Softset Tile vs Rectangle
Last verified · Written by Softset, the makers of Softset Tile
In short
Rectangle is a free, open-source window manager with keyboard shortcuts, drag-to-snap, and size cycling, and it's excellent. Softset Tile covers the same everyday layouts as a paid app with direct support, and runs on macOS 14 and later.
If free and open source matter most, choose Rectangle. Softset Tile is for people who'd rather pay once for an app from a company that answers email.
Who each is for
Choose Softset Tile if…
- You want a paid app with direct email support and a 30-day refund.
- You'd like it to match the other Softset apps you use.
Choose Rectangle if…
- You want free and open source.
- You're on a Mac older than macOS 14: Rectangle supports macOS 10.15 and later.
- You want to install and update through Homebrew.
Side by side
| Feature | Softset Tile | Rectangle |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 once, for one Mac. | Free. A separate Rectangle Pro is sold with a 10-day free trial. source |
| Source code | Closed source. | Open source. source |
| macOS | macOS 14 or later. | macOS 10.15 or later. source |
| Keyboard shortcuts | Yes, all customisable. | Yes. source |
| Drag to snap | Edges, corners, top, and bottom thirds, with an outline. | Edges and corners, with a footprint preview. source |
| Repeat to cycle sizes | Yes: ½, ⅔, ⅓. | Yes. source |
| Gaps between windows | Yes, 0 to 40 points. | Yes. source |
| Install | Download from softset.app. | Direct download or Homebrew. source |
Differences
Free versus paid
Rectangle costs nothing and its code is public, which is hard to beat. Softset Tile is paid, which funds its development and support, and you can get a full refund within 30 days.
Scope
Rectangle has more options overall. Softset Tile covers halves through sixths, saved layouts of all your apps, and moving windows with keys held, with fewer settings to learn.
Looking for a Rectangle alternative?
If you’re searching for “rectangle alternative for mac”, the table above covers what changes when you switch. Softset Tile’s own page has the full details, including its privacy and permissions trust card.
Softset Tile
Snap windows into halves, quarters, and thirds with a shortcut or a drag. Press a half again for two thirds, then one third. Restore any window to where it was.
Coming soon. Planned price: $9.99 once, with a 14-day free trial.