We stand with Ukraine to help keep people safe. Join us

Shortcut for switching between windows.

4.1
Based on 31 user ratesRead reviews & comments
$14.00
One-Time Purchase
Buy Now

Witch overview

Witch makes switching between windows easy. Have you ever wanted to switch to a certain window, not just the application it belongs to? While you can use Exposé to switch windows, doing so can be very clumsy if you're the keyboard-only type of user. And don't all of these windows look just the same when they are scaled down?

Witch lets you access all of your windows (in all Spaces using Mac OS X 10.6 and Witch 3.2 or newer) by pressing a shortcut and choosing from a clearly arranged list of window titles. You can also see an optional window preview before switching windows. Moreover, you can use Witch to...

  • Directly access minimized windows without using your mouse
  • Close minimized windows without bringing them to front first
  • Zoom, de-/minimize, and close windows on the fly

What’s new in version 4.5.2

Updated on Jul 05 2022

  • Worked around Microsoft Edge's ever-changing non-standard tabs implementation yet again.
  • Improved VoiceOver support.
View older Witch updates

Information

License

Shareware

Size

6.4 MB

Developer’s website

https://manytricks.com/witch/

Downloads

43433

App requirements

  • Intel 64
  • Apple Silicon
  • OS X 10.10 or later
Try our new feature and write a detailed review about Witch. 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

bruh___
bruh___
Jan 7 2021
4.3.6
5.0
Jan 7 2021
5.0
Version: 4.3.6
essential application imo
Brandondrew
Brandondrew
Oct 29 2018
4.3
5.0
Oct 29 2018
5.0
Version: 4.3
I've tried several other apps like this, and after paying for a different one discovered that Witch is more mature and has a better feature set. I have had problems intermittently with lag for command-tab switching, but after upgrading to Sierra (which required the painful switch away from Karabiner to Karabiner Elements) and then some changes to my Karabiner-Elements setup suggest that one of my Karabiner-Elements configs might have been at fault for the lag. I'll adjust my rating down if it turns out that Witch itself is to blame. But the feature set is really top-notch. I'm hoping that its performance is equivalent.

The only reason I didn't try Witch before the competitors is that I tried it MANY years ago when it only (AFAIK) did Windows-style switching, which switches windows instead of apps. While I can understand a former Windows user wanting that, I find Apple's app-oriented switching to be superior 95% of the time for my style of working. Fortunately Witch now lets you do both, and also a combination, where you can first switch between apps, and then (without opening a different switcher UI) drill down into the windows for the chosen app. This is the best of both worlds. It is also HIGHLY configurable.

There are some features I would like it to have, but nothing else (AFAIK) has them. It would be awesome if we could write functions (shell or AppleScript) to determine if an app is shown or hidden from the command-tab switching menu. This would allow much more sophisticated control over that.

It would also be nice if we could explicitly hide an app from the switcher in the current workspace, using (e.g.) shift-control-H. This would allow ad-hoc changes to which apps we want to show and hide, and wouldn't require OS hiding to result in Witch switcher hiding, because I never find that the two are the same for me.

Some people have complained about the price. HUUUHHHHHH? It's very cheap! Developers need to eat and pay rent! It might seem "simple" because it serves a very well-defined need, but an app like this is actually a very impressive feat. I'm glad to pay for it.

