Rectangle is a free, open-source Mac utility focused on snapping windows with keyboard shortcuts and by dragging. Casement also snaps windows, with a visible layout picker, and adds an Option-Tab window switcher, Dock window lists, a drop shelf, display control and, as a paid feature, Chrome profile Dock icons. Choose by what else you need besides snapping.
Differences at a glance
| Rectangle | Casement | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Window snapping | Window management plus Dock and display tools |
| Cost | Free, open source | Free, except Chrome profile Dock icons ($9 once) |
| Snapping | Keyboard shortcuts and drag to edges | Layout picker when dragging to the top; shortcuts; extra layouts on large monitors |
| Window switcher | No (check current) | Option-Tab lists every window |
| Dock features | No | Dock window lists, Dock pinned to a display, Chrome profile icons |
| Permissions | Accessibility | Accessibility |
Check each project's current features; both are updated over time.
Where they overlap
Both snap windows to halves, thirds and other zones, both need Accessibility permission and both are light on resources. If snapping is all you want, either will do the job.
Where they differ
- Scope. Rectangle does one thing and does it well. Casement bundles several related tools, which can replace more than one app.
- Layout picker. Casement shows a picker when you drag a window; some people prefer the visual cue, others prefer pure shortcuts.
- Chrome profiles. Casement's paid feature gives each Chrome profile a Dock icon that returns to its existing window.
- Cost model. Free and open source versus free with one paid feature.
Questions to ask yourself
- Do I only want snapping?
- Do I want to switch between individual windows?
- Do I use several Chrome profiles?
- Do I prefer one app for many jobs, or several small ones?
See also Mac window management tools compared. If you use two tools that both react to dragging to an edge, turn one off.
A trial plan
Install the one that appeals more and use it for a week. Note whether you miss anything. If you only snap windows, Rectangle may be all you need. If you find yourself wishing for a window list, Dock lists or per-profile Chrome icons, Casement covers them. You can also use both, as long as only one reacts to dragging to an edge.
Remember to turn off any overlapping shortcut so they do not clash.
Information about Rectangle is general and as of writing; check its own website for current features and pricing. Rectangle is a trademark of its owner. Casement is not affiliated with Rectangle.
Try Casement
Casement is a menu-bar app for Mac that puts each Chrome profile in the Dock as its own icon and adds snap layouts, hover-to-focus, a window switcher, Dock window lists, a drop shelf and display controls..