macOS needs its grid back
Developer builds GridLion, a macOS app restoring grid-based virtual desktops removed in Lion 2011.
macOS Leopard (2006) introduced Spaces, allowing users to arrange virtual desktops in a customizable grid (e.g., 3x3), enabling spatial memory navigation across nine logical displays. Lion (2011) replaced this with Mission Control, restricting desktops to a single horizontal row, eliminating spatial navigation benefits. The author, frustrated by this change, built GridLion using private macOS APIs to restore grid navigation while working with Mission Control's underlying linear structure.
GridLion launched after approximately one month of development, assisted by LLMs for rapid prototyping but requiring significant human refinement for UI feel. The app requires Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions, creating a complex user approval flow. Distribution occurs outside the App Store via Lemon Squeezy, a Merchant of Record service handling payments and licensing. Some native APIs remain unavailable (moving spaces between displays, assigning apps to specific grid locations), limiting full feature parity with original Spaces.
What HN community is saying
Most commenters confirmed the grid's value, particularly praising instant space switching without animations. Multiple users mentioned InstantSpaceSwitcher as a complementary fix for animation delays. Frustration centered on Apple's repeated animation choices across macOS and iOS, with several noting that Reduce Motion settings still enforce delays. Technical discussions covered workarounds like keyboard shortcuts and app-per-desktop strategies.
On permissions, commenters split between those accepting friction as justified (especially for Accessibility, which enables keylogging) and those viewing it as excessive obstruction for experienced users. One commenter noted that microphone and location permissions lack the complex settings flow, suggesting Accessibility receives harsher treatment. A minority expressed skepticism about grid utility itself.