Maximize Your Productivity with Essential macOS Menu Bar Apps
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Chapter 1: Overview of the macOS Menu Bar
The menu bar is a standout feature of macOS, running along the top of your screen. Every Mac user is acquainted with it, relying on it to navigate app functionalities and access necessary commands.
This essential component of macOS includes a basic app launcher, status menus, and access to the Control Center and notifications. You can tailor various aspects of the menu bar’s appearance and functionality. Below, we explore some of the top open-source menu bar applications to elevate your experience.
Chapter 2: Top Menu Bar Applications
Video Title: Menu Bar Apps for Mac OS - YouTube
In this video, learn about various menu bar applications that can significantly enhance your workflow on macOS.
Section 2.1: CloudyTabs
CloudyTabs is a straightforward menu bar application that organizes your iCloud Tabs and Reading List. Simply launch the app and select a tab from any of your devices.
Opening a tab in your default browser is easy: just Cmd + Select the tab or highlight it and press Cmd + Return. To open it in the background, use Opt + Select or highlight and press Opt + Return. You can also type the first few letters of a tab's title to quickly find it. A tooltip appears when you hover over the CloudyTabs icon, displaying the last sync date of your iCloud tabs database.
Installation:
Download CloudyTabs and place it in your Applications folder, or install it via Homebrew with the command:
brew cask install cloudytabs
Section 2.3: MeetingBar
MeetingBar is designed for managing your calendar events directly from the menu bar. It displays your upcoming meetings and allows you to create or join them with a single click.
The app integrates seamlessly with various calendar providers such as Google, Exchange, and iCloud, enabling you to join meetings swiftly and configure your preferred browser for online meetings. Notifications for upcoming events ensure you never miss an important meeting.
Installation:
Available through the App Store or via Homebrew with the command:
brew install meetingbar
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This video showcases four indispensable menu bar apps that every macOS user should consider for improving productivity.
Section 2.4: Pareto Security
While macOS comes with several built-in security features, Pareto Security enhances your data protection. This menu bar app checks whether your Mac adheres to 14 recommended security settings, offering improvement suggestions as needed.
It evaluates settings like FileVault, Firewall status, and password security.
Installation:
You can download it from the official website or the Mac App Store.
Section 2.5: iGlance
iGlance provides real-time system statistics right in your menu bar. Highly customizable, it allows users to monitor CPU usage, memory statistics, network activity, and fan speeds.
Users can set notifications for battery levels and customize settings according to their preferences.
Installation:
Install iGlance via Homebrew with:
brew install --cask iglance
In addition to these apps, you might want to explore tools like Xbar, which displays script output in your menu bar, and NoiseBuddy, for controlling AirPods Pro listening modes.
These are some of the best open-source menu bar applications that can significantly enhance your macOS experience. Share your favorite menu bar apps in the comments! Thank you for reading.