alt-tabr

alt-tabr is a window switcher for macOS that takes over the familiar ⌘Tab shortcut. Rather than showing only running applications, it enumerates every window belonging to each app, so the switcher reflects what is actually open on screen. The project is written entirely in Rust and distributed as a native app for both Apple silicon and Intel Macs running macOS 13 or later.

The core improvement over the system switcher is how minimized windows are handled. With macOS’s built-in ⌘Tab, selecting an app whose windows are all minimized can leave you staring at an empty desktop. alt-tabr places those minimized windows in the list alongside normal ones, and choosing one restores and focuses it immediately. Tab moves the highlight through entries, and each window occupies its own row.

Three visual themes are included. The default Notch theme hangs from the camera notch with corners that flare into the bezel. Carousel presents windows in a rotating strip, while Liquid Glass applies a translucent, material-heavy look. These are cosmetic variations on the same switching workflow, so users can pick whichever suits their display and taste.

The app targets Mac users who keep many windows open and rely on keyboard-driven navigation, especially those frustrated by minimized windows disappearing from the app switcher. It is a paid product with a launch price of $9 against a regular $29, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and lifetime updates. There is no telemetry, and memory use is stated as