MacMenuBar: a curated directory of 1200+ menu bar apps

Six years ago I started collecting macOS menu bar apps. Pure curiosity, just me in a corner of the internet, thinking I’d maybe end up with 500 apps max. You know, a neat little list. Something manageable.

Turned out I was hilariously wrong.

Every time I think I’ve seen them all, someone emails me another one that solves a problem I didn’t even know existed.

Anyway:

MacMenuBar.com just passed 1200 curated menu bar apps. Still a one-man operation.

If you’re into menu bar tools, productivity gadgets, or just like browsing what other devs build, feel free to take a look.

It’s been a weird journey. Didn’t expect it to get this big. Still kind of fun, though.

https://redd.it/1pbfi2i
@macappsbackup

Any other clipboard managers include a "hot edge" like PastePal?

That's the single best and, so far, only unique feature of PastePal; however, it only dismisses the history window when actually clicking, either to copy something or clicking outside the window. I'm looking for a clipboard manager that includes a hot-edge or hover feature to display clipboard history, but doesn't require anything more than moving the mouse away to dismiss the window.

Anyone know of such an app?

I am not looking for an Alfred, Supercharge, or other similar app.

Thanks!

https://redd.it/1pbht8n
@macappsbackup

PDF Editor for Mac and iOS/iPadOS that's a one-time purchase.

I'm currently using PDF Expert, and it's my LAST software subnoscription. In the last 3 weeks, I've cancelled Microsoft365 and Bear Notes, just leaving me with PDF Expert. I like the app, but, as someone who opposes software subnoscriptions with every fiber of my being, it needs to go.

Yes, I know PDF Expert has a one-time purchase option, but that does not include the mobile apps, and those don't have a one-time purchase option.

Almost all the PDF editors I look at are a subnoscription. And the ones that are not, usually have a one-time purchase option for Mac, but a subnoscription for mobile apps.

Bonus points if they have an Android app.

https://redd.it/1pbiprv
@macappsbackup

It turns out that the app version number is irrelevant. How Bloom turned out to be a much better replacement for Finder than Forklift

I am a 4 year forklift user. I had a forklift 3, I have a forklift 4.

Overall rating? Total disappointment - 3/10

Forklift is better FTP/SFTP management, etc.

And that's where the advantages end.

The minuses?

\- Bugs,

can't eject some dmg and I have to do it from finder or desktop,
it remembers the column setting for a short period of time and then resets and I have to set it again and again,
can't manage tags and have to do it from finder level,
get info does not download some options and you have to do it from the finder level
the view almost never refreshes, if I'm in folder X and I download or recopy something I always have to change the folder and go back to it, because watching the changes and reacting is such a difficult thing to do
and my favorite, going to the view with folders and files sometimes shows only files, folders don't show unless I go to another folder and come back, sometimes I have to do that several times

\- lack of documentation, in the settings there is something like Tools about which there is zero information and examples,

\- lack of development, let's be honest but the application has been standing still for a long time in terms of development, bugfixes and improving stability or adapting for Tahoe is not development. It's just support.



The new application as a replacement for finder that is Bloom completely surprised me. It's in version 1.5.11 and at this point has more features than forklift.

It's in the early stages of development, and it crushes forklift in terms of what it offers, and it doesn't have the stupid bugs that have been in forklift for a long time. It has more freedom and is not limited to just two-pane. It remembers windows, manages tags, gives relevant configurable file information, offers workspaces, a floating window, and even supports archive.

Of course, it is not so perfect, but for the version and its condition I am more than satisfied. I still have six months of the forklift license, but as of today it lands in my trash and bloom replaces it permanently.

Well done and may Bloom continue to grow




https://redd.it/1pbkxhc
@macappsbackup

I made a lightweight macOS wrapper for YouTube Music with media keys and Discord Rich Presence support

Hello,

I decided to make a lightweight native wrapper for youtube music using Swift and WebKit.

Im new to mac (I just got my m5 today) and was browsing for a youtube music app with discord rich presence support, I couldn't find any so I just decided just to make one.

Features so far:

* Full **media key support** (play/pause/skip)
* **Discord Rich Presence** integration (shows your current track in Discord)
* Shows **Now Playing info** in macOS system UI

It’s open-source, so you can check it out, contribute, or just grab a binary and try it: [GitHub link](https://github.com/0xjemm/youtube-music-macos)

Would love feedback! Thanks!

https://redd.it/1pbjut7
@macappsbackup

Looking for an app, not sure what I need, or if it exists.

