Troubleshooting

Fixes for the most common problems: windows that do not move, shortcuts that do nothing and more.

On this page

Apps open but windows do not move#

FluidZones needs the Accessibility permission to place windows.

  1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility.
  2. If FluidZones is not listed or is off, add it or turn it on.
  3. If it already shows as on, the entry is stale from an older version: turn it off and on again, or remove it with the minus button and add the app again.

You can also press Open System Settings in the alert that FluidZones shows when it cannot position windows.

A window lands in the wrong place#

  • Add a small delay so slow apps finish loading first.
  • Some apps resist moving or have a minimum size. FluidZones retries after launch, so give it a few seconds.
  • If a message says an app has a minimum window size larger than its zone, use a wider or taller zone or preset. In the custom layout editor, Fit to app minimum does it for you.

If you launch without the permission, the alert FluidZones can't position windows offers Open System Settings and Launch Anyway.

An app cannot be added#

Apps outside /Applications, /System/Applications and ~/Applications are not accepted. Move the app into one of those folders first.

Nothing happens when I click a launch link#

The link uses the profile's name. If the name changed, copy the link again; FluidZones shows a message with the name it could not find.

A shortcut does nothing#

  • Check that the combination is not already used by another profile or by macOS.
  • Make sure FluidZones has the Accessibility permission: shortcuts do not work while another app is in front without it.

A schedule did not fire#

  • FluidZones has to be running: turn on Open at login.
  • Nothing launches while the screen is locked; it catches up after you unlock.
  • During a call or with a full-screen app in front, it waits and then launches or tells you it was skipped.

A warning appears after launching#

If an app's monitor is not connected, its window is placed on the main screen and the launch ends with a warning instead of Scene launched!.

iCloud Sync is paused#

If it says Requires Premium — sync is paused on this Mac., your trial or Premium ended. See iCloud Sync.

Cannot activate a license#

Could not reach the license server. means the Mac could not connect; check your internet and try again.

Save Positions finds no windows#

The message says no open windows were found and positions were not saved. Open the apps first and check the Accessibility permission.

A banner says changes cannot be saved#

The banner Can't save your changes means FluidZones cannot write its data file. Check that your disk has free space and that your user can write to its folders; edits are not saved until that clears.

Still stuck?#

Visit the support page or send feedback.