macOS needs its grid back
blog.hopefullyuseful.com
June 2, 2026
12 min read
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65/100
Summary
An app has been developed to restore the grid layout of macOS spaces to its pre-Lion configuration. This aims to enhance the user experience by improving navigation and organization on the desktop.
Key Takeaways
- macOS Leopard introduced a customizable grid layout for virtual desktops, allowing users to treat them like separate physical displays.
- The release of macOS Lion replaced the grid layout with a horizontal line for virtual desktops, which disrupted users' spatial memory and navigation efficiency.
- The author developed an app to restore the grid layout for macOS spaces, addressing the frustrations caused by the changes in Lion.
- Alternative solutions for grid layouts on macOS have been inadequate or caused performance issues, leading to user dissatisfaction.
Coverage & discussions
Hacker News · blog.hopefullyuseful.com
Community discussions
Hacker News discussion ↗
Historical count: 5 · 5 saved in sample · Historical sample
Analysis ready
Community Sentiment
Positives
- The discussion highlights a strong desire for user control in macOS, suggesting that users value the ability to customize their experience and workflows.
- Some users appreciate the historical context of desktop environments, indicating that familiarity and consistency in UI design are important for productivity.
Concerns
- Many users express frustration with Apple's restrictive design choices, feeling that the current UX limits their efficiency and undermines their expertise.
- The lack of intuitive access to features like Mission Control is seen as a significant regression, making it harder for users to navigate their desktops effectively.
- Users are concerned that security measures, while well-intentioned, create unnecessary barriers that complicate the user experience.
