AltTab.app makes free features paid, drops old releases
Source: Hacker News
AltTab remains free and open source for core window switching. A new AltTab Pro ($9.99, one‑time purchase) unlocks advanced features for power users. The source code stays on GitHub for anyone to use, tweak, etc. Contributors, translators, and donors receive free Pro licenses.
Four years ago I opened #1179 looking for someone to take over this project. No one stepped up, so I kept fixing bugs, adding features, and keeping up with new macOS releases. In that time AltTab has grown from a small utility to something that hundreds of thousands of people use every day.
After more than eight years of building AltTab in evenings and weekends, I want to give it the time and attention it deserves. To do that, I’m introducing a Pro tier, following the same path as Rectangle Pro, Alfred Powerpack, and BetterTouchTool—apps that keep their core free while building a sustainable future.
What stays free
Everything that makes up the core experience:
- Reliable, fast window switching with high‑quality thumbnails
- Lots of customization options and settings
- Open source under GPL‑3.0
The free version is not a limited trial; it is the complete window‑switching experience AltTab is known for.
What Pro adds
Pro is for power users who want more from their workflow:
- App Icons and Window Titles appearance styles
- Search – find windows by typing
- Auto Size – the switcher adapts to your content
- Multiple shortcuts – with per‑shortcut appearance (see #5313)
- New complex features for power users, such as:
Every new user receives a 14‑day trial of all Pro features.
For those who helped build AltTab
If you contributed code (merged PR), provided a localization, or donated via GitHub Sponsors, PayPal, or Stripe, you will receive a free Pro lifetime license by email when the Pro version launches. Licenses will be sent within a few days of launch; if you don’t receive one, please email support@alt-tab.app.
Nothing disappears
- The source code continues to be developed entirely in the open.
- You can always build AltTab from source.
Why this, and why now
Working on AltTab in my free time does not allow me to dedicate the time the project needs—faster macOS compatibility updates, more thorough testing, and the polish a daily‑use tool deserves. This model has worked well for other apps: Rectangle kept its free version excellent while launching Rectangle Pro; Alfred has sustained a small team for over fifteen years with its Powerpack; BetterTouchTool transitioned from donations to paid and emerged stronger. I hope AltTab can follow in their footsteps.
Timeline
- Now: sharing this plan and hearing your thoughts
- Coming weeks: beta builds with the Core/Pro split and first official release
Nothing changes today.
I’d like to hear your thoughts
I’m interested in your feedback on the feature split, pricing, or any other aspect. If you see improvements or a better path forward, please share your suggestions.
Thank you for six years of support, bug reports, translations, and kind words. I’m looking forward to what comes next.