I'm looking for a way to record and organise milestones in my life and also other people close to me, so that I can add an event with a date, and a denoscription and a sortable tag or person so that I can then browse or visualise them in chronological order and filter by tag or person

I don't have all the detail all at once, and will be adding things out of sequence, and by person probably

I want to be able to see what happened in each person's life chronologically

I'd like event entry to be simple and viewing and sorting to be flexible

Anyone have a clue what I'm looking for?

https://redd.it/1pbgh5s
@macappsbackup

[Free] Sheepo Desktop v1.1: Cutest Desktop Pet + Break Reminder!!!

https://redd.it/1pbqaig
@macappsbackup

CleanMyMac Dissected - Individual App Breakdown Needed

I’ve been a CleanMyMac user for a couple of years now and have really enjoyed it, but mainly because I haven’t bothered with finding an alternative app for each one of its capabilities. I’ve also used it through SetApp.

Before destroying me in the comments, I’ve really just used this for ease and time to not have to go through 10 different apps every week for the same thing (so I think). E.g. I’m not sure where you could thin Time Machine backups.

But I am open to hearing if 1., there is a better all-in-one service doing something similar to keep my Mac in tiptop shape. Or 2., what individual apps you would prefer or will run laps around this (since they’re dedicated to one thing).

I’m open to going the individual app route if something is truly better and a step up. So feel free to give me honest feedback on CMM with suggestions/individual apps that can replace certain arms of the app for me or just feel free to roast me I guess😆

Ultimately, I just care about making my Mac as clean, efficient, and as much a powerhouse as possible.

https://redd.it/1pbrd1j
@macappsbackup

DoubleMemory Updated: a different kind of bookmarking/read-later/clipboard app with cyberweek deal
https://redd.it/1pbrq6x
@macappsbackup

I made Speak2 - better voice dictation for macOS using OpenAI's Whisper (free, 100% on-device)

Hey r/macapps! I built a voice dictation app that's like Wisprflow but without having to pay a monthly fee.

Everyone knows Mac's built-in voice dictation is clunky and not super accurate.

What Speak2 does differently:

More accurate \- Uses Whisper AI (the same model that powers ChatGPT's voice mode) instead of Apple's older speech recognition
Simpler \- Hold fn key to speak, release to transcribe. That's it.
Private \- 100% on-device processing. No cloud, no internet required, nothing leaves your Mac
Works everywhere \- Any text field in any app
Free & open source

How it works: Hold the hotkey (fn, right option, etc.), speak, release. Text gets transcribed and pasted wherever your cursor is.

Requirements:

macOS 14.0+
Apple Silicon Mac (M1/M2/M3)
\~300MB RAM when running

First launch handles setup (accessibility permissions + downloading the speech model).

Download: https://github.com/zachswift615/speak2/releases

It's MIT licensed and I'm actively working on it. Would love feedback!

https://redd.it/1pbo5c2
@macappsbackup

Screens 5 VS Jump Desktop



Test Devices: iPhone 12 Pro, MacBook Air M4


Screens 5 has faster connection speeds and supports Bonjour, and when you connect remotely, it truly feels like you’re using the Mac locally. The mouse cursor doesn’t jump around, and moving windows is smooth and effortless.
Jump Desktop falls short compared to Screens 5 in these aspects.

Jump Desktop’s strengths, however, are that the connection barely drops, video playback is much smoother than on Screens 5, and the video’s audio is delivered directly to the iPhone — that’s a real advantage.

But if I leave Jump Desktop connected for a long time, my iPhone heats up and becomes sluggish. This is probably because the iPhone12 Pro is getting old. On the other hand, when I use Screens 5 for a long session on the iPhone 12 Pro, the connection tends to drop easily, and once it disconnects, it often refuses to reconnect right away. (I’m pretty sure something changed with Screens 5 internally, because when I first bought it last December, it held the connection perfectly for the first two to three months.)

Those are the drawbacks of both apps.

In terms of price, Jump lets you buy only what you need, while Screens 5 doesn’t, so the LT plan becomes expensive.
If I had to choose one, I’d go with Jump — the price and its strengths give it the edge.

