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Is there a free app that I can use to move a window from one monitor to the other monitor (assuming only two monitors) via the keyboard? I shouldn't have to use the mouse at all (e.g., for selecting the window or the monitor, or for dragging).

I know this can be done in Linux using compiz; I'm surprised there isn't a (free) option for OS X.

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4 Answers

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I ended up using BetterTouchTool to do this. Overall I found it to be the most configurable. Here is a screenshot of my configuration, whereas Cmd+Ctrl+W moves a window to the next monitor. Unfortunately, "next monitor" is the only option, if you have a three-or-more head setup it just rotates through the list.

BetterTouchTool keyboard configuration

The only shortcoming of BetterTouchTool is poor Lion support (not all features are available) but it is available as an alpha release. This specific keyboard shortcut should work fine in Lion with the stable version, I reckon.

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Oh, and it's freeware. – adamrmcd Nov 6 '11 at 3:50
I've gotten rid of Moom (almost ran out of trial clicks) and am using it BTT now. I feel like BTT can be slimmed down and polished but it does move windows from one monitor to another for free, so I can't complain. – Artem Shnayder Nov 8 '11 at 21:15
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I just tried Spectacle, great app and it's free.

This is what it can do with the selected group of windows.

enter image description here

You need to activate accessibility support.

System Preferences > Accessibility > Enable access for assisted devices

enter image description here

enter image description here

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Worked for me without having to enable assistive devices in accessibility options. – Adrian Spinei Mar 3 at 13:49
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Moom can do this. It's $5, but it's a fantastic window management app. It lets you assign keyboard shortcuts to a variety of windows movements (including move to other display) and gives you an overlay of the OS X standard window controls.

(Would upload pics, but imgur doesn't seem to be working...)

Here is a solid list of window management apps from another AskDifferent post. The only free option is Shiftit, and I'm not sure if it offers the functionality you are looking for.

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+1 for Moom. Discovered it a few months ago, I love it. Great value at only $5 too. – robmathers Oct 20 '11 at 19:25
I've been using ShiftIt for arranging windows within the same monitor. It's an excellent tool for that. However, it offers no move-to-other-display functionality. – Artem Shnayder Oct 20 '11 at 20:12
I'd check out Moom then. I know you wanted a free app, but it's quite inexpensive compared to many other Mac window managers. Plus, the overlay they designed for close/min/maximize buttons is so spiffy that they deserve the $5. :) – canderson Oct 20 '11 at 20:14

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