Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Rectangle VS Centered

Compare Rectangle VS Centered and see what are their differences

Rectangle logo Rectangle

Window management app based on Spectacle, written in Swift.

Centered logo Centered

Centered helps you get into a Flow State faster and stay there longer so you can do your best work.
  • Rectangle Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-20
  • Centered Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-25

Rectangle features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Rectangle offers an intuitive user interface that makes window management straightforward and user-friendly.
  • Customizable Shortcuts
    Users can easily configure keyboard shortcuts to better suit their workflow, making window management faster and more efficient.
  • Free
    Rectangle is available for free, making it accessible to anyone without the need for a financial investment.
  • Frequent Updates
    The app receives regular updates, introducing new features and ensuring compatibility with the latest macOS versions.
  • Lightweight
    Rectangle is a lightweight application that doesn't consume many system resources, ensuring smooth performance even on older Macs.

Possible disadvantages of Rectangle

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Rectangle lacks some of the more advanced features found in paid window management applications, such as multiple monitor support and more complex window arrangements.
  • MacOS Only
    Rectangle is only available for macOS, so users of other operating systems are unable to take advantage of its features.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Some users report occasional bugs or unpredictable behavior, which might require troubleshooting or waiting for a future update.
  • Learning Curve for Shortcuts
    While customizable shortcuts are a benefit, there is an initial learning curve for users to memorize and effectively use these shortcuts.
  • Basic Aesthetic
    The app's design and aesthetic are quite basic, lacking the polish and visual appeal found in some other similar tools.

Centered features and specs

  • Focus Sessions
    Centered offers structured focus sessions that help users maintain concentration on tasks by providing timed work periods followed by breaks.
  • Distraction Blocking
    The app can block distracting websites and applications, allowing users to focus better on their work.
  • Music for Productivity
    Centered provides curated music tracks designed to boost concentration, helping users enter a state of deep focus more easily.
  • Task Management
    Users can organize their tasks and to-do lists within the app, aiding in better task management and prioritization.
  • Community and Accountability
    Centered fosters a community where users can join focus groups or accountability partners, enhancing motivation and commitment.

Possible disadvantages of Centered

  • Subscription Cost
    To access all features, users may need to subscribe to a paid plan, which can be a drawback for those looking for free options.
  • Learning Curve
    Some users might experience a learning curve when setting up the app and using all of its features effectively.
  • Limited Free Features
    The free version of Centered may have limitations, restricting the availability of certain productivity tools unless upgraded.
  • Dependence on External Distractions
    While blocking distractions, users might become too reliant on the app to manage distractions rather than cultivating personal discipline.
  • Platform Dependency
    Centered may not be available on all devices or platforms, potentially limiting accessibility for some users.

Analysis of Rectangle

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Rectangle is highly regarded for its ease of use, extensive customization options, and the fact that it is free and open-source. It provides essential functionality without unnecessary complexity, making it suitable for both casual users and power users who need efficient window management.

Why this product is good

  • Rectangle is a popular window management tool for macOS, known for its simplicity and ease of use. It allows users to efficiently organize and resize application windows using customizable keyboard shortcuts or by dragging windows into pre-defined areas of the screen. This can enhance productivity by minimizing the time spent arranging windows and improving multitasking capabilities.

Recommended for

    Rectangle is recommended for macOS users looking for a straightforward, lightweight solution to manage application windows. It is particularly beneficial for those who frequently work with multiple applications at once, including developers, designers, and anyone who values a tidy and organized desktop environment.

Rectangle videos

SKYWALKER RECTANGLE TRAMPOLINE REVIEW!!!

