Contexts

Contexts is a powerful app and window switcher for macOS that replaces the default Cmd+Tab with a faster, more visual, and searchable interface showing all windows across all spaces. The app provides keyboard-first window management, intelligent search, and customizable switching modes to help you navigate between apps and windows more efficiently than macOS allows natively.

Best For: Mac users with many open apps and windows who find the default Cmd+Tab frustrating and want faster, more precise window switching with visual previews and search.

Key Features

How is Contexts different from Cmd+Tab?
Shows actual windows, not just app icons (see all Safari windows separately). Real-time window previews while switching. Search windows by app name, window title, or content. Sidebar shows all windows grouped or ungroupable. Fast panel provides instant access to any window via keyboard shortcuts. Works across all spaces and displays.

What switching modes does Contexts provide?
Fast search: type to filter windows instantly. Recent switcher: cycle through recent windows chronologically. Sidebar: persistent window list always visible. Radial menu: circular window picker. Command palette style picker. Each mode customizable with preferences and shortcuts.

Can Contexts help organize windows?
Show windows from current space only or all spaces. Group windows by app or show flat list. Hide minimized windows or include them. Exclude specific apps from switcher. Show or hide desktop in switcher. Filter by display in multi-monitor setups.

What advanced features does Contexts include?
Window actions: close, minimize, hide, fullscreen from switcher. Activate windows without raising app. Search includes window content and document names. Custom keyboard shortcuts for each feature. Scripting support for automation. Show/hide menubar item.

Pricing & Plans

Contexts: $9.99 one-time purchase - Lifetime license, all features, free updates for version 3.x
Upgrades: ~$5 for major version upgrades (every few years)

Single payment model with no subscription. 15-day free trial with full functionality.

Limitations

• macOS only (no Windows or Linux versions)
• Learning curve to use effectively (many configuration options)
• Can conflict with app-specific window management
• Performance with hundreds of open windows may degrade

Getting Started

1. Download Contexts and start free trial
2. Set up preferred activation shortcut
3. Try fast search by typing app or window names
4. Configure which windows to show (spaces, minimized)
5. Customize appearance and behavior to taste

Learn More: contexts.co