AltTab
AltTab is a macOS window switcher that shows open windows with previews and helps you move between them faster than the standard app switcher.
What is AltTab?
AltTab is a native macOS utility for switching between individual windows instead of only switching between apps. It helps Mac users browse open windows with live thumbnails, focus the exact window they want, and navigate crowded desktops more efficiently. The app supports keyboard shortcuts, mouse and trackpad controls, window controls, and configurable rules to hide apps or window types from the switcher. Pro features add search, extra appearance styles, auto-sizing, and more shortcut setups, while the core app remains free and open source. AltTab works on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs and is designed for people who want a Windows-style Alt-Tab workflow on macOS without replacing their whole desktop setup.
Key features
- Switch between individual open windows with live thumbnail previews
- Search for a window by typing its title or app name
- Use keyboard shortcuts, mouse controls, and trackpad gestures to navigate windows
- Customize which apps or window types appear in the switcher
- Control windows directly from the switcher with built-in window actions
- Use multiple shortcut setups for different switching workflows
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Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
AltTab's requested permissions are consistent with its purpose. Accessibility access is needed to read window titles and move focus between windows, and Screen Recording is needed to show window thumbnails on macOS. The app states that it works mostly on-device, checks for updates, and offers optional crash reporting; paid licenses also contact its server periodically for license validation. As with any window-management utility, grant only the permissions you want it to use and review those permissions in System Settings if you stop using the app.
Recommendation: Keep AltTab if you use it to switch between windows more quickly on your Mac or prefer a Windows-style workflow. If you no longer use it, you can remove it and then revoke its Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions to reduce background access to window information.
Common paths
/Applications/AltTab.app~/Applications/AltTab.app
Cache paths
~/Library/Caches/com.lwouis.alt-tab-macos
Support paths
~/Library/Application Support/com.lwouis.alt-tab-macos
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/com.lwouis.alt-tab-macos.plist
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