WindowCycle for MAC
Free, open-source Mac window switcher that cycles through the windows of the current app in a visible panel with Command + `.
WindowCycle Overview
WindowCycle is a window switcher for the app you are using right now. Press Command + ` and a panel lists the windows of the frontmost app; keep pressing to move forward, add Shift to move back, and release Command to bring the selected window to the front. Escape hides the panel, and a menu bar item offers Show, Hide, Settings and Quit. Unlike the built-in shortcut, you can see every window of the app before you pick one.
WindowCycle is free and open source under the MIT license, made by WhiteMinds. The developer describes it as a prototype, not a finished product. Version 0.2.0 needs macOS 14 or later and adds optional window previews. The download is not notarized by Apple, so macOS blocks the first launch: open System Settings > Privacy & Security and click Open Anyway. The app needs Accessibility permission, may need Input Monitoring for the arrow and Escape keys, and needs Screen Recording only if you turn on previews. Windows in other Spaces and in full screen are not handled yet.
Key Features
WindowCycle shows the windows of the current app before you switch.
- Visible panel: a list of the frontmost app's windows while you switch.
- Command + `: cycles forward through the current app's windows.
- Command + Shift + `: cycles backward.
- Release to switch: letting go of Command activates the selected window.
- Keyboard navigation: arrow keys and Vim-style J and K move the selection.
- Window previews: optional thumbnails in five sizes, off by default.
- Settings window: preview placement and size, reached from the menu bar.
- Small download: about 1.3 MB.
What’s New in Version 0.2.0
WindowCycle 0.2.0 adds optional window previews and a Settings window.
- Optional window previews, off by default, with left, right, top or bottom placement, a selected-window or all-windows mode and five sizes
- Previews need Screen Recording permission, requested only when they are turned on
- Vim-style J and K keys move the selection alongside the arrow keys
- Mouse hover no longer changes the selection until the cursor actually moves
- A Settings item in the menu bar
WindowCycle FAQ
Is WindowCycle free?
Yes. WindowCycle is free and open source under the MIT license.
Which macOS version does WindowCycle need?
WindowCycle 0.2.0 needs macOS 14 or later.
How do I use WindowCycle?
Press Command + ` to open the panel and cycle forward through the current app's windows, add Shift to go back, and release Command to switch to the selected window. Escape hides the panel.
Why does macOS block WindowCycle when I first open it?
The download is self-signed and not notarized by Apple. Click Done, open System Settings > Privacy & Security and click Open Anyway for WindowCycle, then confirm with Open.
Which permissions does WindowCycle need?
Accessibility permission. If the arrow keys or Escape are not handled by the switcher, also grant Input Monitoring. Screen Recording is needed only for window previews.
Can WindowCycle show window previews?
Yes. Version 0.2.0 adds optional previews, off by default, with four placements, two modes and five sizes.
Is WindowCycle finished?
No. The developer describes it as a prototype, not a finished product.
Does WindowCycle work with full-screen windows and other Spaces?
Not yet. Cross-Space and full-screen behavior is not handled in the current version.
Does WindowCycle record my keystrokes?
No. According to the developer, the switcher keys are watched only while a switcher session is active, and keyboard input is not recorded or stored.
Where does the WindowCycle download on windowcycle.FULLMAC.app come from?
The download button leads to the official WindowCycle releases on GitHub at https://github.com/WhiteMinds/window-cycle/releases/latest. windowcycle.FULLMAC.app does not change or repackage the app.
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FULLMAC.app does not host this app. Download buttons lead to the developer’s own pages.