Adjust layouts

Choose a layout in the comparison, then use this guide to adjust it. Merge examples into your existing config; if a table already exists, edit it instead of repeating its header.

Set the default layout

Choose the layout in [settings.layout], then reload:

[settings.layout]
mode = "master_stack"

rift-cli execute config reload

Add space between windows

Outer gaps separate windows from display edges. Inner gaps separate neighboring windows. Values use macOS logical pixels, so they follow the display’s scaling rather than its physical pixel count:

[settings.layout.gaps.outer]
top = 8.0
left = 8.0
bottom = 8.0
right = 8.0

[settings.layout.gaps.inner]
horizontal = 8.0
vertical = 8.0

Set a layout per workspace

[virtual_workspaces]
default_workspace_count = 3
workspace_names = ["Main", "Code", "Reading"]
workspace_rules = [
  { workspace = "Code", layout = "traditional" },
  { workspace = "Reading", layout = "scrolling" },
]

Use a workspace name or a zero-based index. If a workspace rule does not match, Rift uses the normal layout setting.

When a layout feels wrong

• Windows too small: try Master-stack or Scrolling, or adjust master_ratio or column_width_ratio for those layouts.
• Windows too tightly packed: add inner and outer gaps.
• New windows appear in an unexpected place: check window_insertion_point and the layout-specific insertion setting.

The configuration reference lists layout settings, defaults, and accepted values.