GlideTab vs the built-in ⌘Tab

How they differ

⌘Tab is the switcher built into macOS. It shows one icon per running app, so if you have three browser windows or two documents open, it treats them as one entry and takes you to whichever was in front last. It has no previews and no search, and it can't bring a minimized window back.

GlideTab works the same way with your hands: hold a key, tap Tab, let go. The difference is what it shows. Every window gets its own spot with a live picture of it, including windows on other Spaces and displays, minimized windows and hidden apps. Start typing and the list narrows to matching window titles, app names and browser tabs.

You can keep ⌘Tab as it is and give GlideTab its own keys, or let GlideTab take over ⌘Tab. The built-in switcher comes back the moment you quit GlideTab.

Pick ⌘Tab if

You'd rather not install anything and keep one window per app. ⌘Tab's website has the details.

Pick GlideTab if

You want every window with a live preview, you'd like to type a name instead of tabbing through the list, you want browser tabs in the same place, and you'd rather not pay. It needs macOS 14 or later. See every feature, or read the source.

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