More videos:

  • Review - Skywalker Rectangle Trampoline Review #1
  • Review - Marvin Malton 160 Rectangle Flying Hour Watch Review

Centered videos

Centered Review: Improve Productivity with AI Coaching and Focus Music

More videos:

  • Review - Centered Review: Is THIS the Best Productivity App in 2023?
  • Review - Centered Review: AI-powered coaching, Pomodoro timers to boost productivity

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Rectangle and Centered)
Mac Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Productivity
0 0%
100% 100
Window Manager
100 100%
0% 0
Task Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Rectangle and Centered

Rectangle Reviews

Best 6 Mac Window Managers
Rectangle shows that you donโ€™t need to dip into your bank account to get window resizer tools. This free Mac window manager lets you manage multiple windows using keyboard shortcuts, menu options, or by dragging and dropping. Just like Magnet, you can split your screen up into quarters, thirds, or halves.
Source: mackeeper.com
Top 6 Window Manager Apps for Mac
Most window manager apps for Mac support multiple monitors. They can help you move windows between screens and create custom layouts for each monitor. Many window manager apps โ€“ such as BetterSnapTool, Magnet, and Rectangle โ€“ offer this functionality.
The 6 Best Mac Window Management Tools
However, it might take some time for you to get used to the shortcuts in the Rectangle app since there are many. Furthermore, you can also add some of your apps to exceptions if you want to keep them away from Rectangle's shortcuts.

Centered Reviews

We have no reviews of Centered yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Rectangle seems to be a lot more popular than Centered. While we know about 479 links to Rectangle, we've tracked only 5 mentions of Centered. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Rectangle mentions (479)

  • Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Released
    As a both old Linux and now decade user of MacOS, after I got used to no middle-click paste and no focus-follows-mouse: 1. Keyboard shortcuts are Emacs, Ctrl-A: start of line, E: end of line, K: kill selected or to end of line, Y to paste, etc. https://support.apple.com/en-au/102650#text 2. Karabiner elements (FOSS) fixes keyboard mappings outside of the Settings: https://karabiner-elements.pqrs.org/ 3. I have the... - Source: Hacker News / 2 months ago
  • Native Instant Space Switching on macOS
    Every macOS user uses Rectangle.app โ€” https://rectangleapp.com The ones who don't use it is because they donโ€™t know it exists. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Native Instant Space Switching on macOS
    I use https://rectangleapp.com/ and enjoy it. I have shortcuts to move windows to the left/right half of the screen, and cycle between monitors. This, combined with native cmd+tab and cmd+` is enough for me. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Make macOS consistently bad (unironically)
    Rectangle [1] is pretty much essential for me because of this. I use only a few keypresses (maximize window, move to one of the halves of the screen horizontally) but that is enough. My mouse very rately interacts with the borders of any window, or those buttons. I had to click on the green one that you mentioned in order to see what it did (yuck). [1] https://rectangleapp.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Make macOS consistently bad (unironically)
    I use Rectangle [1] for window management. I only use three shortcuts: full screen, left half of the screen, and right half of the screen. My editors and chrome are always running in one of these modes. But for other apps like Messages, Notes, Music, etc - yeah I don't usually expand them to full screen. [1] https://rectangleapp.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
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Centered mentions (5)

  • Obsidian as all-in-one daily note(calendar, reminder, task management, ledger...)
    - weak for bodydoubling method: I still need to use separate app for bodydoubling. i.e. cen****d.app. This bodydoubling app makes me to focus on task by sharing my current task with other users. This also has `always on top with minimized UI` option, which works great for the focus. However, it causes another clutter for me because I need to write down the task in a separate app again. I want to replace it if... Source: about 3 years ago
  • What is the best purchase you have made to make life with adhd easier?
    Centered.app application helps me a lot to work and to stay focused. It seems - the best and only task management systems designed for people with ADHD. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Desktop app which reminds you to stay on your task/ stop even work distractions?
    The centered.app does look good and the most close to what I am looking for compared to the hundreds I have googled today, I am giving it a go, thank you! Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Top 5 Online Study Websites and Virtual Work Spaces
    I also recently discovered centered.app which is free for students. Source: about 4 years ago
  • A Fun Linear Integration!!!
    You can learn more at centered.app or feel free to message me!! I'd be happy to offer you all my personal onboarding too!! Source: over 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Rectangle and Centered, you can also consider the following products

yabai - A tiling window manager for macOS based on binary space partitioning

Magic Flow - Generate high-converting landing page copy using GPT-3

Magnet Window Manager - Magnet Developers

Llama Life - Say goodbye to never-ending lists, and hello to daily bliss

BTT Remote - A remote control for you Mac, using your iPhone or iPad

Blitzit - A simple to-do list & timer that gives you superpowers