WindowShade X

Name: WindowShade X
Price: 15.00 $
Rating: 3.6154 (4 reviews)

5.0.7

16 November 2010

An exciting and useful way to organize your work in Mac OS X.

Follow this app

Overview

WindowShade X provides an exciting and useful way of organizing your work on Mac OS X. With this handy tool, you can assign the following actions to the minimize button and a double-click on the window title:

Minimize the window to the Dock, like always;
"Windowshade" the window into a tiny strip to quickly peek below or get it out of the way;
Minimize-In-Place the window so it becomes really small so you can move it out of the way yet still see what is going on;
Make the window transparent so you can continue working in it while seeing things under it;
Make window float on top;
Hide the application quickly;
Do nothing and ignore the action (sometimes it is quite useful as well).

What's new in WindowShade X

Version 5.0.7:

You may have to restart after installing WSX for the first time.
Addresses many parent-child relationship problems.
If a window is minimized (collapsed) and it suddenly gets a child window, the window will expand automatically. For example, collapse Safari then press Command L (to go to the location bar). Safari will expand itself.
No longer attempts to make a child float on top.
Lots of other parent-child relationship fixes.
Removed some spurious logging errors when EyeTV's setup assistant was closed.

Join over 500,000 subscribers.

Subscribe for our newsletter with best Mac offers from MacUpdate.

WindowShade X Screenshots

228 WindowShade X Reviews

See all

I broke the "haxie" habit a long time ago, recommend that others do the same. The devs have a lot of gall charging for this upgrade, they have such a dismally poor record as far as timely updates there is no guarantee that this update would last very long at all. Typically months go by after each OS update - months Unsanity's users are left holding the bag. Steer clear of these apps.

Like (10)

Version 5.0.1

Lesoth0

15 October 2013

Unsanity have GONE BUST! There's a new kid on the Block... RGB World with their brilliant, "actively developed" (works on Lion, ML, and Mavericks from Nov 2013) called "WINDOWMIZER" (v3.0 is latest Oct 2013 version), which now does the same thing, but much enhanced over what Unsanity did with 'Windowshade'. They've learned from Unsanity's mistakes though and not hacked the system but it's run as an app... so no more Unsanity instability! Go Google it... "WINDOWMIZER". It's awesome.

Version 5.0.7

Unsanity appears to be gone. When I try to go to their website I just get a page that says: Forbidden, You don't have permission to access / on this server. So all those cool tweaks are no more :(

Version 5.0.7

Lvdoc

17 November 2012

Before you dash out and buy WindowMizer (since there's no demo), you should be aware of several matters. First, it's not going to give you the Unsanity experience. Windows do not merely collapse; the collapsing is always preceeded by the screen going completely to black and then returning with your minimized window. (I was tempted to shout "ta dah!" when it happened.) Second, the command keys do not always work. Although I can windowshade when double clicking the toolbar, I have yet to find any key combo that will windowshade. The "restore" key works okay, though. (However, Unsanity allowed the exact same key combo to windowshade and unwindowshade.) Also, any key combo I tried that involved the letter "M" minimized the window to the dock. Finally, if you use any kind of program that modifies the screen color, etc. (such as RedScreen), WindowMizer will shut it off or otherwise override it. In short, the program is far from the elegance you experienced with Unsanity. At the same time, I recognize that it's in its infancy and could perhaps overcome these problems. That's why I'm opting to comment instead of rating it at this time.

Like (1)

Version 5.0.7

2 answer(s)

CHLOEDOG

14 April 2013

FYI regarding WindowMizer... the black screen flicker, which only occurred in OS 10.8 has been fixed as have all global shortcut keys and any other issues...it's worth another look.

Like (3)

Eric•Woehler

05 May 2013

Vers 2.1 of Windowmizer now has 2 week free trial - so head over and d/l it and give it a try! I did and I have bought it.

Like (2)

CHLOEDOG

23 September 2012

I found a replacement for Windowshade named WindowMizer. It works with OS X Snow Leopard(10.6), Lion(10.7) and Mountain Lion(10.8). It is available at Mac App Store or from the developer's website: http://www.rgbworld.com/windowmizer It is the best replacement for Windowshade that I have been able to find that works with Mac OS X and is reasonably priced.

