Nudge

Nudge is a free, open-source window manager designed for macOS users seeking efficient ways to organize and snap application windows. It addresses the need for precise window arrangement by allowing users to position windows using customizable keyboard shortcuts or by dragging them to the edge of the screen, where a preview overlay indicates the final placement. The tool is intended for anyone who wants to streamline their desktop workflow, particularly those who work with multiple applications or monitors.

The platform supports a variety of window layouts, including halves, quarters, thirds, two-thirds, and maximized views. Users can quickly move windows to specific positions such as left half, right half, top left, bottom right, and more, with a total of 19 customizable shortcuts that can be fully remapped in the settings. Nudge also offers features for multi-monitor setups, allowing windows to be moved across displays with smart mirroring by pressing the same shortcut twice. For greater control, users can exclude specific applications from being managed, directly from the menu bar.

Nudge is built with pure Swift and AppKit, resulting in a lightweight application with zero dependencies and a minimal footprint—under 1MB in size. It operates without background services, tracking, analytics, or data collection, and is released under the MIT license. The application is compatible with both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) and Intel-based Macs, requiring macOS 11 Big Sur or later. Installation is available via Homebrew or by downloading a DMG from GitHub, with the app being signed and notarized by Apple.

As an open-source project, every line of code can be inspected on GitHub. Nudge is provided entirely free of charge, with no subscriptions, in-app purchases, or advertisements. Its focus on speed, privacy, and flexibility makes it a practical choice for macOS users who want a customizable window management solution.