JankyBorders

A lightweight macOS tool that draws colored borders around windows to highlight the focused one.

FreeOpen sourcemacOSCommand line
Official websitegithub.com

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About JankyBorders

JankyBorders adds colored borders to windows on macOS 14 and later, making it easy to see which window currently has focus. It does not rely on the accessibility API, which the author says makes it faster than comparable tools.

It is installed through Homebrew as the borders command and is often used alongside tiling window managers on macOS, where many windows sit side by side with no clear focus indicator.

Strengths

  • Clear visual indicator of the focused window
  • Does not use the accessibility API
  • Simple Homebrew installation

Limitations

  • Requires macOS 14 or later
  • Configured from the command line with no settings window

Details

Pricing
FreeFree to download and use.
License
Open source, license not stated
Developer
Felix Kratz
Platforms
macOS, Command line
How it runs
Downloadable app
Account
Not required
Works offline
Yes
Best suited for
Mac users running a tiling window manager who want to see the focused window at a glance
Categories
Window tools
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.

Alternatives to JankyBorders

Compare all

Software that can replace JankyBorders for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.

  • HazeOver

    A macOS app that dims background windows automatically so the active window stands out.

    PaidProprietarymacOS

    HazeOver dims background windows so the active one stands out instead of drawing borders, is paid after the trial, closed source, and needs macOS Ventura 13 or later.

Similar software

Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.

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