Vanilla is a Mac app for hiding menu bar icons. Its free plan covers hiding icons, while Vanilla Pro adds keyboard shortcuts for toggling menu bar and desktop icons, automatic hiding five seconds after toggling, and an option to start when you log in. Pro can also place icons in a section where they are visible only in Vanilla's preferences window. Pro costs 10.00 USD as a one-time purchase, and its activation code can be used up to 10 times by default. On macOS Catalina and later, Vanilla requires Screen Recording permission to hide icons. The maker says it takes menu bar screenshots for this purpose but does not save or transmit them; internet access is used only to check for updates and validate Pro license codes. Vanilla supports MacBooks with display notches, though setup may require rearranging menu bar items. The maker offers email support and recommends including device and operating system details when asking for help.
Who it is for
Vanilla may suit Mac users who want to hide menu bar icons, with Pro options for shortcuts, automatic hiding, and startup at login. It also supports MacBooks with display notches.
What is good
- Free plan hides menu bar icons.
- Pro adds shortcuts and automatic hiding after five seconds.
- Pro can start when you log in.
- Compatible with MacBooks that have display notches.
What to know first
- Screen Recording permission is required on macOS Catalina and later.
- Setup on notched MacBooks may require rearranging menu bar items.
- Pro activation codes work up to 10 times by default.
Verdict
Vanilla focuses on hiding menu bar icons, with additional controls in its one-time Pro purchase. Check the permission requirement and the activation limit before buying.
Vanilla plans and pricing
All plansCompared on menu bar customization software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Paid from
- 10 one-time
- Hide menu items
- Yes
- Group menu items
- Yes
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Yes
- Multiple displays
- Yes
- Notch support
- Yes
