Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Strict Workflow VS Rectangle

Compare Strict Workflow VS Rectangle and see what are their differences

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Strict Workflow logo Strict Workflow

Enforces the Pomodoro time management technique by blocking distracting sites

Rectangle logo Rectangle

Window management app based on Spectacle, written in Swift.
  • Strict Workflow Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-02
  • Rectangle Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-20

Strict Workflow features and specs

  • Productivity Enhancement
    Strict Workflow helps improve productivity by enforcing the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in focused bursts with scheduled breaks.
  • Distraction Blocking
    The extension automatically blocks distracting websites during work sessions, helping users stay focused on their tasks without getting sidetracked.
  • Easy to Use
    With a simple interface, Strict Workflow is easy to set up and use, requiring minimal configuration to get started with a structured workflow.
  • Customizable Settings
    Users can customize work and break durations as well as add or remove websites from the block list, tailoring the tool to their specific needs.

Possible disadvantages of Strict Workflow

  • Limited Browser Support
    Strict Workflow is primarily designed for Chrome, which means users of other browsers might not be able to utilize the extension.
  • Inflexible Break Enforcement
    The extension enforces breaks strictly according to the timer, which can be a drawback for users who might need to work longer stretches or take unscheduled breaks.
  • Potential Over-reliance
    Users might become dependent on the extension to maintain productivity, potentially struggling to focus without it.
  • Basic Features
    While effective, the extension offers relatively basic features compared to other productivity tools that might offer additional insights or functionalities.

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.

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.

Strict Workflow videos

Strict Workflow Demo

More videos:

  • Review - Strict Workflow
  • Review - Strict Workflow Chrome Extension

Rectangle videos

SKYWALKER RECTANGLE TRAMPOLINE REVIEW!!!

More videos:

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Strict Workflow and Rectangle)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Mac Tools
0 0%
100% 100
Tool
100 100%
0% 0
Window Manager
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 Strict Workflow and Rectangle

Strict Workflow Reviews

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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.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Rectangle seems to be a lot more popular than Strict Workflow. While we know about 479 links to Rectangle, we've tracked only 1 mention of Strict Workflow. 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.

Strict Workflow mentions (1)

  • To Software folks here - how do you take care of your health (eyes and back especially)? Long work hours in a software role is straining my eyes and hurting my back due to sitting in front of the screen for that long. How do you all manage?
    As a reminder for taking breaks at regular intervals. I use this chrome extension https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/strict-workflow/cgmnfnmlficgeijcalkgnnkigkefkbhd . Set it up based on your requirement. You can also go for a physical Pomodoro timer. Source: about 4 years ago

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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What are some alternatives?

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

Time Sink - Time Sink helps you track how you spend your time on your Mac.

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

Anti-Social - Anti-Social is a productivity application for Macs that turns off the social parts of the internet.

Magnet Window Manager - Magnet Developers

ChatterBlocker - ChatterBlocker is the prime software to reduce the nearby conversationโ€™s distraction that allows you to focus on your work.

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