In Passing makes a drawing out of getting things out of the way. The free macOS app leaves an outline as each window is hidden, minimized, or closed, retaining its size and position after its contents have disappeared. A window can be dismissed without entirely vacating the premises.

The rectangles accumulate through decisions made for entirely different reasons. More room for this, less room for that, enough of the other thing. What emerges is an incidental composition, a record of activity with most of the activity omitted. The desktop gradually fills with what has been removed from it. Cleaning up has become a way of furnishing the place.

In Passing belongs to a series of small Mac apps, including On Screen, that make minor alterations to the experience of being at a computer. One holds a moment in place; the other collects the shapes of departures. Their contribution to productivity is difficult to measure, although measurement is clearly taking place.

In Passing is free and MIT-licensed and requires macOS 15 or newer.