How to Use the Command 'yabai' (with Examples)

Yabai is a robust tiling window manager specifically designed for macOS. It fundamentally relies on the concept of binary space partitioning to optimize window management by organizing open applications into non-overlapping tiles. Through this, it provides a seamless and efficient environment for multitasking by allowing users to customize window layouts and behaviors according to their needs. Yabai also offers various configuration options that grant users precise control over the appearance and functionality of their desktop setup.

Send a Config Message for Setting the Layout

Code:

yabai -m config layout bsp|stack|float

Motivation:
Choosing the appropriate layout for your desktop can significantly enhance productivity by managing how windows are organized on the screen. The command allows users to select from three distinct layouts—binary space partitioning (bsp), stack, and float—each providing a unique window management style. By customizing the layout, users can tailor their desktop environment to suit specific workflows or personal preferences, thereby maximizing the efficacy of multitasking.

Explanation:

• yabai: Invokes the yabai utility.
• -m: Specifies the action for yabai, in this case, sending a configuration message.
• config layout: Indicates that the following parameter will set the window layout style.
• bsp|stack|float: These options determine window layouts.
  • bsp: Utilizes binary space partitioning, organizing windows in a non-overlapping grid.
  • stack: Stacks the windows, overlapping them atop one another.
  • float: Allows windows to float freely without adhering to a grid.

Example Output:
When executed, the terminal may show no explicit output unless there’s an error, but the window layout will change to reflect the selected style.

Set the Window Gap in pt

Code:

yabai -m config window_gap 10

Motivation:
Manipulating the window gap is essential for aesthetics and functionality on your desktop. By adjusting the gaps between windows, users can visually separate applications, making it easier to focus on individual tasks. Small gaps may create a sleek and compact appearance, whereas larger gaps can improve focus by reducing screen clutter.

Explanation:

• yabai: Invokes the yabai utility.
• -m: Signifies that a configuration change is desired.
• config window_gap: Specifies that the following value will define the space between windows.
• 10: Represents the gap in points (pt) between windows.

Example Output:
No visual change in the Terminal, but windows will display altered spacing, reflecting the new specified gap.

Enable Opacity

Code:

yabai -m config window_opacity on

Motivation:
Window opacity can be leveraged to create a more visually appealing desktop or to observe background content without switching contexts. Enabling opacity makes it simpler to manage a large number of windows by providing a glimpse of what lies behind the foremost applications, thus improving multitasking capabilities and reducing the need for constant window switching.

Explanation:

• yabai: Activates the yabai utility.
• -m: Indicates a configuration setting is being altered.
• config window_opacity: Specifies that the feature being configured is window opacity.
• on: Enables the opacity feature, allowing windows to be partially transparent.

Example Output:
After execution, there will be no explicit output in Terminal, but windows may appear slightly transparent, displaying the new opacity settings.

Disable Window Shadow

Code:

yabai -m config window_shadow off

Motivation:
Turning off shadows can simplify the window appearance and can be especially advantageous on smaller screens where every pixel counts. Removing shadows can enhance the contiguous appearance of windows and potentially decrease graphical processing workload.

Explanation:

• yabai: Calls the yabai utility.
• -m: States that a configuration command will be executed.
• config window_shadow: Indicates that shadows are the feature to be configured.
• off: Disables shadow effects, resulting in a clean window appearance.

Example Output:
The terminal itself will not reflect any change, but the visual shadow cast by windows will disappear soon after the command’s execution.

Enable Status Bar

Code:

yabai -m config status_bar on

Motivation:
Displaying a status bar offers a centralized location for vital information like current workspace, time, battery life, and other system stats. Enabling the status bar could significantly assist a user in maintaining workflow awareness by readily presenting crucial data at a glance.

Explanation:

• yabai: Invokes the yabai utility.
• -m: Indicates that a configuration parameter is being adjusted.
• config status_bar: Specifies that the command pertains to the presence of a status bar.
• on: Activates the status bar, making it visible to the user.

Example Output:
There may not be any terminal output, but a status bar will become visible on the user’s desktop, displaying essential system information.

Conclusion:

The ‘yabai’ command offers a powerful suite of options to enhance the macOS user experience by efficiently managing how applications are arranged on the screen. Through these examples, we see how to apply various configurations like setting window layouts, adjusting gaps, enabling window opacity, removing shadows, and activating a status bar—all crucial for a customizable and productive workspace. Yabai serves as an indispensable tool for anyone looking to maximize their screen real estate and streamline their digital workflow on a macOS system.