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Barstool, a Prettier macOS Menubar

Barstool, a Prettier macOS Menubar

by thecommieaxo·May 19, 2026·2 points·2 comments
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AI Analysis

●●SolidEye CandyBig Brain

Reverse-engineering PrivateFrameworks to replace the menubar is impressive engineering.

Strengths
  • •Accesses system data via PrivateFrameworks when official APIs don't exist.
  • •Replaces native volume/brightness alerts with custom, prettier overlays.
  • •Virtual display corners match MacBook's physical rounded screen design.
Weaknesses
  • •Relies on undocumented PrivateFrameworks that could break in future macOS updates.
  • •Only $3 but still a hard sell when the default menubar is 'good enough'.
Category
Productivity
Target Audience

Mac power users who hate the default menubar clutter

Similar To

Bartender · Hidden Bar · Dozer

Post Description

I really hate the way the macOS menu bar looks, and how crowded it gets with all my apps' Menubar menus.

Barstool lets me still see the time/date and other useful info while hiding the menubar. I can see wifi connectivity, date, time, and battery all the time.

The app also observes system notifications to surface now playing state, (Apple) calendar events, and volume/brightness changes.

I've had to do a lot of finking with mac PrivateFrameworks as apple loves to make all the interesting data unavailable through official sources/APIs.

Happy to get any feedback/questions!

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