Documentation

Install Reef

1. Download Reef (pay what you want!).
2. Unzip the downloaded file.
3. Drag Reef.app into your Applications folder.
4. Open Reef and grant Accessibility permission when macOS asks. You can also find this in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility.

Bind apps

Start by binding your important apps to number keys. You can do this in Preferences → Profiles, or by focusing the app and pressing Control + Option + Shift.

Each profile has ten app slots, one for each number key from 0 to 9.

Switch windows

Hold Control and press an app's number to open the Reef switcher for that app. While holding Control, press the same number again to move through the app's windows, then release Control to focus the selected window.

Window switching is scoped to the current macOS Space, matching how most people already organize active work.

Profiles

Profiles let you keep different app bindings for different modes of work. For example, you might keep separate profiles for coding, writing, and browsing.

Assign a profile number in Preferences → Profiles, then switch profiles with Control + Option + [Number].

You can also switch profiles using the Reef menu bar.

Pairing with window managers

Reef works well alongside Rectangle, Magnet, and similar macOS window managers. Use Reef to move between apps and windows without reaching for the mouse, then use Rectangle or Magnet to resize, tile, and move the focused window.

Reef does not replace those tools. It handles window switching; they handle window placement.

Customize shortcuts

Open Preferences → Shortcuts to change the modifier keys for app switching, profile switching, and binding apps. By default, Reef uses Control for app switching, Control + Option for profile switching, and Control + Option + Shift for binding apps.

Compatibility

Reef supports macOS 14.6 Sonoma and later. You can check your version from the Apple menu → About This Mac.