What every menu command does

SpanWise has two ways to work. Use the minimize-button menu when you want to place one window with the pointer. Use a command below when you want to act immediately or arrange several windows at once.

Move focused window to left half

Moves only the window you are currently using into the left half of its present display. It is the quickest fixed action and a useful way to check that Accessibility access works.

Nothing else moves. SpanWise remembers the old size and position, so Undo can put the window back.

Deal windows

Arranges all visible, resizable windows on the display you are working on. SpanWise uses the grid selected for that display:

• a 5 × 2 grid can hold ten terminals or tools;
• 30 / 40 / 30 gives the centre window more room on an ultrawide;
• Halves keeps a MacBook screen simple.

The most recently used window goes into the primary cell. The others follow in recent-use order. If there are more windows than cells, the remaining windows form a small cascade in the final cell.

Choose Deal windows again within two seconds to rotate the windows to their next positions. Choose Undo if you prefer the arrangement from before Deal.

Sweep

Clears the current display without losing your arrangement. SpanWise minimizes every visible window except the focused one and places that window at a comfortable centred width when the display profile calls for it.

Choose Sweep again to restore the minimized windows to their exact earlier sizes and positions. This is useful when you need to concentrate on one task or briefly show one window during a call.

Undo

Restores the situation before the latest SpanWise action. It works after palette placement, Deal, Sweep and direct window moves. SpanWise keeps the ten most recent operations, including across an app relaunch.

Undo affects SpanWise actions; it does not undo changes you made manually in another app.

Command Bar at Cursor

Shows the focused app’s own menu commands next to your pointer. Start typing to filter the menu, then choose a result. It saves a long pointer trip to the menu bar on a 34-inch or 49-inch display.

For example, while Mail is focused you can search Mail’s menus without moving to the top of the screen. SpanWise performs the same menu command you could have chosen from the macOS menu bar.

Pop-Up Controller

Opens a keyboard placement panel over the focused window. The panel displays the grid currently selected for that display.

Key	Result
Arrow keys, HJKL or WASD	Step through the available grid positions
Return	Fill the display, while respecting a configured maximum width
Space	Centre the window on the display
Tab	Use the macOS-style centre position
Esc	Undo and close the controller

You can also click a cell in the panel. This controller is useful when your hands are already on the keyboard; the minimize-button overlay is usually clearer when you are using the pointer.

Grid for this display

This submenu chooses the current working grid for the display under the pointer. The chosen grid controls:

• which positions appear after you choose a division from the minimize-button menu;
• where Deal windows places windows;
• which positions the Pop-Up Controller offers.

“Current grid” does not mean you only have one grid. Every screen ratio can have its own default, and you can keep several alternatives in its minimize-button menu. Set that up by screen ratio →

Settings, updates and registration

• Settings… opens the layout library, screen-ratio menus, saved window sets, shortcuts, app rules, diagnostics and iCloud sync.
• Check for Updates… asks the signed Sparkle update service for a newer notarized version and lets you approve installation.
• Support SpanWise — Contribute €10… opens the contribution page. SpanWise keeps working without payment.
• Register Serial Number… accepts a licence blob or .spanwiselicense file and permanently removes the monthly contribution reminder.