SaneBar
What it is
SaneBar is a macOS utility for hiding menu bar apps and showing their icons when needed. Hidden items can be browsed in a floating Icon Panel or a full-width Second Menu Bar. Search, a one-click hide-and-show control, keyboard shortcuts, and per-icon hotkeys help users locate and manage icons. Automation options include AppleScript, Shortcuts, and triggers for events such as battery level, Wi-Fi, Focus, app launches, schedules, and scripts. Users can import layouts from Bartender or Ice and transfer settings between Macs. Touch ID or a password can lock icons. SaneBar keeps menu bar contents and personal files on the Mac; its privacy policy describes limited update requests and anonymous aggregate app counts. The app is open source under the MIT License. It requires macOS Accessibility permission and says Screen Recording is not needed for normal use. The free plan includes all features and requires macOS 14.0 Sonoma or later and Apple Silicon. The maker says most Apple menu extras and standard third-party menu bar apps work, with a small number of unusual custom behaviors as possible edge cases.
For and against
For
- Free plan includes all features.
- Offers icon search, keyboard shortcuts, and per-icon hotkeys.
- Supports AppleScript, Shortcuts, and event triggers.
- Imports layouts from Bartender or Ice.
- Open source under the MIT License.
Against
- Requires macOS 14.0 Sonoma or later and Apple Silicon.
- Requires macOS Accessibility permission.
- Some apps with unusual custom behavior may be edge cases.
The verdict
SaneBar combines menu bar organization with shortcuts, automation, and layout migration, while keeping menu bar contents and personal files on the Mac. Check its macOS and Apple Silicon requirements before choosing it.
Who it suits
SaneBar suits Mac users who want to hide menu bar items, manage them with shortcuts, or automate changes. It requires Apple Silicon and macOS 14.0 Sonoma or later.
Plans and prices
Free
All features included · MIT open source · macOS 14.0 Sonoma or later · Apple Silicon
Read 29 Sep 2026 · sanebar.com
Everything Bundle (SaneApps)
All current direct Mac Pro apps; SaneBar itself is free
Read 29 Sep 2026 · sanebar.com
On the record
- Automation
- It offers AppleScript and Shortcuts automation plus smart triggers for events such as battery level, Wi-Fi, Focus, app launch, schedule, and scripts.sanebar.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Compatibility limit
- The maker says most Apple menu extras and normal third-party menu bar apps work, while a small number of apps with unusual custom behavior may be edge cases.sanebar.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Maker
- The product page says SaneBar is made in America by Mr. Sane and is part of SaneApps.sanebar.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Migration
- Users can import icon layouts from Bartender or Ice and export or import settings between Macs.sanebar.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Open source
- SaneBar is fully open source under the MIT License, and its source code is public.sanebar.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Permissions
- SaneBar requires macOS Accessibility permission and says it does not require Screen Recording for normal use.sanebar.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Privacy
- The app keeps menu bar contents and personal files on the Mac; its privacy policy describes limited update requests and anonymous aggregate app counts.sanebar.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Protection
- SaneBar includes Touch ID and password locking for icons.sanebar.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- SaneBar hides menu bar apps and lets users reveal and open them when needed.sanebar.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Search and shortcuts
- SaneBar supports icon search, a one-click hide and show toggle, keyboard shortcuts, and per-icon hotkeys.sanebar.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Support
- The maker directs privacy questions and issue reports to GitHub.sanebar.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Views
- Users can browse hidden icons in a floating Icon Panel or a full-width Second Menu Bar.sanebar.com · read 29 Sep 2026
