How can I improve the positioning of new windows?

Is there a setting to improve the positioning of new application windows?

I'm not looking to specify the location of a window and have it open there every time. I'd much rather have an improved default placement.

For example, if I open a new terminal window from here:

terminal 1

there is a bunch of "free" space available for the new window, so ideally something like this would happen:

terminal desired

but instead a new window will be placed like this:

terminal actual

which is pretty terrible in my opinion, since I'm losing the context of the first window and there is still a ton of empty space.

Any tips and improvements are much appreciated, if possible without installing 3rd party apps.


Writing a new window manager or hacking finder is hard to override this very intentional design decision that's baked into the system.

Third party window managers are much easier to implement than to change existing code that Apple intends to own/patch/update. Also, you don’t have to fund (in time, expertise or $) all the development effort yourself as many are window managers are inexpensive or free (even though you expressed the desire to not add a third party solution).

I really like divvy for the use case I think you are seeking (and liked it as well as Moom in the past)

What Window Management Options exist for OS X?

Also, terminal lets you save window sets, so if you just want one layout to start, that’s something easily done without a third party app.