Author: Aridane Martín
Tech Lead – Pandora Project | Software Developer
Talk: Boosting Productivity: Shortcut your coding
Let’s start by mastering your desktop flow — efficient window management that transforms how you interact with your development environment. In this article, you’ll learn how to snap windows with Rectangle, switch context fluidly with AltTab, launch and automate with Raycast, and use built‑in macOS gestures to tie it all together — plus setup, shortcut choices, and practical tips to build lasting muscle memory.
💡 Tip: The goal is to stop fighting your tools and start letting them work for you.
Here are the tools that will revolutionize your desktop workflow:
- Rectangle app → move and resize windows instantly
- Spotlight / Raycast → fast app & file navigation
- AltTab app → advanced window switcher
- Gestures on Mac → use multi-touch for window control
Rectangle: Window Management Mastery
Rectangle app is a powerful tool for window management. Here are some of the shortcuts I actually use in my daily workflow:
Why Rectangle?
- Instant alignment - No more dragging windows around
- Consistent shortcuts - Same keys work across all apps
- Multi-monitor support - Seamlessly move between screens
- Customizable - Create your own window arrangements
AltTab: Advanced Window Switching
AltTab app is an advanced window switcher that transforms your basic Alt+Tab experience into something much more powerful and customizable.
Key Features
- Switch between multiple instances of the same app
- Close apps from preview
- Blacklist apps you don’t want in Alt+Tab
- Beautiful preview thumbnails
- Keyboard navigation support
Raycast: Universal Search & More
Raycast is a blazing-fast launcher that replaces Spotlight with smart universal search, powerful plugins, and deep customization options for macOS.
Why Raycast?
- Smart universal search - Find anything instantly
- Plugin ecosystem - Extend functionality with extensions
- Deep customization - Tailor it to your workflow
- Developer-friendly - Built for power users
macOS Gestures: Multi‑Touch and Multiple Desktops
Use built‑in multi‑touch gestures and multiple desktops to switch context instantly without overlapping windows.
Core 4‑finger gestures
- Swipe up (4 fingers): Open Mission Control to view all windows and desktops
- Swipe left/right (4 fingers): Move between desktops/spaces instantly
- Swipe down (4 fingers) on an app: App Exposé (filter to that app’s windows)
Creating and arranging desktops
- Open Mission Control — four‑finger swipe up
- Create a new Desktop — click the
+in the top‑right - Move windows to a Desktop — drag a window thumbnail to a space at the top
- Rename or organize — hover a Desktop in Mission Control and rename it for clarity
- Full‑screen apps — placing an app full‑screen automatically creates its own space
Practical multi‑desktop setups
- Code + Docs: Desktop 1 for IDE and terminal; Desktop 2 for documentation and designs. Swipe to reference specs without overlapping windows.
- Build + Test: Desktop 1 with server/logs; Desktop 2 with browser and DevTools. Watch logs while you test UI changes.
- Focus + Comms: Desktop 1 for deep work; Desktop 2 for Slack/Email/Calendar. Keep notifications visible but off your focus desktop.
- Meeting Mode: Desktop with video call and notes app side‑by‑side. Swipe back to your dev desktop to demo or check code.
Quick tip: Pair desktops with Rectangle layouts. Keep consistent window positions per desktop so your brain learns where things “live,” reducing context‑switching cost.
Recap
🚀 The goal: Stop dragging windows and start snapping them into place instantly.
Desktop flow is about creating a seamless, efficient environment where your tools work for you, not against you. Start with Rectangle for window management, add AltTab for advanced switching, and complete the setup with Raycast for universal search.
Quick Setup Guide
- Install Rectangle - Download from rectangleapp.com
- Install AltTab - Get it from alt-tab-macos.netlify.app
- Install Raycast - Download from raycast.com
- Configure shortcuts - Set up your preferred key combinations
- Practice daily - Use these tools consistently to build muscle memory
© Aridane Martín – 2025