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Written by Tom Mordasky
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Wednesday, 16 August 2006 |
An app that inspired Apple
 In last week's installment of dotAPP, we rewound eight years to resurrect the classic application switcher. In this week's column we're back in the present, casting nostalgia aside to examine LiteSwitch X, an application switcher cut from a more modern mold.
The current incarnation of the OS X app switcher is simple, elegant and efficient. It performs its roll very well, but lacks some of the abilities of its classic ancestor. Enter LiteSwitch X, a preference pane by Proteron LLC. It is distributed as shareware with a registration fee of $14.95. Fans of "Try before you buy" can download a free, fully functioning trial version with a demo period of 30 days.
While similar in form and function to the Apple model (actually, Apple based its current switcher off this program), LiteSwitch X adds a host of key features without sacrificing aesthetics or simplicity. Once active the default key command to summon the switcher is command tab. As with most system level shortcuts there are several alternatives available via the preferences if the default setting causes a conflict. Once the application switcher appears, continuing to hold the command key will keep the window visible and allow access to its many features. Command tab will scroll forward through the list of running applications and command shift will scroll backwards.
While its default behavior is not that different from Apple's version, don't allow appearances to deceive you. LiteSwitch X has quite a few tricks up its sleeve. Clicking on the bezel that surrounds the application allows the window to be moved vertically to any position desired. (The app will always appear centered horizontally). Clicking on the double white bars toward the bottom of the bezel allows the window to be scaled up and down as desired, though like the dock the icons will automatically be reduced to accommodate large numbers of running apps. Hold down "option" during the resize to restrict the icons to standard sizes. It also includes the ability to customize the color and opacity of the bezel itself. Keeping the app displayed while you change its appearance will allow any adjustments to be viewed in real time.
LiteSwitch X fully supports the dragging and dropping of files. Simply summon the LiteSwitch toolbar and drag the file over the desired application's icon. In addition any selected app has many commands that can be applied to it, including get info, hide, show only, quit, force quit and relaunch. Functions are available via key commands or right click. The LiteSwitch X preferences can also customize the default window behavior both within itself, i.e. when you use it to switch apps, and for the system as a whole. Users can opt to hide all windows outside of the front most app (single application mode) or cause all of an application's windows to move to the front at once (classic mode). Options include normal, classic finder, classic window and single application modes. An exclude list allows specific programs to be flagged so as not to appear in the switcher's window. It can also be preferenced to show all background apps as well, making for a rather crowded toolbar. You may be surprised to find out just how many such apps there are.
Overall I found LiteSwitch X to be both easy to use and intuitive to learn. I encountered no glitches or bugs to speak of. The install is simple and it requires little or no configuration to get up and running. Furthermore, many advanced settings are available via its preferences to adjust and tweak its behavior. The authors have thoughtfully included excellent documentation covering every feature in great detail. The program blends flawlessly into the OS X interface. It seamlessly replaces the default application switcher with its own considerably more powerful self. It works so well it's easy to assume it was always there.
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The Good: An enhanced replacement for Apple's default application switcher. Has many advanced settings and abilities. Blends flawlessly with the system.
The Bad: None to speak of!
The Skinny: If you use the default app switcher in OSX this replacement adds considerable ability while sacrificing little above its $14.95 price tag.
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