Spaces guide
macOS can keep an app on a chosen desktop, but it cannot save where windows sit on each Space or bring that setup back. SnapState can. It captures windows on every Space with their position and size, the apps behind them, the display layout, and all open browser tabs. Restore it and each Space's layout comes back when you switch to it.
Recommended fix: SnapState. SnapState restores layouts across multiple Spaces (apps go back to the Space they were saved on, full-screen windows return to full screen, and windows on other Spaces are placed when you switch to them). It also relaunches apps and reopens all open browser tabs. $9.99 one-time, up to three Macs.
Spaces in Mission Control are separate desktops. macOS remembers which desktop an app is assigned to if you set that from the Dock, but it does not remember window sizes and positions per desktop, and it forgets layouts when apps quit, the Mac restarts, or a monitor drops off.
Most window tools only see the windows on the current desktop. SnapState 2.7.2 reads windows on every Space when you capture, so one workspace covers your whole multi-desktop setup.
These help macOS keep desktops in order, but none of them save window sizes and positions on each Space.
| Feature | SnapState | macOS built-in | Fixing it by hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saves window position and size on every Space | Yes | No | No |
| Restores each Space's layout when you switch to it | Yes | No | By hand, one window at a time |
| Relaunches missing apps | Yes | No | No |
| Reopens all open browser tabs | Yes (Safari and Chromium browsers) | No | No |
| Restores after sleep, wake, or a monitor reconnect | Yes, automatic triggers | No | No |
| Keeps an app on one desktop | Restores where its windows were saved | Yes, Dock Options > Assign To | No |
| Cost | $9.99 once, up to three Macs | Free | Free, but slow |
Not with macOS alone. SnapState saves windows on every Space in one named workspace. SnapState restores layouts across multiple Spaces (apps go back to the Space they were saved on, full-screen windows return to full screen, and windows on other Spaces are placed when you switch to them).
Pick the workspace in the SnapState menu bar or press its Control-Command-1 to 6 shortcut. The current Space is restored right away, and each other Space is restored when you switch to it. You can also arm a workspace to restore on wake or when a monitor connects.
No. Keep the same desktops you had when you captured. SnapState puts the windows on each of them back in place when you switch to it.
Yes. A Full restore relaunches missing apps and reopens all open tabs in Safari, Chrome, Edge, Brave, Arc, and Chromium once Automation permission is granted.
Yes. Settings has an Include windows on all Spaces toggle. It is on by default.
SnapState 2.7.2 is a native macOS menu bar app for macOS 15.7 or later on Apple Silicon and Intel. It costs $9.99 once for up to three Macs, with a 14-day refund, and updates itself. It needs Accessibility permission to move windows, and workspace data stays on your Mac. Firefox tabs are not supported.