- Home
- Desktop Widget Software
- Übersicht
Übersicht
What it is
Übersicht is a free, open-source macOS application that places system-command output on the desktop through small widgets. Widgets can present tables, charts, and graphs, adapt to different screen sizes, and are written with HTML5, JavaScript, and React JSX. The maker provides a gallery and installation guidance for community widgets covering system monitoring, clocks, calendars, weather, RSS feeds, networking, and media. Übersicht watches the widget directory, so display changes appear when files change. Commands run on a configurable interval, once per second by default, 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 execute arbitrary code, so source inspection is important. Übersicht is released under the GNU General Public License version 3 or a later version at the user's option.
For and against
For
- Free and open source
- Supports customizable tables, charts, and graphs
- Offers a community widget gallery
- Refreshes widgets on configurable schedules
- Includes Ajax proxy and AppleScript support
Against
- Requires macOS 12 or later
- Widgets can run arbitrary code
- Malicious widget code cannot be ruled out
- Use is at the user's sole risk
The verdict
Übersicht offers a flexible way to display command output and community widgets on macOS. Its open widget model is useful for customization, but users should inspect code before installing or running widgets.
Who it suits
It suits macOS users who want customizable desktop displays for system data and other feeds. Developers comfortable reviewing widget code may be better positioned to use community widgets safely.
Plans and prices
Übersicht
Free to download · open source
Read 2 Oct 2026 · tracesof.net
On the record
- Automation
- The GitHub documentation says Übersicht supports AppleScript scripting.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Command refresh
- The GitHub documentation says widget commands run at a configurable interval, defaulting to once per second, and can be set not to refresh automatically.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Community widgets
- The maker provides a widget gallery and instructions for installing widgets from it.tracesof.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Customization
- The maker says widgets are easy to write and customize.tracesof.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Display options
- Widgets can show data in tables, charts, and graphs, and can react to different screen sizes.tracesof.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The GitHub documentation describes a built-in local proxy server for making Ajax requests to external sites.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- License
- The maker releases Übersicht under the GNU General Public License version 3 or, at the user's option, any later version.tracesof.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Übersicht displays the output of system commands on the desktop in small containers called widgets.tracesof.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Security and liability
- The maker says use of Übersicht and its widgets is at the user's sole risk and provides them as is.tracesof.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs users to GitHub documentation and issue reporting, and offers sponsorship and one-time donations as ways to support development.tracesof.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Supported platform
- The download link on the maker's site specifies macOS 12 or later.tracesof.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Widget development
- The GitHub documentation says Übersicht watches the widget directory for file changes and displays UI changes immediately.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Widget format
- Widgets are written using HTML5, JavaScript, and React JSX.tracesof.net · read 2 Oct 2026
- Widget safety
- Widgets can run arbitrary code on the machine, and the maker advises users to inspect their source because malicious code cannot be ruled out.tracesof.net · read 2 Oct 2026