My only serious concern is the performance issue. If that returns, and cannot be attributed to something else, then I'll drop the stars WAY down. If you see this remain at 5 stars, then I recommend this over all the others like it.
nutjob2
nutjob2
Dec 25 2017
4.1
2.5
Dec 25 2017
2.5
Version: 4.1
This app has so much potential but is ultimately frustrating becuase of its limited functionality with respect to detecting tabs. I understand why this is the case, different apps have different implementations and not all use Apple's APIs, but it's extremely frustrating for users who are really only looking only for this functionality. In particular some apps show as not having tabbed windows at all, even of they do, such as Finder, others like Terminal show as having tabs, but cannot handle name changes to the tabs. Very disappointing.
Larsen2k4
Larsen2k4
Apr 2 2017
4.0
5.0
Apr 2 2017
5.0
Version: 4.0
No day without it. Didn't even think about upgrading to 4.0 for a second. :)
Scott-C-H-
Scott-C-H-
Jun 3 2016
3.9.7
4.5
Jun 3 2016
4.5
Version: 3.9.7
Nice addition to OS X's default Command + Tab switching. I wonder why Apple haven't implemented something like this. I wish it could detect tabs inside each window, but that's the limitation imposed by Apple's Accessibility API. Maybe someday. Even without that, it is an excellent workflow enhancement.
emac-man
emac-man
Feb 2 2016
3.9.7
4.5
Feb 2 2016
4.5
Version: 3.9.7
Nützliche und hervorragend umgesetzte Erweiterung.
emac-man
emac-man
Feb 2 2016
3.9.7
4.5
Feb 2 2016
4.5
Version: 3.9.7
Warum werden Nutz dieser hervorragenden Erweiterung, die diese über den App-Store gekauft haben, so vernachlässigt? Während hier schon die Version 3.9.7 verfügbar ist, steht im App-Store seit 11. August 2014 immer noch nur die Version 3.9.4 zum Download.
sbchavel
sbchavel
Oct 23 2014
3.9.4
0.0
Oct 23 2014
0.0
Version: 3.9.4
Witch broken by Yosemite. Attempting to activate Witch brings up message to grant access to Witch in Security & Privacy preference pane. But when I go to that pane, click plus, and attempt to select Witch, it is greyed out. Selecting "system preferences" does not help with respect to Witch.
clakes
clakes
Nov 9 2013
3.9.3
0.0
Nov 9 2013
0.0
Version: 3.9.3
I'm sorry... I'm a good Mac lover since 2000, and trying to be kind here but... Witch is a bloated helper, resource-hungry and sporting features I don't even need: Apple should get LiteSwitch code and inject it into the next OS release instead. Pleasea
TheBloke
TheBloke
Mar 23 2012
3.8
5.0
Mar 23 2012
5.0
Version: 3.8
A wonderful app, totally indispensable for me! I moved recently from Windows to OSX, and the one thing I could not stand about OSX is the handling of applications and windows. I used Windows and Linux for decades, and would use Alt-Tab hundreds of times a day and was very fast at switching back and forth between windows. So I found the Mac's handling of Cmd-Tab to be a huge regression - I found it simply dreadful having to Cmd-Tab between apps, then separately cycle between windows with another shortcut. Enter Witch, which solves all these problems, and has quite a few customisations and extra features which actually make it much better than Windows/Linux switching. I very much like the numbering of windows, allowing the quick selection of a window by hitting its number. It has a good selection of fully customisable shortcuts (I have the main switcher configured to Cmd-Tab, disabling OSX's default application switcher, which I never use.) You can ignore apps or windows that match certain patterns, which is useful for excluding certain types of windows/panels that you never want to switch to. And the appearance is fully