Cycling sizes
The most impactful Rectangle App setting is in Preferences: Repeated commands cycle through sizes. Enable it and pressing the same shortcut repeatedly cycles the window through different size fractions.
Example with Left Half:
- First press — 50% (left half)
- Second press — 66% (left two-thirds)
- Third press — 33% (left one-third)
- Fourth press — back to 50%
This gives you three layout positions from one shortcut — equivalent to six separate shortcuts without the cognitive overhead.
Gaps and padding
Rectangle Pro adds a Gap between windows setting. Enable it and snapped windows leave a small margin between each other and the screen edge. Set the gap value (in pixels) to match your visual preference; 6–8 px is a popular starting point.
Advanced tips
Custom modifier keys: If ⌃⌥ conflicts with an existing app shortcut, change Rectangle's global modifier in Preferences → Modifier Keys. Many users switch to ⌃⌥⌘ for complete isolation.
URL scheme triggers: Rectangle App supports URL scheme actions like rectangle://execute?action=left-half. Use these with BetterTouchTool, Keyboard Maestro, or AppleScript to trigger Rectangle snaps from any input.
Ignored apps: Add apps you never want Rectangle to touch in Preferences → Applications. This prevents accidental snapping in apps with fixed window sizes.
Frequently asked questions
Can Rectangle snap to custom pixel positions?
Rectangle Pro allows custom fraction positions (e.g. 40/60 splits). For pixel-perfect positioning, use a tool like Moom or BetterSnapTool alongside Rectangle.
How do I use Rectangle with BetterTouchTool?
In BetterTouchTool, create a trigger (gesture, touch bar, stream deck) and set the action to Open URL with rectangle://execute?action=ACTION_NAME.
What is the shortcut to undo a Rectangle snap?
Press ⌃⌥⌫ (Restore) to return the window to its size and position before the last Rectangle snap.