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GreatBar
What it is
GreatBar is a free Mac app that places shortcuts to frequently used websites, apps, files, and folders in the menu bar. Website shortcuts can open in panels that remember their size and page state, or in standalone windows that can stay above other windows and continue playing media after closing. Separate browsing sessions allow different logins for the same site, while private browsing keeps no cookies or history. Users can create distinct menu bars, such as work and personal setups, and shortcuts can open named macOS System Settings panes. Links for apps including WhatsApp, Slack, Figma, Notion, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Discord, Telegram, and Spotify can open in those apps when installed. GreatBar runs in the Mac sandbox and keeps shortcut and website data on the device. It has no backend, account system, or telemetry, though its daily update check shares the user's IP address and app user agent with the hosting provider. Ads and trackers are blocked by default in its website views, with a link-level opt-out. It requires macOS 14.0 or later.
For and against
For
- Website panels remember size and page state.
- Separate sessions support different logins for one site.
- Shortcuts can open named System Settings panes.
- Shortcut and website data stay on the Mac.
- Ads and trackers are blocked by default in website views.
Against
- Requires macOS 14.0 or later.
- Daily update checks share IP address and app user agent.
- App is free for now while it is new.
The verdict
GreatBar brings website, app, file, and folder shortcuts into the Mac menu bar, with options for separate bars and browsing sessions. It requires macOS 14.0 or later, and update checks disclose limited device connection information to the hosting provider.
Who it suits
GreatBar suits Mac users who want quick menu-bar access to websites, files, folders, apps, or System Settings. Separate bars and browsing sessions can help people keep work and personal shortcuts distinct.
Plans and prices
GreatBar
Free for now while it is new · macOS 14.0 or later
Read 3 Oct 2026 · greatbar.greatpixels.com
On the record
- App integrations
- GreatBar can turn links for WhatsApp, Slack, Figma, Notion, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Discord, Telegram and Spotify into shortcuts that open in those apps when installed.greatbar.greatpixels.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Assistant support
- An optional built-in MCP server lets Claude, Codex, Cursor or another MCP-speaking assistant inspect bars and propose changes for the user to review.greatbar.greatpixels.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Content blocking
- Ads and trackers are blocked by default in GreatBar website views using lists bundled with the app, and a link can opt out of blocking.greatbar.greatpixels.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- File access
- GreatBar runs in the Mac sandbox and stores added files and folders as security-scoped bookmarks.greatbar.greatpixels.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Multiple accounts
- Separate browsing sessions let shortcuts to the same website use different logins, and private browsing keeps no cookies or history.greatbar.greatpixels.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Multiple bars
- Users can create and switch between distinct menu bars, such as work and personal bars.greatbar.greatpixels.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Platform requirement
- GreatBar requires macOS 14.0 or later and is signed and notarized by Apple.greatbar.greatpixels.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The app has no backend, its own account system, or telemetry; its shortcuts and website data remain on the Mac, while daily update checks disclose the user's IP address and app user agent to the hosting provider.greatbar.greatpixels.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- GreatBar puts frequently used websites, apps, files and folders in the Mac menu bar as individual shortcuts or grouped menus.greatbar.greatpixels.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs users to a feedback form and lists [email protected] for support and privacy questions.greatbar.greatpixels.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- System Settings
- Shortcuts can open macOS System Settings panes by name, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Displays and Privacy & Security.greatbar.greatpixels.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Updates
- GreatBar checks for updates once a day and updates itself; automatic checks can be turned off in Settings.greatbar.greatpixels.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Website panels
- Websites can open in panels beneath their menu bar icons, with panel size and page state remembered between opens.greatbar.greatpixels.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Windows
- Website shortcuts can open in standalone windows, stay above other windows, and continue playing audio or video after closing.greatbar.greatpixels.com · read 3 Oct 2026
