Workspaces vs Spaces: how Mac desktops compare with tiling workspaces

macOS Spaces and tiling window manager workspaces look alike but behave differently. What each does, why AeroSpace made its own, and what a strip changes.

Guide · Updated 13 October 2026

Spaces are macOS's own desktops: switch with ⌃ ← and →, with an animation. Workspaces in tiling window managers are groups of windows bound to keys, usually switched instantly, often one per task.

macOS SpacesTiling workspaces
SwitchingAnimated slideInstant, usually
Jump by number⌃ 1 to 9 once enabledBuilt in
CreatedBy hand in Mission ControlExist from the start, often 1 to 9
Moving windows to oneDrag in Mission Control or hold and switchA key

Why some apps make their own

macOS gives apps no direct way to switch Spaces or move windows between them, so AeroSpace emulates workspaces itself by hiding windows that are not on the current one. That makes switching instant and fully keyboard driven, at the cost of not using macOS Spaces.

A strip instead of many desktops

A scrolling strip reduces the need for either: one desktop holds many windows in a row, and you scroll instead of switching. ClutterFreeMac works with Spaces, not against them: each desktop has its own strip if you use several. See Spaces on Mac.

Questions

Are Spaces the same as workspaces?

They serve the same purpose, but Spaces are macOS's animated desktops, while tiling workspaces are key bound groups that switch instantly.

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