FlashSpace

Desktop & Productivity

Group Mac applications into virtual workspaces and switch them with hotkeys, with separate workspace assignments for each display.

Use with conditions

Official website Repository

Last updatedRelease 2026-09-07

Open source licenseGPL-3.0

PlatformsmacOS 14+

DeploymentDesktop

About this project

FlashSpace defines virtual workspaces by assigning applications to a display. Activating a workspace presents its assigned applications and hides other applications on that display. Different displays can switch workspaces independently. Floating Apps or membership in multiple workspaces can keep an application available across workspace changes.

Configuration is available through a graphical interface or configuration files. Users create a workspace, assign applications and a display, and set a hotkey for activation. The application also includes workspace previews, a keyboard switcher, profiles, and swipe gestures. Static display assignment ties a workspace to a particular monitor, while a dynamic mode accommodates different display arrangements.

The documented requirements are macOS 14 or later and the system setting Displays have separate Spaces. The setup workflow places applications in a single native macOS Space per display. Picture-in-Picture support is experimental; the repository warns that it may not work when a browser uses a language other than English. The README links to official binary releases as an alternative to building from source.

FlashSpace — readme

Decision guide

Why it is worth a look

Virtual workspaces with assigned applications
Hotkey and gesture workspace switching

Before you use it

Requires macOS 14 or later and Displays have separate Spaces enabled
The documented workflow groups applications within one native macOS Space per display
Static display assignments can be challenging when monitor arrangements change frequently
Picture-in-Picture support is experimental and may not work when the browser language is not English

Manual setupModerate

With an AI agentModerate

DeploymentDesktop

Additional requirementsNot verified

macOS 14 or later; Displays have separate Spaces enabled; Permission to install an application and choose workspace shortcuts; Some requirements have not been verified. Check the official setup instructions.

What it can do

Virtual workspaces with assigned applications
Hotkey and gesture workspace switching
Independent workspace switching across displays
Floating apps, profiles, and workspace previews

Who it fits

Good for

Organizing recurring groups of Mac applications for different activities; Keyboard-based switching between application groups on multiple displays

Not a fit

You need a Windows or Linux desktop version; You want workspace switching without configuring app assignments and system display settings; You rely on guaranteed Picture-in-Picture behavior across browser languages

Getting started

Download the official FlashSpace.app.zip release and extract the application
Enable Displays have separate Spaces in macOS Desktop & Dock settings
Move the apps into one native macOS Space per display, then create a FlashSpace workspace
Assign applications and a display, set a hotkey, and repeat for other workspaces

What it takes

Getting startedModerate

Ongoing maintenanceModerate

Failure impactModerate

Knowledge neededModerate

Not selected for comparison.

Get help from an AI agent

DeploymentDesktop

Additional requirementsNot verified

With an AI agentModerate

{
  "project": "FlashSpace",
  "decision": "Use with conditions",
  "purpose": "Group Mac applications into virtual workspaces and switch them with hotkeys, with separate workspace assignments for each display.",
  "repository": "https://github.com/wojciech-kulik/FlashSpace",
  "official_site": "https://github.com/wojciech-kulik/FlashSpace",
  "deploy_shape": "Desktop",
  "additional_dependencies": "macOS 14 or later; Displays have separate Spaces enabled; Permission to install an application and choose workspace shortcuts; Some requirements have not been verified. Check the official setup instructions.",
  "direct_setup": "Moderate: install a packaged app, check macOS display settings, and configure workspace assignments and hotkeys",
  "ai_assisted_setup": "Moderate: AI can explain app grouping and display modes; the user must choose system settings and inspect workspace behavior",
  "operational_burden": "Moderate: maintain app assignments, shortcuts, and profiles when applications or display arrangements change",
  "operational_risk": "Moderate: switching workspaces changes which apps are shown or hidden; experimental Picture-in-Picture behavior needs review",
  "knowledge_requirement": "Moderate: understand macOS Spaces, displays, and application shortcuts",
  "license": "GPL-3.0",
  "install_steps": [
    "Download the official FlashSpace.app.zip release and extract the application",
    "Enable Displays have separate Spaces in macOS Desktop & Dock settings",
    "Move the apps into one native macOS Space per display, then create a FlashSpace workspace",
    "Assign applications and a display, set a hotkey, and repeat for other workspaces"
  ],
  "good_for": "Organizing recurring groups of Mac applications for different activities; Keyboard-based switching between application groups on multiple displays",
  "avoid_if": "You need a Windows or Linux desktop version; You want workspace switching without configuring app assignments and system display settings; You rely on guaranteed Picture-in-Picture behavior across browser languages"
}

FlashSpace

About this project

Why it is worth a look

Before you use it

What it can do

Who it fits

Getting started

Alternatives to consider