Yabai is a system-level utility for macOS that provides automated window management and workspace organization. It functions as a tiling window manager that uses binary space partitioning to arrange application windows into grid layouts, bypassing standard desktop constraints through direct interaction with the system window server.
The project distinguishes itself by offering granular control over the graphical user interface via a socket-based command interface and event-driven system hooks. This allows for the programmatic manipulation of window states, display configurations, and virtual spaces in response to system signals or external scripts. Users can define persistent rules to automate window behavior and placement, ensuring a consistent desktop environment across multiple monitors.
Beyond its core tiling capabilities, the software provides extensive options for customizing the visual presentation of the desktop. This includes modifying window borders, shadows, transparency, and animation parameters. It also supports deep integration with system-level settings to adjust focus behavior and workspace transitions, enabling a highly tailored interaction model for the macOS desktop.