But… if Screens 5 stopped disconnecting so often (even if it still couldn’t play videos well or deliver audio), I’d definitely consider going back, because its “feel” after connecting — that smooth, local-like experience — is so superior that it’s hard to give up.

https://redd.it/1pbz1ab
@macappsbackup

Looking for an honest review for BoltAI

Hi, everyone. I'm looking for an honest review of BoltAI. I saw it mentioned and discussed during this past week. Right now, BoltAI still have the sale, and I'm really curious about functionality, how it compares to something like Clinde, because Clinde is okay, but I'm looking for a tool that can run multiple models and at the same time leverage model context protocol.

Would you recommend BoltAI for something like this?

https://redd.it/1pbwdq5
@macappsbackup

$4 For Unlimited (Local) Mac Virtual Machines
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/virtual-machines-hub/id1628310256

https://redd.it/1pc0h2n
@macappsbackup

ISO: Program that lets your menu bar pull down to avoid notch?

I have a macbook air. The camera notch obviously covers a lot of the space the menu bar goes into.

Is there something that lets it extend down...a drop down menu/pane

I know BARTENDER has it's Bartender bar, so, something like that, but I don't need all the rest of what Bartender can do

https://redd.it/1pc316j
@macappsbackup

Finderlock 2.0 is live


This update is the result of months of feedback, late nights, and a lot of lessons learned.

My goal has always been simple:
👉 Make protecting files on macOS *easy* and *private* — no cloud syncing, no complexity.

With 2.0, Finderlock is now stronger, more stable, and more recoverable than ever.

# Highlights:

* Stronger file protection (no readable copies stored anywhere)
* Upgraded password security
* Private iCloud/Google Drive backups that hide filenames
* One-click Google Drive recovery
* More reliable Touch ID & password prompts
* Better stability during lock/unlock
* Licensing prepared for future plans (current lifetime users stay lifetime)

Still small, still indie — but each release makes the product feel more “real.”
Thanks to everyone using Finderlock and pushing me to make it better. [finderlock.com](http://finderlock.com)

https://redd.it/1pc57yh
@macappsbackup

Unmask the Tech Behind Your Apps with App Detective

I just stumbled upon a hidden gem for Mac: App Detective

https://preview.redd.it/o89bvyurcr4g1.png?width=1874&format=png&auto=webp&s=51f8a68dce89024020f444f65cb649a5bfaae78f

Yes, I agree, it's kind of a niche product. But this free and open-source tool helps you peek under the hood of your macOS applications. It displays the UI tech stacks used by applications installed on your Mac. And that’s essentially all it does: no cluttered menus, no additional features. It’s as straightforward as that.

So, you ever asked yourself if that app you're using is a resource-hungry Electron build or a native Swift creation, App Detective gives you that insight with incredible simplicity.

While other tools in the past attempted this, like the now-discontinued 5 GUIs, or more technical methods like terminal noscripts and digging into package contents, none offer the convenience and visual clarity of App Detective. So, if you’re interested in checking your app library on your Mac, give it a try!

Disclaimer: I am not the developer or related to App Detective in any way.

https://redd.it/1pc3z0b
@macappsbackup

Default Apps for the Year Ahead

[Default Apps](https://preview.redd.it/h4je9y0vks4g1.png?width=1200&format=png&auto=webp&s=97749c90cd222d69e51a106863e0838cb64b679a)

This is the third annual edition of my personal tech stack. In 2023, I saw many people talking about their default apps as a result of an episode of the [podcast Hemispheric Views.](https://hemisphericviews.com/). I learned about a lot of great software that I wasn't familiar with. I wanted to get in on the fun, so I started a blog for that express purpose, and the rest is history. I'd love to see lists from the regulars on this sub.

The biggest changes in 2025 happened as a result of [cutting ties with Google, Microsoft, Meta and Amazon.](https://appaddict.app/post/mega-post-protect-yourself-like-your-freedom-depends-on-it) I've tried to move as much of my back end tech stack out of the US for privacy reasons.

Apps with a ⭐ are new choices since last year. There are links at the end to my previous year's choices.