customisable with sensible and attractive defaults. It's also fast and stable - I've never had a crash or seen a glitch. For me, there's only one missing feature right now: the ability to disable the mouse from affecting the switcher. I often Cmd-Tab with my left hand with the mouse in my right, and that can cause me to move the pointer over the switcher, changing the selected window. This can slow my down sometimes, getting in the way of quickly flicking back and forth between windows. I'm contacting support to suggest they add that. It's wonderful tool and I really can't enjoy OSX without it. If I could run only one productivity/UI app on OSX, it would be Witch.
sixoclockish
sixoclockish
Mar 11 2012
3.8
4.0
Mar 11 2012
4.0
Version: 3.8
Witch is great! But is there any way that I can "reactivate" minimized apps just like in Witch but in the regular Mac OS?
JamesHarrisPhoto
JamesHarrisPhoto
Feb 14 2012
3.7
0.0
Feb 14 2012
0.0
Version: 3.7
So what ever happen to Witch 4, which Many Tricks last mentioned below back on December 8, 2010 (more than 2 years ago)? Count me as another unsatisfied customer who has switched to Optimal Layout (formerly WindowFlow). A 2-year silence from the developer is not good for future business.
Cowicide
Cowicide
Oct 15 2011
3.7
0.0
Oct 15 2011
0.0
Version: 3.7
It seem like Witch uses too much virtual memory for what I use it for. I just have it as an alternative way to switch between apps with gestures since if I use xgestures with the native apple app switcher there's a bug with apple or whatever that will make it scroll continuously as if I'm pressing and holding Command-tab without letting go. Witch handles it much better, but I'm not sure it should be using so much VM as it goes. (it uses as much as safari does) - Mac OS 10.6.7 / Witch 3.7
Redswill
Redswill
Oct 1 2010
3.5.5
0.0
Oct 1 2010
0.0
Version: 3.5.5
Witch used to be great, but it now pales in comparison to newer alternatives, like Switche or WindowFlow.
Moniquee
Moniquee
Sep 20 2010
3.5.4
0.0
Sep 20 2010
0.0
Version: 3.5.4
Can't see previews of Photoshop photos, I mean first tab is visible. There is also problem with psd-cmyk photos- cant see prev. Generally this version is unstable. I'll wait until next update will be available.
Daisermac
Daisermac
Sep 14 2010
3.5.4
0.0
Sep 14 2010
0.0
Version: 3.5.4
Witch gets unresponsive when the system is under high load (while I am able to use any other application like ms word, watch movies etc.). Emailed to the developper but got no response.
zx
zx
Jun 23 2010
3.5.1
3.0
Jun 23 2010
3.0
Version: 3.5.1
Great addition..But 'windows previews' implemented poorly. Just make them appear on the left Side so the previews wont Cover/hide the other windows. Thanks.
Bonobo
Bonobo
Jun 14 2010
3.5
5.0
Jun 14 2010
5.0
Version: 3.5
This new feature, previews of windows, is overly cool, wonderful, BEAUTYful. Cant't believe you guys are putting this in a free update. Thank you!
Bonobo
Bonobo
May 25 2010
3.2
5.0
May 25 2010
5.0
Version: 3.2
Yeah, SPACES, they've finally done it!
Robotank
Robotank
Apr 9 2010
3.0
0.0
Apr 9 2010
0.0
Version: 3.0
A good, solid update to Witch. The new customization options are nice, and the ability to replace Command+Tab and Command+` is just what I was hoping for. I don't use Spaces, so fortunately I'm not bothered by the lack of compatibility. The upgrade price for Witch 2 owners is very reasonable at less than half of the full purchase price. Unlike with Leech, I don't grudge the upgrade cost for Witch. Other than the 32-bit pref pane annoyance, it worked fine for me in Snow Leopard, and I feel like I got my money's worth from it. I'm glad to see Many Tricks back up and running, and