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 is for
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.
What is good
- Free plan includes all features
- Offers search, keyboard shortcuts, and per-icon hotkeys
- Supports AppleScript, Shortcuts, and smart triggers
- Can import layouts from Bartender or Ice
- Open source under the MIT License
What to know first
- Requires macOS 14.0 Sonoma or later and Apple Silicon
- Requires macOS Accessibility permission
- Some apps with unusual custom behavior may be edge cases
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.
SaneBar plans and pricing
All plansCompared on menu bar customization software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Hide menu items
- Yes
- Rearrange items
- Yes
- Group menu items
- Yes
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Yes
- Multiple displays
- Yes
- Notch support
- Yes
