SaneBar

What SaneBar is

SaneBar is a macOS utility for hiding menu bar apps and revealing their icons when needed. Hidden icons can appear in a floating Icon Panel or a full-width Second Menu Bar. Users can search icons, toggle hiding and showing, and set keyboard shortcuts or per-icon hotkeys. Automation options include AppleScript, Shortcuts, and triggers tied to battery level, Wi-Fi, Focus, app launches, schedules, or scripts. Layouts can be imported from Bartender or Ice, and settings can be transferred between Macs. Touch ID or a password can lock icons. SaneBar keeps menu bar contents and personal files on the Mac; its privacy policy describes limited update requests and anonymous aggregate app counts. It is open source under the MIT License and includes all features in its free plan. The listed requirements are macOS 14.0 Sonoma or later and Apple Silicon. SaneBar requires macOS Accessibility permission and says normal use does not require Screen Recording. Most Apple menu extras and ordinary third-party menu bar apps work, though the maker notes that some apps with unusual custom behavior may be edge cases.

Who it suits

SaneBar suits Mac users who want to hide, find, and organize menu bar icons, with shortcut or automation controls. It may also suit users who want an open-source utility that keeps menu bar contents on the Mac.

Limits

The free plan includes all features and is limited to Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 14.0 Sonoma or later.

Getting started

1. Visit the SaneBar website.
2. Use a Mac with Apple Silicon running macOS 14.0 Sonoma or later.
3. Grant macOS Accessibility permission.
4. Choose the free plan, which includes all features.

Verdict

SaneBar offers several ways to hide and manage menu bar icons, with automation and layout migration options. It is free and open source, but requires a recent macOS version, Apple Silicon, and Accessibility permission.