Lyra

Cmd-Tab alternative for Mac

Stop scanning Cmd-Tab when you already know the app you want.

Lyra keeps your most-used Mac apps on fixed shortcuts and adds Quick Switch when recent-app order is the right tool.

Download Lyra See app switcher guide

Lyra vs Cmd-Tab

Cmd-Tab is built around recent app order. Lyra is built around muscle memory: assign or reuse shortcuts for the apps you open all day, then press the same key sequence whenever you need that app.

Comparison

Workflow Cmd-Tab Lyra
Open a known app Scan recency order Press its fixed shortcut
Return to recent apps Native recency switcher Quick Switch and Double-Tap Recall
Hide an app after checking it Separate hide command Repeat the app shortcut with App Peeking
Use per-app input sources Manual switching Switch after Lyra opens or focuses an app

When Lyra helps most

  • You keep the same daily apps open for long stretches.
  • You want Safari, Cursor, Terminal, Slack, Notes, or Figma to stay on the same shortcut every day.
  • You switch between apps and keyboard input sources many times per day.
  • You want a small switching tool, not a broad launcher or search surface.

Does Lyra disable Cmd-Tab?

No. Lyra gives you another switching layer. You can keep using Cmd-Tab whenever recency order is faster.

Is Lyra only for Dock apps?

No. Lyra supports automatic Dock app shortcuts and manual rows for apps outside the Dock.