AltTab For Mac

The macOS Cmd+Tab shortcut works similarly to the Windows Alt+Tab function, with one key difference: it only allows you to switch between apps, not application windows. If, for instance, you want to have two windows open within the same browser and switch between them, you're going to have a hard time.

AltTab is an open-source app that introduces an alternative to the ⌘⇥ hotkey in the form of a Windows-like Alt+Tab function. It looks and works pretty much the same, with the added bonus of being more customizable.

If you've never used Windows before, just know that the Alt+Tab function is very similar to Cmd+Tab, except that the Microsoft OS displays multiple windows that belong to the same app separately. This can be very helpful when you need to switch between these windows, especially in browsers.

This app's developer has done his best to make the macOS adaptation of this feature as faithful to the original as possible. It looks almost exactly the same, and you even have the option of choosing between a macOS or Windows theme.

It is activated with the Alt+Tab (⌥⇥) hotkey, which can be customized by selecting a different modifier (⌘ or ⌃) and even replacing the Tab key. You will see all your active windows, and you can cycle between them by holding down ⌥ and pressing ⇥. However, unlike on Windows, you cannot close apps from this popup.

There are other Mac applications that offer similar functionality, but they are either paid, closed-source, discontinued, or lacking keyboard support. The main thing that makes AltTab better than the alternatives, however, is the fact that it lets you customize pretty much anything.

You can change either of the two shortcut keys, switch between two themes, as well as customize the popup's dimensions, the font size, and the icon size. You also have the option to add a delay before the popup is displayed, but I couldn't get it to work on my system.

You don't need to be familiar with the Microsoft OS to appreciate how useful a Windows-like Alt+Tab function can be in certain situations. It won't help you much if you don't normally have multiple windows open within the same app, but it can become invaluable if that is indeed the case.