I keep losing time to window juggling. I want a calm way to snap apps into repeatable layouts without fighting the OS. So I am building Grid Muse, a macOS grid overlay that turns drag-and-drop into predictable layouts.
This is a build-in-public log. I will share the design choices, the technical constraints, and the tradeoffs as the tool grows from MVP to a stable daily driver.
What Grid Muse does today
- Draws a full-screen grid overlay per display.
- Snaps windows to grid cells and common ratios.
- Supports preset layouts like 2-column, 3-column, and 2x2.
- Respects safe areas for the menu bar and Dock.
- Shows a ghost preview before the drop.
Design principles
- Predictable first: snapping should feel consistent, not surprising.
- Calm visuals: light lines, subtle feedback, no heavy shadows.
- Per-display control: each monitor can have its own grid.
- Accessibility-aware: permission prompts are explicit and reversible.
MVP scope
The current goal is a minimal, solid macOS app:
- AppKit + Accessibility APIs to move windows safely.
- A reliable overlay that follows screen changes.
- Preferences for grid rows, columns, and margins.
- A menu bar toggle for quick enable and disable.
Next milestones
- Keyboard shortcuts for layout presets.
- App-specific layout defaults.
- Snap strength tuning and smarter edge detection.
- Export and import settings across machines.
Follow along
If you have strong opinions about window management or grid tools, I would love feedback. What layouts do you use most? What annoys you about the tools you have tried?