icon and the surrounding frame.

I'd also like an option to leave the application name off, and just show the window name and icon.  
(Version 1.0b4)

PETER MAURER  @rawsweets:

> you can't exit the dang "window selection" ... This

> just doesn't take with "switchers" like QS and

> LiteSwitch, where pressing escape cancels the

> selection pane, and you can get on with your

> work.

Have you ever tried pressing [escape]? Because actually, you can exit the window selector by pressing [escape]. Please refer to the "Switching Windows -- Advanced" section of Witch's documentation.

Moreover, you can configure Witch to always show a "Cancel" item at the top/bottom of its windows list.

> Once I get in the app, I expect to move around

> a simple list of items, as I would any other finder

> list - use the up and down keys!!

Have you ever tried pressing those keys? Because actually, you can navigate the window selector by pressing [up arrow], [down arrow], [return]/[enter], and the abovementioned [escape] key, of course. Please refer to the "Switching Windows -- Advanced" section of Witch's documentation once more.

Moreover, you can navigate the window selector with your mouse.

Do you think it's fair to complain about the absence of a feature without even checking if it's actually there?

> The interface options are cool, but it all seems

> like aqua overkill, and the author should focus

> more on the core features.

I tend to think that's just a matter of taste. However, I'd like to make two points here:

1. It is actually very important to many users to customize the looks of system utilities, such as Witch.

2. Providing users with some controls to customize the looks of Witch is easy. With modern development tools --such as XCode, for instance-- doing so doesn't take very long. Thus, you can rest assured that I didn't really have to take my focus away from the core features.

> The author really needs to set some limits to

> the user, instead of prompting them with a

> flimsy warning, about how setting the "escape"

> key as a shortcut could effect other

> applications... not smart, even if the user is.

While developing Butler and --most importantly-- dealing with feedback from Butler's users, I have learnt a few things about shortcuts (a.k.a. "hot keys"). And one of these things is: "do NOT restrict the range of possible key combinations". Most users know what they are doing, but the developer might not be able to anticipate what they are trying to achieve.

Here's an example: I have recently heard about a user who uses Butler to fake a [return] keystroke by pressing [enter]. (His [return] key is broken.) Honestly, I would never have thought of this way of using Butler. But it would have been impossible if I had restricted shortcuts in such a way that [enter] would not have been a valid option.  
(Version 1.0b3)

JAMES  Works great and is easy to use. I only use the default setup (opt+tab or opt+left/right arrow) so I'm not as intensive as others might be. For me, it works great! Well done. A great augmentor and maybe even replacement to cmd+tab!  
(Version 1.0b3)

ANONYMOUS  Is it possible to use cmd-tab as a hotkey? I'd like to use this in place of Apple's lame app-switcher.  
(Version 1.0b3)

RAWSWEETS  Great idea, decent implementation, poor usability.

Biggest complaint is that you can't exit the dang "window selection" window, unless you select a window. So even if you click on the frontmost application's window, the switch's pane doesn't dissapear until you finish using it - clicking it or using the keys to select a window. This just doesn't take with "switchers" like QS and LiteSwitch, where pressing escape cancels the selection pane, and you can get on with your work.

Second biggest complaint, is that you need shortcuts to *use* the dang thing, after it's activated (when the window pane is visible). So while I'm seeing it, I still have to use shortcuts (that you must set prior via the preference pane), just to navigate a list. This can't be, and is not only awkward, but ranks this app as the most obnoxious widget on earth. Shortcut keys are way too precious to devote to just one app. Once I get in the app, I expect to move around a simple list of items, as I would any other finder list - use the up and down keys!!

The interface options are cool, but it all seems like aqua overkill, and the author should focus more on the core features.

The pref pane isn't too simple to understand - there are way too many controls and the shortcut creation method is awful. The author really needs to set some limits to the user, instead of prompting them with a flimsy warning, about how setting the "escape" key as a shortcut could effect other applications... not smart, even if the user is.

In a nut shell, this is beta in form but not function.

Downloaded it, but won't use it yet.  
(Version 1.0b3)

MR. CLANCY  Before you can update Witch, make the following steps:

1. Open "System Preferences"

2. Open "Witch" pane

3. Uncheck the "Enable Witch" box

4. Close "System Preferences"

5. Replace the old Witch pane file in your ~/Library/PreferencePanes/ folder by the new downloaded Witch pane.

6. Open "System Preferences"

7. Check the "Enable Witch" box

8. Close "System Preferences"

and everything's fixed and it works again.  
(Version 1.0b2)

TGERMER  Great idea, reminds me of Quicksilver-esque simplicity. The CPU usage when in the foreground is crazy though 70%+.  
(Version 1.0b1)

JIMW  Just a marketing note: Some of this author's Freeware or Donationware Apps have a history of turning into Shareware, especially when they become really popular. My advise: if you like this app, don't get too attached to it, unless you are eventually willing to pay $$.  
(Version 1.0b1)

BIGFISH  works very well...

in the background 0% of CPU use...

in the foreground : 60% of cpu use on a 1.5Ghz G4....too much...only problem to solve for me...  
(Version 1.0b1)

MR. CLANCY  URGENT HELP NEEDED!!!

Which preference pane is called "Universal Access" ??? I'm a German user and don't know how it is called in German...!! How does it look like? thanks for any urgent help!  
(Version 1.0b1)

ANONYMOUS  Augh! I can't tell what the default key combination is to switch windows (I think I have an Apple Pro Keyboard) and any key combination I try to change it to, I get a message saying that some applications might not work well if I change it. I'm wondering what special key combination is being used that doesn't effect other applications that is the default.

Can anyone help describe to me what this magical key combination is? I know the open-apple key and shift-open-apple key are involved, but I can't tell what the other is. :(  
(Version 1.0b1)

MORTEN  Cool thing. It looks wonderful and works fine. Keep updating and developping it!  
(Version 1.0b1)