ScreenCaptureKit for Always‑on‑Top on Mac
TopWindow leverages Apple's cutting-edge ScreenCaptureKit framework to provide secure, efficient, and reliable window management. Experience the power of modern macOS APIs working seamlessly in the background.
What is Apple ScreenCaptureKit?
ScreenCaptureKit is Apple's modern framework for screen content access and window management, introduced in macOS 12.3. It provides secure, privacy-focused APIs that allow applications to interact with system windows while respecting user privacy and security.
Unlike older methods that relied on accessibility APIs or system hacks, ScreenCaptureKit offers a sanctioned, efficient way to manage windows at the system level.
Key Framework Features
How TopWindow Uses ScreenCaptureKit for Always‑on‑Top
Window Discovery
ScreenCaptureKit allows TopWindow to enumerate and identify all available windows across applications, providing accurate window metadata and properties for precise control.
Real-time Monitoring
The framework enables TopWindow to monitor window state changes in real-time, ensuring pinned windows maintain their always-on-top behavior even as the system changes.
Secure Operations
All window manipulations happen through authorized API calls, ensuring TopWindow operates within Apple's security sandbox without compromising system integrity.
Efficient Resource Usage
ScreenCaptureKit's optimized implementation means TopWindow uses minimal CPU and memory, running efficiently in the background without impacting system performance.
Technical Advantages
Modern API Design
ScreenCaptureKit represents Apple's latest thinking on window management APIs, offering cleaner interfaces and better error handling than legacy alternatives.
Enhanced Compatibility
Works consistently across all macOS versions from 12.3+, including Apple Silicon Macs, ensuring TopWindow functions reliably on modern hardware and software.
Future-Ready
As an actively developed Apple framework, ScreenCaptureKit ensures TopWindow remains compatible with future macOS updates and new features.
Why ScreenCaptureKit vs Older Methods
| Feature | Legacy Methods | ScreenCaptureKit |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ⚠️ Accessibility bypass | ✅ Apple-sanctioned APIs |
| Performance | ⚠️ High overhead | ✅ Optimized implementation |
| Reliability | ❌ Prone to breaking | ✅ Stable API contract |
| Privacy | ❌ Broad permissions | ✅ Granular consent |
| Future Support | ❌ Deprecated | ✅ Actively developed |
Privacy & Security First
Your Privacy Matters
Screen Recording Permission: macOS requires explicit user consent before TopWindow can access window information.
No Content Access: TopWindow only manages window positioning - it never sees or accesses the actual content of your windows.
Local Processing: All window management happens locally on your Mac - no data is sent to external servers.
Minimal Footprint: TopWindow only requests the specific permissions needed for window management, nothing more.
Technical Questions
What macOS versions support ScreenCaptureKit?
ScreenCaptureKit is available on macOS 12.3 and later. TopWindow requires macOS 13.0+ to ensure the best compatibility and performance with the framework.
Does ScreenCaptureKit work with Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes! ScreenCaptureKit is fully optimized for both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. TopWindow runs natively on M1, M2, M3, and newer processors for maximum performance.
Why does TopWindow need screen recording permission?
macOS requires screen recording permission for apps to access window information through ScreenCaptureKit. This is a security measure - TopWindow only uses this permission to identify windows for pinning, never to record or capture screen content.
How does this differ from accessibility-based window managers?
Unlike older window managers that rely on accessibility APIs (which can be unreliable and slow), TopWindow uses ScreenCaptureKit for direct, efficient communication with the macOS window server. This provides better performance and reliability.
Experience Modern Window Management
Try TopWindow's ScreenCaptureKit-powered window management and feel the difference of modern, secure, and efficient macOS integration.