Like (2)

Version 5.0.7

1 answer(s)

Johnmhammer

16 November 2012

I just want to second the suggestion of WindowMizer. It works just fine for me, the developer responded to my questions within minutes, and he has plans to keep the application updated. It's actually a very clever way of recreating the old pre-OS X windowshade effect! Macupdate ought to have WindowMizer listed.

This is a fantastic client. It does exactly what I like and need for my goofy work behavior. The Option, Double Mouse Click opens or closes all of the windows in that ap. Totally cool! In fact, this client is one of the main reasons I haven't left Snow Leopard. The problem, of course, is that the developer has been really slow with updates, and it now looks like that has dropped to less than slow... more like, None. I've read that the developer suffers from depression and that can be as debilitating as can be. I wish him luck. I gave this great ap 5 stars because it's an awesome ap and deserves more than the piddly rating it has...

Version 5.0.7

misterjspencer

02 August 2012

So Mountain Lion is out and this utility is dead. From an idea in OS6 bought up by Apple and used in 7.5 it died with OSX except Unsanity brought it back. How hard would it be for apple to have this in the OS along with tabbed (edge of screen windows). RIP unless you want to communicate with us all and tell us different.

Version 5.0.7

1 answer(s)

CHLOEDOG

23 September 2012

Check out WindowMizer at rgbworld.com. A similar replacement for WindowShade

Lvdoc

19 November 2011

Ask anyone who made a "good faith" donation to MacTheRipper how that turned out. Or to "Synergy Advance." Thanks, but no thanks. Unsanity has a product and a customer base. They either develop their product and trust their customers, or they go out of business. Check out Deskovery. http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/36082/deskovery No, it is not as full-featured as Unsanity's program. Yes, it is more costly. No, I do not work for them or get kickbacks. I've ripped on them as much as I've praised them. But they are, at least, responding to comments and e-mails, and they are, at least, actually working on their product. Their latest alpha release is mostly good; they're working with me on some programs that have a few problems. For the most part, their program will do basic windowhading. (It has other features that might well interest others.) I find windowshading critical to the way I work, so I was willing to pay the higher price. But I'm optimistic.

Like (3)

Version 5.0.7

3 answer(s)

22 November 2011

Lvdoc: so Unsanity is responding to YOUR emails? Very nice. And you are able to get their Alpha releases - even nicer. Perhaps you will keep us informed as it goes from alpha to beta...?? THank you for at least mentioning the progress. I'm a long time MTR user, gifted to the developer and very happy with 4.x and the progress on it. I will say the developer should go ahead and make it Shareware rather than all the back-door and secret society member only forums to delve into. :-) Never had to gift any money without having some version to receive, unlike Unsanity's recent email. I'm also a recent user of Deskovery and with Lion it has problems. I do see the try recent alpha and will get that next. Thanks for your comments there as well. I've tried replacements for FruitMenu (X-Assit is the closest but not updated since Feb-2008 and I've begun testing Butler today). A few days after my 9-Nov-2011 post I went through the pre-pay steps and after their discount determine I would go ahead and pay $18 up front for WindowShade, FruitMenu and Menu Master. WS and FM I live by (when they work). If I lose $18 it won't break me. But if these apps return once again then for the next 18 months I'll be very happy again. Until 10.8 comes out and breaks them all over. First and for most I am an OS X lover so I will alway be on the cutting edge as an Apple Developer beta testing their newest OS and then as a fast adopter of the golden release. Just wish Unsanity would get working with betas of OS releases.

Lvdoc

22 November 2011

Unsanity has never responded to a single one of my e-mails; and they've been written politely. Many others say that they've never heard from them, either. It is, at best, hit and miss. The Deskovery people (not Unsanity) are the ones who stay in touch. Not regularly, but much more than Unsanity ever has. I already own licenses for WindowShade and MenuMaster. I'm not sure what else they might want me to buy; I see no need to buy another license from them. None of their other programs are of interest to me. And as I mentioned, I don't see why they want money up front on the promise that they might, maybe, consider doing the project. I don't see many other software developers out there doing that sort of thing. I haven't been involved with the MTR project; I've seen some complaints about it and have a friend who said he's not had a good experience. But that's limited evidence; I might have spoken out of turn about that one. I definitely stand behind what I said with regard to Synergy Advance, however. That was pure sham.

