Afloat
Infinite Labs
Afloat is a free, no longer developed app that adds many window management features to most Mac applications. It can keep windows on top, make them transparent or unclickable, move them or resize them without having to reach for the title bar or corner, and more.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Adds always on top functionality
- Provides window transparency
- Offers window management features to most apps
Top Dislikes
- No longer developed/discontinued
- Compatibility issues with some applications (e.g., Carbon apps like Finder, iTunes)
- Might require SIMBL installation which can be complex
Popular Comments
cnet User - versiontracker2007
2007-06-28
This brilliant, minimalist app should enjoy more glory than its received. [...] This is brilliant for productivity.
cnet User
2024-02-21
Really useful for combining video playback with the terminal, or keeping an eye on a webpage whilst watching a film. [...] Overall an excellent extension to OS X.
cnet User
2024-02-21
Doesn't work on any of my apps. [...] Right now, it's pretty much useless.
Reddit User - [deleted]
2014
Afloat in fact does still work and I am even using it on Yosemite. I just takes a strange installation pattern to make it work. You want to install SIMBL first and THEN Afloat.
Reddit User - nikhilpatel7
2022
Thanks for the Snipaste suggestion, I find it to be a much cleaner experience than using Afloat.
MacStories - Federico Viticci
2009-11-02
Afloat is free, open source and adds incredible features to the yet amazing Window menu of Mac OS X. Please note that it only works with Cocoa applications.
Detailed Review
Afloat is a free, discontinued utility for macOS designed to enhance window management, particularly for Cocoa applications. It operates as a Cocoa extender, injecting commands into the Window menus of compatible applications. Afloat's primary functions include enabling users to keep windows floating on top of others, adjust window transparency, and gain more control over window behavior. While it was praised for its features and productivity enhancements, it is no longer under active development and may have compatibility issues with newer macOS versions or applications.
Standout Features
- Always on Top (Keep Afloat): Allows users to designate specific windows to remain visible above all other applications, improving multitasking for reference windows.
- Transparency Control: Enables users to adjust the transparency of windows, making it possible to see content behind the focused window.
- Window Management Enhancements: Provides additional window manipulation options directly within the application's Window menu.
- Move and Resize from Anywhere: Users can move and resize windows by clicking and dragging anywhere within the window, not just the title bar or corners.
- Overlay Mode: Allows making a window an overlay, making it unclickable and letting mouse inputs pass through to the window underneath.
Conclusion
Afloat was a useful tool for Mac users seeking more advanced window management options, especially the "always on top" and transparency features. However, being discontinued, it may not be fully compatible with modern macOS versions and applications. Users might encounter installation complexities due to its reliance on SIMBL and potential conflicts with System Integrity Protection (SIP). While still functional for some, users looking for actively maintained and fully compatible solutions might consider exploring modern alternatives like AfloatX, LayerX or other window management utilities. It's best suited for users on older macOS versions or those willing to troubleshoot potential compatibility issues for its specific features.