How to Save Window Positions on Mac: Auto-Restore Your Perfect Layout

The Problem: macOS Doesn't Remember Where You Put Things

You've spent 10 minutes arranging your windows perfectly — Slack on the left third, code editor taking up the right two-thirds, Terminal at the bottom, and your browser positioned just right on your second monitor. Then you restart your Mac, and everything's back to square one.

macOS has no built-in way to save window positions. Unlike some Linux desktop environments that remember where every window was placed, Mac users are left manually repositioning their workspace every single day.

This gets even more frustrating if you:

• Use multiple monitors and disconnect/reconnect regularly
• Have different window layouts for different types of work
• Work with the same set of apps daily but spend time arranging them each morning
• Switch between desk and laptop setups

Why macOS Doesn't Save Window Positions

Apple's approach to window management has always been more "hands-off" compared to Windows or Linux. The assumption seems to be that users prefer apps to open where they think makes sense, rather than exactly where they were last time.

Some apps do remember their own position (like Terminal or TextEdit), but most don't. And there's no system-wide solution for saving entire workspace layouts.

Method 1: Use App-Specific Solutions

Some apps have built-in layout memory:

Apps that remember positions:

• Terminal (remembers size and position)
• TextEdit (remembers window state)
• Some developer tools (VS Code, Xcode)

Apps that don't:

• Most web browsers
• Slack, Discord, messaging apps
• Many third-party productivity apps

This patchwork approach means you'll get partial layout restoration at best.

Method 2: AppleScript Automation

You can create AppleScript automations to position specific windows:

tell application "Safari"
    activate
    set bounds of front window to {100, 100, 800, 600}
end tell

But this requires:

• Writing scripts for each app
• Manually running the script each time
• Updating scripts when you change your layout
• Technical knowledge most users don't want to deal with

Method 3: Dedicated Window Layout Apps

This is where third-party solutions shine. Apps designed specifically for window management can save and restore entire workspace layouts.

Free options:

• Rectangle: Great for window tiling but doesn't save layouts
• Hammerspoon: Powerful but requires Lua scripting knowledge

Paid solutions:

• Magnet ($8): Basic window snapping, no layout saving
• Moom ($10): Can save window arrangements but interface is complex

Method 4: Complete Layout Management

For users who want comprehensive layout saving and restoration, Layoutish offers a more complete solution:

What it does differently:

• Saves complete window layouts across all displays
• Automatically launches missing apps when restoring layouts
• Handles multi-monitor configurations intelligently
• Can schedule layouts to apply at specific times
• Detects when monitors are connected/disconnected

How it works:

1. Arrange your windows exactly how you want them
2. Save the layout with a name ("Morning Coding", "Client Calls", etc.)
3. Restore the entire layout with a hotkey or from the menu
4. Set up different layouts for different work modes

Setting Up Automatic Layout Restoration

The most powerful approach combines layout saving with automation:

Time-based layouts:

• 9 AM: Open work layout (Slack, email, project management)
• 2 PM: Switch to focused coding layout
• 5 PM: Personal browsing setup

Monitor-based layouts:

• Detect when external monitor connects
• Automatically apply multi-monitor layout
• Switch back to laptop-only layout when disconnecting

Tips for Better Window Position Management

Create layouts for different contexts:

• "Deep Work": Minimal distractions, focused apps only
• "Communication": Slack, email, calendar prominent
• "Research": Multiple browser windows, note-taking apps

Use consistent naming:

• Include the context: "Writing - Blog Posts"
• Note the monitor setup: "Coding - Dual Monitor"

Start simple:

• Begin with 2-3 basic layouts
• Add more as you identify patterns in your work

Beyond Just Saving Positions

True workspace management goes beyond just remembering where windows were:

• Smart positioning: Handle apps that open in random locations
• Multi-monitor awareness: Adapt layouts when displays change
• App launching: Open missing apps automatically
• Quick switching: Jump between different work contexts instantly

The goal isn't just to restore your windows — it's to eliminate the daily friction of setting up your workspace so you can focus on actual work.

Getting Started Today

While macOS doesn't save window positions natively, you don't have to manually arrange your workspace every day. Whether you go with AppleScript automation, a basic window manager, or a complete layout solution, the time saved adds up quickly.

Start by identifying your most common window arrangements, then choose the method that matches your technical comfort level and workflow complexity.