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Hidden Bar
What it is
Hidden Bar is a free, open-source macOS app for hiding menu bar items. Clicking its arrow opens or closes the hidden section, and Command-dragging icons across the separator changes which items are concealed. Preferences include automatic re-collapse after a chosen delay and a system-wide shortcut to expand or collapse the bar. An optional second section stays hidden even when the main section is expanded; Option-click the arrow to reveal it. The app can launch at login using the macOS 13 or later SMAppService login item. It is available through Homebrew or manual download, and the project says the direct download is notarized. The listed plan supports macOS 13 Ventura or later, while version 1.10 supports macOS 10.13–12.x. On macOS 27, the direct download build needs Accessibility permission to detect icon positions. On that system, hiding is per app, built-in macOS items remain visible, and the app must run from /Applications. Its macOS 27 hiding feature depends on a private Apple framework that a macOS update could break.
For and against
For
- Free and open source.
- Supports automatic re-collapse after a chosen delay.
- Offers a shortcut to expand or collapse the bar.
- Can launch at login on macOS 13 or later.
Against
- macOS 27 direct download needs Accessibility permission.
- Built-in macOS items cannot be hidden on macOS 27.
- macOS 27 feature relies on a private Apple framework.
The verdict
Hidden Bar provides configurable ways to tuck away menu bar icons, including a second concealed section and automatic re-collapse. Its macOS 27-specific requirements and framework dependency are worth considering before relying on that version’s hiding behavior.
Who it suits
Hidden Bar suits Mac users who want to hide selected menu bar items and control when the hidden section reappears. Users on macOS 27 should note its permission and placement requirements.
Plans and prices
Hidden Bar
macOS 13 Ventura or later; macOS 10.13–12.x supported by v1.10
Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Always-hidden section
- An optional second section stays hidden while expanded and can be revealed by Option-clicking the arrow.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Automatic collapse
- The preferences include automatic re-collapse after a chosen delay and a system-wide expand or collapse shortcut.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- The project offers installation through Homebrew or manual download and says the direct distribution is notarized.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- The manual covers settings, Terminal-only options, and troubleshooting.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Framework dependency
- The macOS 27 hiding feature relies on a private Apple framework that a macOS update could break.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Hide and show
- Clicking the arrow expands or collapses the hidden section, and Command-dragging icons across the separator changes which icons are hidden.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Login launch
- The app can start at login using the macOS 13 or later SMAppService login item.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- macOS 27 limits
- On macOS 27, hiding is per app, built-in macOS items remain visible, and the app must run from /Applications.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- macOS 27 permission
- On macOS 27, the direct download build needs Accessibility permission to detect icon positions; without it the menu bar stays expanded.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Dwarves Foundation describes Hidden Bar as an open source app provided at no cost.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The project says the app does not use third-party services that may collect information used to identify users.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Hidden Bar hides menu bar items to give a Mac a cleaner look.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- The privacy policy lists [email protected] for questions or suggestions about that policy.github.com · read 2 Oct 2026
