Übersicht is a free macOS app that displays system-command output on the desktop in widgets. Widgets use HTML5, JavaScript, and React JSX; they can present data as tables, charts, or graphs and respond to different screen sizes. A gallery and installation instructions help users add community widgets, and the maker says widgets can be customized. For development, the app watches the widget directory and displays interface changes when files change. Commands run on a configurable schedule that defaults to once per second, or can be set not to refresh automatically. A built-in local proxy supports Ajax requests to external sites, and AppleScript scripting is available. The download page specifies macOS 12 or later. Widgets can run arbitrary code on the machine, so users are advised to inspect their source; malicious code cannot be ruled out. The app is released under the GNU General Public License version 3 or a later version at the user's option.
Who it is for
Übersicht suits macOS users who want desktop widgets driven by system commands, or who want to build and customize widgets using web technologies. It is also relevant to users comfortable inspecting widget code before installing it.
What is good
- Free and open source under the GNU GPL.
- Widgets can show tables, charts, and graphs.
- Supports community widgets through a gallery.
- Commands have configurable refresh intervals.
- AppleScript scripting is supported.
What to know first
- Download page specifies macOS 12 or later.
- Widgets can run arbitrary code on the machine.
- Malicious widget code cannot be ruled out.
Verdict
Übersicht offers flexible desktop widgets and options for developing them, with support for community additions and automation. Because widgets can execute arbitrary code, inspect their source before use.
Übersicht plans and pricing
All plansCompared on desktop widget software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- macos
- Widget categories
- system monitoring; clocks; calendars; weather; RSS feeds; networking; media; launchers; finance; reminders
- System monitoring
- Yes
- Custom layouts
- Yes
- Weather widgets
- Yes
- Calendar widgets
- Yes
- Feed widgets
- Yes