* 📨 Mail Client: ⭐ [FMail2 for Fastmail](https://appaddict.app/post/fmail2-for-fastmail)
* 📮 Mail Server: ⭐ [Fastmail](https://app.fastmail.com/)
* 📝 Notes: [Obsidian](https://appaddict.app/post/obsdian-s-many-uses) and [Scratchpad](https://apps.louplummer.lol/post/scratchpad-floating-notes-but-better)
* ✅ To-do: [Things3](https://appaddict.app/post/things-3-maybe-the-pinnacle-in-app-design)
* 📷 iPhone Photo Shooting: [ProCamera](https://apps.apple.com/app/id694647259)
* 🟦 Photo Management: ⭐ [Digikam](https://appaddict.app/post/digikam-is-replacing-apple-photos-google-photos-and-amazon-photos-for-me)
* 📆 Calendar: [Fantastical](https://flexibits.com/fantastical?cjevent=c9729c1bac8211ee804115a60a82b82c) Legacy, not paid with Fastmail as the back end, ⭐[Dato](https://appaddict.app/post/mega-post-protect-yourself-like-your-freedom-depends-on-it)
* 📁 Cloud File Storage: ⭐ [Koofr](https://appaddict.app/post/koofr-european-based-cloud-storage-provider-with-a-generous-free-tier), [kDrive](https://www.infomaniak.com/en/ksuite/kdrive) (3TB for €4.99 a month)
* 📖 RSS: [Inoreader](https://appaddict.app/post/inoreader-rss-gets-new-features) 🙎🏻‍♂️ Contacts: [Cardhop](https://flexibits.com/cardhop?cjevent=c9729c1bac8211ee804115a60a82b82c) with Fastmail as the backend.
* 🌐 Browser: [Vivaldi](https://apps.louplummer.lol/post/a-day-with-vivaldi-browser) on macOS and iOS
* 💬 Chat: Messages.app
* 🔖 Bookmarks: [Raindrop.io](https://raindrop.io/)
* 📑 Read It Later: ⭐ [Inoreader](https://appaddict.app/post/inoreader-rss-gets-new-features) (because Pocket died)
* 📜 Word Processing: [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/) and [Drafts](https://getdrafts.com/)
* 📈 Spreadsheets: ⭐ [Easy CSV Editor](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/easy-csv-editor/id1171346381?mt=12)
* 📊 Presentations: nope
* 🛒 Shopping Lists: [Anylist](https://www.anylist.com/), a great app!
* 💰 Budgeting and Personal Finance: [Monarch](https://www.monarchmoney.com/) on Mac and iOS
* 📰 News: ⭐ [Sill](https://sill.social/links)
* 🎵 Music: ⭐ [Cog](https://appaddict.app/post/cog-free-and-open-source-local-only-music-player)
* 🎤 Podcasts: [Overcast](https://overcast.fm/)
* 🔐 Password Management: ⭐ Apple Passwords
* 🐘 Mastodon: ⭐ [Mona](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mona-for-mastodon/id1659154653), [social.lol](https://social.lol/@amerpie)
* 🦋 Bluesky: [Skeets](https://www.skeetsapp.com/), [Deck.blue](https://deck.blue/)
* 🚀 Launcher: [Raycast](https://appaddict.app/post/my-raycast-extensions)
* 🎞️ Media Tracking: [Trakt](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trakt/id1514873602) via [Watcht](https://apps.apple.com/app/id1396920723), [Sequel](https://appaddict.app/post/sequel-entertainment-database)
* 💻 Screenshot Tool: [Cleanshot X](https://cleanshot.com/)
* ✍🏻 Blogging: [Micro.blog](https://micro.blog/), [OMG.LOL](https://home.omg.lol/), [Scribbles](https://scribble.page/), [BearBlog](https://bearblog.dev/)
* ⚙️ Automation: [Keyboard Maestro](https://appaddict.app/post/keyboard-maestro-is-50-off-for-one-week-at-bundlehunt), [Hazel](https://amerpie.lol/2024/05/10/my-favorite-actions.html),

[Popclip](https://appaddict.app/post/popclip-a-must-have-productivity-app), [Better Touch Tool](https://appaddict.app/post/better-touch-tool-favorite)

[2024 Default Apps](https://linkage.lol/default-apps-for-2024/)

[2023 Default Apps](https://amerpie.lol/2024/01/06/amerpies-default-apps.html)

https://redd.it/1pc8bsm
@macappsbackup