LayoutKeeper: external display layout memory for Mac

Remembers and restores window and desktop layouts for Mac users who plug and unplug external monitors.

Problem

External display users face the same monitor being above the MacBook at home but to the right at the office, forcing them to drag it in System Settings every time. When clamshell mode is used with only an external display, or right after lock/wake, macOS reports incorrect window and desktop states, so layout snapshots get corrupted. macOS also occasionally shuffles or even reverses desktop order.

Solution

A menu bar app that listens for display connect/disconnect events and snapshots window and desktop layouts only when the state is healthy. It offers quick monitor arrangement (up/down/left/right) from the menu bar with a 15-second confirm-or-revert safety. It skips recording during clamshell, lock, and early wake periods, and restores the last known good layout when a display is unplugged.

Users

Heavy MacBook + external monitor users, especially those who switch between home and office daily and use multiple desktops.

MVP

Listen for display changes and save/restore window positions and desktop order; menu bar arrangement picker with confirm-and-rollback; skip recording during clamshell/lock/early wake; support multiple layout profiles for quick switching.

Revenue

One-time purchase (e.g., $9.99) or annual subscription ($4.99/year) with a 7-day free trial; later add team layout sync or enterprise bulk licensing.

Why now

External display setups are increasingly common but native macOS layout memory remains unreliable. Existing products validate willingness to pay, and an indie developer can iterate on niche features quickly.