The macOS window manager that gives every app its own Alt-Tab.
Reef lets you bind applications to number keys and cycle through their windows all through the keyboard.
We built Reef because we wanted a minimal window manager.
reef.mp4
- Bind applications to number keys to refocus to any window for that app
- Assign profiles for different sets of bindings
- Do your binding and profile management through the keyboard
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts
You should start by binding different applications to the number keys. You can do this:
- through Preferences → Profiles (accessed through the menu bar), or
- by selecting the application of your choice and then pressing Ctrl + Option + Shift.
You can also set your bindings up in different profiles.
For example, you may want two profiles:
- "Coding": Which binds your favourite editor, browser, and terminal
- "Browsing": Which binds your favourite browser, messaging app, and music client
You can switch between profiles:
- using the menu bar, or
- by binding them to the number keys, and then pressing Ctrl + Option + [0-9].
Suppose you're in the coding profile, and have your editor bound to 0.
To switch between apps and windows:
- Hold Control and press 0 to open a panel showing each of your editor's windows.
- Press 0 multiple times to select the specific window you want.
- Release Control to switch to that window.
Reef gives every app its own 'Alt-Tab'.
Note that window switching is scoped to your current macOS space.
You can customize the modifiers for switching applications and profiles, and for binding different applications in Preferences → Shortcuts.
Reef also works well with Rectangle to manage your workflow, especially with keyboard shortcuts:
- Rectangle positions & re-arranges your windows
- Reef re-focuses your windows
The latest release can be downloaded here.
Simply:
- Download the
.zipand unzip the file. - Drag
Reef.appinto your Applications folder.
If you'd like to support our project, consider downloading the app through our polar.sh with the button below.
Reef is compatible with macOS 14.6 (Sonoma) and onwards.
You can find your macOS version from the → About This Mac page:
Reef is currently in Open Beta while we're applying the finishing touches for a stable v1 release in mid-March 2026.
Stay tuned :)
Open Beta users can share issues and feeback via the issues page with us here.
Why Reef?
The name comes from the starts of refocus and reframe. And, like a coral reef supports a diverse ecosystem, Reef supports your workspace—helping you navigate between windows quickly and easily.