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DeskShifter – Name, colour-code and switch macOS desktops

DeskShifter – Name, colour-code and switch macOS desktops

by ViDesk·Mar 5, 2026·1 point·0 comments
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AI Analysis

●●SolidCozyShip It

Desktop widget without private APIs, but desktop switching is solved—just slower to access.

Strengths
  • •Clever detection approach: discovers desktops as you navigate them, avoiding forbidden private APIs and maintaining App Store compliance.
  • •Lean, focused feature set: naming, color-coding, widget switcher—no scope creep, ready to ship.
  • •TestFlight beta shows real commitment to feedback and iterative improvement.
Weaknesses
  • •macOS desktop switching is an edge case; many power users accept native Command-Tab or Mission Control.
  • •No Windows equivalent or cross-platform path limits addressable market to macOS-only shops.
Category
Productivity
Target Audience

macOS power users with multi-desktop workflows

Similar To

Contexts (browser switcher, uses private APIs) · Mission Control (native, free, lacks naming/color)

Post Description

I built a macOS utility for people who use multiple desktops. DeskShifter lets you name each desktop, colour-code them, and switch between them by clicking a small widget that sits on your screen.

macOS doesn't give apps a way to see your desktops, so most tools use private APIs that Apple doesn't allow. DeskShifter discovers your desktops safely as you navigate through them — no private APIs, fully App Store compliant.

It just got approved on TestFlight and I'm looking for feedback from people who actually use multiple desktops day to day.

TestFlight link: https://testflight.apple.com/join/6vE8qsfS

I'd love to hear what works, what's confusing, and what's missing. Happy to answer any questions about the technical approach too.

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