A HazeOver alternative for Mac and Windows
FocusDim, part of the PeakFlow app, turns down every window except the one you're working in. It runs on macOS 13 or later and on Windows 10 and 11. Try it free for 30 days, then keep it for $9.99.
HazeOver
$4.99 onceFades out background windows so the front window stands out. Separate settings for light and dark mode, and automation through Shortcuts, Focus filters and AppleScript.
Platform: macOS 13 or later. No Windows version.
FocusDim
$9.99 once · free for 30 daysDims everything except the window you're using. Choose to keep only that window bright or every window from the same app, set the colour, and fade the dim out while you drag.
Platform: macOS 13 or later, Windows 10 and 11.
Buy just this tool
FocusDim: $9.99 once
Dims every window except the one you're using, on Mac and Windows.
FocusDim and HazeOver, feature by feature
We built FocusDim, so read this table with that in mind. Where HazeOver's own site doesn't mention a feature, the table says "Not listed" rather than guessing.
| Feature | HazeOver | FocusDim |
|---|---|---|
| Dim inactive windows | ||
| Adjustable strength | 10% to 90% | |
| Keyboard shortcut to turn it on and off | ⌘⇧D on Mac | |
| Works across several displays | with on and off per display | |
| Choose the dim colour | through Focus filters | black, purple, blue, grey or any hex colour |
| Keep every window of the current app bright | Not listed | |
| Leave chosen apps undimmed | Not listed | |
| Peek at every window for a few seconds | Not listed | 1 to 10 seconds |
| Dim fades while you drag a window | Hold Fn while dragging | automatic |
| Separate light and dark mode settings | ||
| Shortcuts, Focus filters and AppleScript | ||
| Runs on Windows | ||
| Price | $4.99 once | $9.99 once |
What FocusDim does on a Mac
FocusDim puts a dark layer over your screens and leaves a gap for the window you're using. Click another window and the gap moves with it. The layer lets clicks through, so you can still click a dimmed window to switch to it.
You choose how strong the dim is, from a light tint at 10% to almost black at 90%, and how quickly it fades in. Press ⌘⇧D to turn it on or off, ⌃⌥↑ and ⌃⌥↓ to change the strength, and ⌃⌥` to see everything for a moment.
App windows mode keeps every window from the app you're in bright, which helps when you work across two browser windows or a pair of terminals. If an app should never be dimmed, such as a video call, add it to the excluded list.
The PeakFlow app lives in the menu bar with no Dock icon. On a Mac it asks for Accessibility permission so FocusDim can tell which window is in front. It does not need Screen Recording.
When HazeOver is the better pick
If you only use a Mac and want the cheapest way to dim background windows, HazeOver costs half as much. It also suits people who drive their Mac with Shortcuts or Focus modes, since HazeOver can change its strength and colour when a Focus turns on. FocusDim doesn't plug into Shortcuts.
FocusDim makes more sense if you also use a Windows PC, want one app's windows to stay bright together, or would use the other PeakFlow tools: a clipboard manager, a full-screen meeting alert and a focus timer. All four cost $29.99 once. See what the four Mac apps they replace cost on their own.
On Windows?
HazeOver has no Windows version. FocusDim works the same way on Windows 10 and 11. Read HazeOver for Windows: meet FocusDim, or the FocusDim page for every feature.
Questions
Is there a HazeOver alternative that works on Mac and Windows?
Yes. FocusDim, part of the PeakFlow app, runs on macOS 13 or later and on Windows 10 and 11. It dims every window except the one you're using, and one $9.99 purchase covers it.
How much does FocusDim cost compared with HazeOver?
HazeOver costs $4.99 once. FocusDim costs $9.99 once, or you can get all four PeakFlow tools for $29.99 once, or Pro for $2.99 a month. Every download includes a free 30-day trial with no account or card.
Can FocusDim keep all windows of one app bright?
Yes. App windows mode keeps every window from the app you're using bright and dims the rest. Active window mode keeps only the window you clicked bright.
Does FocusDim need special permissions on a Mac?
It asks for Accessibility permission so it can tell which window is in front. It does not ask for Screen Recording.
Can I stop FocusDim dimming certain apps?
Yes. Add any running app to the excluded list and FocusDim leaves its windows alone.
Try FocusDim on your Mac
Download the PeakFlow app, open FocusDim from the menu bar and switch it on. Free for 30 days, then $9.99 to keep it.
⬇ Download the PeakFlow appmacOS 13 or later • Windows 10 and 11 • Free for 30 days, no account or card