Tiles

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Tiles is a native macOS utility application (workspace manager) that captures, saves, and instantly restores precise multi-window desktop layouts, known as "Spaces." It functions as a system-level window management tool that automates the positioning and scaling of application windows across single or multiple displays.
2. Core Value Proposition: Tiles exists to eliminate the repetitive, time-consuming manual task of rearranging application windows, thereby streamlining workflow transitions and reducing cognitive load. Its primary value is delivering instant workspace recall through saved layouts, enabling users to switch between complex project contexts—like coding, writing, or design—with a single keyboard shortcut or click.

Main Features

1. Instant Space Restoration: This feature works by capturing the exact coordinates (X, Y position) and dimensions (width, height) of every standard macOS window across selected displays. When activated via a global keyboard shortcut or click, Tiles uses macOS Accessibility APIs to programmatically move and resize each window to its saved state simultaneously, achieving restoration in a fraction of a second. The technology is multi-display aware, ensuring layouts restore correctly on the specific monitors they were created on.
2. Unlimited, Customizable Spaces: Users can create an unlimited number of saved layouts. Each "Space" is a complete snapshot that includes window positions, sizes, and the specific displays captured. The system allows for granular control, letting users name Spaces, assign unique global keyboard shortcuts to each, and choose which physical monitors are included in the capture, making it adaptable for docked and mobile setups.
3. Native Desktop Widgets & UI Customization: Tiles provides interactive widgets for the macOS Desktop that offer one-click access to saved Spaces. The entire user interface, including the menu bar icon, sidebar, and widget grid, is highly customizable. Users can adjust accent colors, opacity, choose between light/dark themes, switch sidebar layouts (grid vs. row), and show/hide app names, allowing the tool to blend seamlessly into any desktop aesthetic.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Window chaos and context-switching overhead. Professionals waste significant time daily manually dragging, resizing, and organizing application windows when switching tasks (e.g., from a development environment to a communication suite for meetings). This disrupts flow state and reduces productivity.
2. Target Audience: Multitasking knowledge workers on macOS. Key personas include software developers, data scientists, writers and researchers, digital designers, project managers, and content creators who routinely use multiple applications (e.g., IDE, terminal, browser, Figma, Slack, notes) in specific spatial configurations for different modes of work.
3. Use Cases: Rapid project context switching: A developer can save a "Coding" Space with their IDE, documentation browser, and terminal arranged, and a "Meeting" Space with Zoom, notes, and a project management tool. A quick shortcut transitions between them. Multi-display workflow preservation: A designer can save a layout spanning a primary display for design software and a secondary for assets and communication, easily restoring it when re-docking their laptop. Daily setup automation: Instead of rebuilding a perfect window layout every morning, a user restores it instantly upon starting work.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike subscription-based or complex scripting solutions (e.g., Hammerspoon, keyboard maestro configurations), Tiles offers a one-time purchase model with an intentionally simple, GUI-driven authoring process. It differs from basic window snapping tools (e.g., Magnet, Rectangle) by saving and restoring entire multi-application states, not just organizing individual windows.
2. Key Innovation: The combination of zero-configuration layout capture and sub-second, system-wide restoration. The innovation lies in its user experience: there is no need to write scripts, edit configuration files, or manually input coordinates. Users arrange windows naturally, hit "save," and get reliable, instant recall—a level of abstraction that makes powerful automation accessible to non-technical users.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Tiles a subscription service? No, Tiles is a one-time purchase of $4.99 USD. The license includes all future updates and major version upgrades with no recurring fees or hidden tiers, adhering to a pay-once, own-forever model.
2. How does Tiles handle privacy and data storage? Tiles operates with a strict privacy-first approach. All saved Spaces, layouts, and preferences are stored exclusively locally on your Mac. The application does not require an account, does not sync data to the cloud, and does not collect any telemetry or analytics.
3. What macOS permissions are required for Tiles to work? To move and resize windows from other applications, Tiles requires Accessibility permissions in macOS System Settings. This is a standard security requirement for any automation tool that controls other apps. Tiles guides users directly to the correct settings pane upon first launch for easy setup.
4. Can I use my Tiles license on multiple Macs? Yes, a single license key can be activated on up to five (5) Macs simultaneously. The license management system allows you to deactivate a device (e.g., if you sell or wipe it) and reactivate on a new one, with no limit on how many times you can transfer activations.
5. Does Tiles work with all my applications? Tiles works with any application that uses standard macOS windows, which covers the vast majority, including web browsers, code editors, design tools, and productivity suites. A very small subset of apps (often full-screen games or custom-drawn windows) may resist programmatic resizing but will still be positioned correctly.