I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt that, with their new organizational scheme, the old inconsistencies with updates and support won't be issues any more. People are starting to mention WindowFlow in here. I think it's a good utility too, but there are a couple of things that still make Witch the clear winner for me at this point. First and foremost is that WindowFlow doesn't properly keep track of the order of minimized or hidden windows (at least when sorting by window activity). It lumps them together at the end of the list, so any time you minimize or hide a window it goes to the bottom and throws off the sorting order, which is a major annoyance since I use minimized windows a lot. The second thing is the lack of a function to cycle the windows of the frontmost application only. That said, I can see why heavy Spaces users might prefer WindowFlow at this point. Whichever utility you prefer, it's always nice to have alternatives :)
Grug
Grug
Dec 22 2021
4.5
5.0
Dec 22 2021
5.0
Version: 4.5
bruh___
bruh___
Jan 7 2021
5.0
Jan 7 2021
5.0
Version: null
makareim
makareim
Jan 31 2019
5.0
Jan 31 2019
5.0
Version: null
Brandondrew
Brandondrew
Oct 29 2018
5.0
Oct 29 2018
5.0
Version: null
nutjob2
nutjob2
Dec 25 2017
2.5
Dec 25 2017
2.5
Version: null
flu
flu
Dec 11 2017
1.5
Dec 11 2017
1.5
Version: null
Larsen2k4
Larsen2k4
Apr 2 2017
5.0
Apr 2 2017
5.0
Version: null
Scott-C-H-
Scott-C-H-
Jun 3 2016
4.5
Jun 3 2016
4.5
Version: null
WetNet
WetNet
Apr 2 2016
0.5
Apr 2 2016
0.5
Version: null
emac-man
emac-man
Feb 2 2016
4.5
Feb 2 2016
4.5
Version: null
Drdul
Drdul
Aug 9 2014
4.5
Aug 9 2014
4.5
Version: null
Age
Age
Dec 12 2012
5.0
Dec 12 2012
5.0
Version: null
CNYMAC315
CNYMAC315
Jun 26 2012
4.5
Jun 26 2012
4.5
Version: null
cantor
cantor
Jun 6 2012
5.0
Jun 6 2012
5.0
Version: null
TheBloke
TheBloke
Mar 23 2012
5.0
Mar 23 2012
5.0
Version: null
sixoclockish
sixoclockish
Mar 11 2012
4.0
Mar 11 2012
4.0
Version: null
Alotia
Alotia
Feb 15 2012
1.0
Feb 15 2012
1.0
Version: null
dkm
dkm
Dec 8 2010
2.5
Dec 8 2010
2.5
Version: null
zx
zx
Jun 23 2010
3.0
Jun 23 2010
3.0
Version: null
Bonobo
Bonobo
Jun 14 2010
5.0
Jun 14 2010
5.0
Version: null
Caberlin
Caberlin
Apr 7 2010
5.0
Apr 7 2010
5.0
Version: null
Scotty321
Scotty321
Sep 16 2009
1.0
Sep 16 2009
1.0
Version: null
MacUpdaterater
MacUpdaterater
Jul 9 2008
5.0
Jul 9 2008
5.0
Version: null
Inik
Inik
Aug 18 2006
5.0
Aug 18 2006
5.0
Version: null
Ridogi
Ridogi
Jul 24 2006
5.0
Jul 24 2006
5.0
Version: null
Harshey
Harshey
Feb 22 2006
5.0
Feb 22 2006
5.0
Version: null
Jeff-H-
Jeff-H-
Jan 19 2006
5.0
Jan 19 2006
5.0
Version: null
Maxalentix
Maxalentix
Dec 21 2005
5.0
Dec 21 2005
5.0
Version: null
Guest
Guest
Nov 28 2005
5.0
Nov 28 2005
5.0
Version: null
Honduras
Honduras
Mar 1 2005
5.0
Mar 1 2005
5.0
Version: null
Tgermer
Tgermer
Feb 10 2005
4.0
Feb 10 2005
4.0
Version: null
$14.00
One-Time Purchase
Buy Now
How would you rate Witch?
Similar apps
DockView
View previews of applications from the Dock.
Is this app is similar to DockView? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
0
Upvotes
5
Total score
0
Downvotes
HyperSwitch
Keyboard-focused window switcher (beta).
Is this app is similar to HyperSwitch? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
0
Upvotes
3
Total score
0
Downvotes
Keyboard Maestro
Hot-key tasking solution.
Is this app is similar to Keyboard Maestro? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
0
Upvotes
2
Total score
0
Downvotes
Deskovery
Save time managing your windows.
Is this app is similar to Deskovery? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
0
Upvotes
1
Total score
0
Downvotes
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