Lvdoc

12 March 2012

I'm sorry you paid them money. I tried to warn you. Unsanity NEVER replies to e-mails and BARELY ever updates its blogs. You will never know if or when an update is coming. They will jack you around and treat you like dirt. Go to their blog and read what people are writing. I cannot despise them enough.

Like (1)

09 November 2011

I got an early morning email from Unsanity stating "Currently, none of our products are enabled to work on Mac OS X 10.7 "Lion." Any developer knew that since Lion's release in BETA in 2010 - I suppose Unsanity doesn't care to pay the small price to be an Apple Developer and just noticed. Well the really odd thing is the email says Lion version will be worked on but to encourage development they want us to purchase the current version of our favorite Haxies NOW (at a discount) even though those still won't work. Give them $$$ in advance and then not had to "pay again" for the updated version. (Last time we got "donation nags.") Seems rather shady / risky to me. The old "take the money and run" or as I often wonder about the developer "take the money and die again never to be heard from." I really have depended on WindowShade and FruitMenu for many years and many versions but I have no respect for Unsanity as developers or their lack of support.

Version 5.0.7

3 answer(s)

Jxj24

15 November 2011

Perhaps the developers at Unsanity might consider using a service such as Kickstarter (kickstarter.com), that offers a safe and reliable method to pre-pledge support for this sort of project. The developer makes their proposal and sets the funding level they need to meet. They can offer different levels of support that can be pledged, with a variety of "rewards" for pledging if the target funding level is met. This way the developers can get a reliable estimate of the true interest in their project, and potential supporters don't risk throwing money at an untenable proposal, paying only if the project meets its pledge level and is approved.

RavenNevermore

22 February 2012

I gave them some money. I hadn't paid for an update for FruitMenu or WSX since I started using them way back when. I figured even if they never get a new version working I paid for all the updates along the way! They should use something like Kickstarter. Regarding some of the comments on never receiving an email from them, I have gotten a couple of email from Rosyna in the past when I emailed about problems. Hopefully they get them working.

Paulmogg

02 March 2012

I paid the developer fee out of good faith for the Windows Shade for Lion even the say they not sure when it will get done... but com on guys fair is fair the Lion has been around a long time and i talk to friends who are also developers and they all said shouldnt take so long its not rocket science and never heard anything frome you to say how its doing or mot doing if you have started or not nothing at all! so at least keep us ALLL updated .... for all we now you off having a long holiday?

Yoxi

18 August 2011

What I miss most from WindowShade (since Lion made it stop working) is the click-to-hide option for the minimise button. I'm still doing this automatically, and then having to retrieve the app from the dock again! Does anyone know an app that allows the same configuration? I can live without the other things WS does, but this is a hard habit to kick.

Like (1)

Version 5.0.7

1 answer(s)

Paulmogg

02 March 2012

i agree with you

Lvdoc

06 August 2011

I do wish they'd fix this. Deskovery is useless in Lion. If you shade a window, you can't do anything unless you unshade it. Can't scroll background windows. Can't even leave the unshaded window to go elsewhere. What's the point of it? I like Unsanity's version better. Sigh.

Version 5.0.7

3 answer(s)

T-Rex

05 September 2011

Too many things useless in Lion (and Later)... I 'm working on Leopard (cutback/customization) for two years up today and yes, nothing can beat WindowShadeX (even un-stable). How funny it is to see people rushing toward new OS version, smashing up all those piece of software gems just for the sake of the latest thing... More is less (see for yourself).

Lvdoc

05 September 2011

I think you make a very good point. It's odd that a company comes out with a new OS and then updates it over several years. The OS finally reaches a stage of stability and such that is supposed to be ideal. Yet it barely reaches that stage and it's kicked out for the latest and greatest. It's like spending a few years getting a car finely tuned, only to dump it once it's finally running at peak efficiency. It's also interesting that most of the Lion freeware and shareware seems designed not to augment Lion but to undo those Lion features that are fundamental to its nature.

T-Rex

05 September 2011

Judicious. And you could generalize that point into every step of life, it works (one can see it every day). I'm not even sure for that matter to carry on walking with Apple in the future since it appears they seem to choose the "eye candy way" of life to the detriment of efficiency. Moreover and serious, their OS tends to become more and more of a closed kind source... Greetings.

WindowShade X

Overview

What's new in WindowShade X

Join over 500,000 subscribers.

WindowShade X Screenshots

228 WindowShade X Reviews

More from Desktop

Apps you might also like