Open ContextsOpen Contexts
Choose it for a compact window list, a persistent app bar, and custom window groups that survive a restart.
Explore the app bar & groups →Mac window switcher comparison
Compare Mac window switchers
Compare Open Contexts, AltTab, Contexts, and macOS ⌘Tab, then choose based on whether you find windows by title, preview, or the task they belong to.
Start with your workflow.
Each option has a reason to be on your Mac.
AltTab
Choose it when window thumbnails help you find the right one. The free core includes trackpad gestures; Pro adds search and more styles.
Explore AltTab features →Contexts 3
Choose it for Search, Fast Search, a sidebar, and trackpad gestures. Try it first, then decide on a license.
Explore Contexts →macOS ⌘Tab
Keep it when switching between apps is enough. Use ⌘` for windows within the current app. Nothing to install.
See Apple's shortcuts →Four ways to get
to the right window.
The key differences, without a score or a one-size-fits-all winner.
On a small screen, scroll the table horizontally. Keyboard users can focus it and use the arrow keys.
| Your priority | Open Contexts | AltTab | Contexts 3 | macOS built-in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What you switch | Individual windows with ⌘Tab, in most-recently-used order | Individual windows | Individual windows with ⌘Tab | Apps with ⌘Tab; current app's windows with ⌘` |
| How you recognize it | Compact app, icon, and window-title list | Window thumbnails; Pro also offers Titles and App Icons styles | Window list and sidebar | App icons in ⌘Tab |
| Search by typing | Not currently available | Available with Pro | Search and Fast Search | Not part of ⌘Tab |
| Trackpad switching | Not currently available | Trackpad gestures | Trackpad gestures | Not part of ⌘Tab |
| Everyday workflow | Persistent app bar with saved custom window groups | Thumbnail-based switching; Pro offers up to 9 shortcuts | Sidebar, search, and switching across Spaces and displays | Built-in app switching, with no installation |
| Price | Free, all features included. Apache 2.0 open source. | Free core; optional paid Pro | Free trial; $9.99 license | Included with macOS |
| macOS compatibility | macOS 13 Ventura or later | macOS 12 Monterey or later | Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia listed by the developer | Built into macOS |
A place for your windows.
A shortcut to each one.
Open Contexts connects window switching with the way you organize a working day.
A persistent app bar
Keep window titles on the edge of your screen. Click to switch, or let the bar appear when your pointer reaches the edge.
Groups that remember
Make a group for code, research, or chat. Drag windows into place, and keep your custom groups after a restart.
A compact window list
⌘Tab shows individual windows by app, icon, and title in most-recently-used order. ⌘` narrows the list to the current app.
When another option
fits better.
Open Contexts does not currently offer window search, a thumbnail grid, or trackpad gestures. If you rely on visual previews, start with AltTab. If Search or Fast Search is central to your workflow, try Contexts; AltTab Pro also offers search.
If you mostly switch between apps, the built-in macOS shortcuts may already cover your needs. For Open Contexts, you need macOS 13 or later and Accessibility permission to discover and focus windows.
Want your windows
organized by task?
Try Open Contexts and give each workflow a place.