SwiftBar

SwiftBar puts the output of custom scripts in the macOS menu bar and turns it into menus that can update on a schedule you choose. Plugins can be written in Bash, Python, Ruby, Swift, or JavaScript. Their output can include icons, colors, dropdowns, submenus, and click actions; menu items can open URLs, run shell scripts, refresh plugins, or trigger keyboard shortcuts. You can set refresh intervals in plugin filenames or use cron syntax in metadata. SwiftBar offers a plugin repository through its Get Plugins menu, and its product page describes hundreds of community-created plugins. The plugin API is adopted from BitBar, so existing BitBar and xbar plugins can run in SwiftBar. It also supports plugins made with the macOS Shortcuts app and provides a way to configure their refresh schedule. SwiftBar is a free, open-source project by Ameba, licensed under MIT. It requires macOS 12 or later and is available as a direct download or through Homebrew.

SwiftBar gives script and Shortcuts output a place in the macOS menu bar, with schedules and interactive menu items. Its macOS 12 requirement and executable-plugin format are useful constraints to check before choosing it.

SwiftBar suits Mac users who want script output, shortcuts, or community plugins available from the menu bar. It is also relevant to users with existing BitBar or xbar plugins.

SwiftBar is a free, open-source macOS utility that turns scripts into menu-bar items. It suits people who want to build or adapt small tools around their own scripts and Shortcuts. Its range of menu actions is compelling, provided you are comfortable managing executable plugins.

Overview

SwiftBar runs plugins from a local folder and turns their standard output into menu content. Plugins can be written in Bash, Python, Ruby, Swift, or JavaScript, so developers can use familiar languages to surface information or actions without building a separate interface. The menu can show icons and colors, organize entries into dropdowns and submenus, and respond to clicks. Items can also be rearranged, grouped, and customized.

The flexibility comes with a real setup cost: plugins must be executable scripts that produce output in SwiftBar’s required format. That makes it less suited to someone who simply wants to hide or tidy existing menu-bar icons through visual controls alone.

Key features

Scheduled scripts and menu actions

You choose when plugins refresh, setting intervals in filenames or using cron syntax in metadata. Menu items can open URLs, run shell scripts, refresh plugins, or use keyboard shortcuts. This lets a plugin pair its output with a relevant next step, while requiring users to handle the script and its schedule.

Community plugins and compatibility

SwiftBar offers a bundled plugin repository through its Get Plugins menu, with hundreds of community-created plugins described on its product page. Its plugin API is adopted from BitBar and also runs existing BitBar and xbar plugins, which can reduce the need to start from scratch. Packaged plugins can include a main script and supporting files in a .swiftbar directory.

Shortcuts support

SwiftBar supports plugins made with the macOS Shortcuts app and provides a user interface for configuring their refresh schedule. That gives Shortcuts users another way to put automation output in the menu bar, though the resulting plugin still fits SwiftBar’s script-based model.

Pricing

SwiftBar has one free plan: free. It includes the open-source macOS app and the ability to run plugins from a local folder; there is no free trial to weigh against a paid tier. With no paid plan described, the choice is about whether the script-based approach suits your needs, rather than which feature tier to buy.

Platforms

SwiftBar runs on macOS 12 Monterey or later. It is available as a direct download from GitHub Releases and through Homebrew. The macOS 12 minimum excludes older systems, and there is no other platform listed.

Who it's for

SwiftBar is a strong fit for Mac users who can write or adapt scripts and want their output, scheduled updates, and useful actions together in one menu. Existing BitBar and xbar plugin users have a compatibility path, while Shortcuts users can configure refresh schedules through SwiftBar’s interface. If you want a straightforward visual tool for organizing menu-bar icons, SwiftBar’s executable-plugin requirement adds complexity you may not need.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Supports five scripting languages, scheduled refreshes, and menu actions such as opening URLs or running shell scripts, giving script authors substantial control over their menu tools.
• Pros: A bundled repository, hundreds of community plugins, and compatibility with BitBar and xbar plugins offer ways to reuse existing work.
• Pros: Free and open source, with direct download and Homebrew installation options.
• Cons: Plugins must be executable scripts in SwiftBar’s required output format, so setup and maintenance call for technical comfort.
• Cons: Requires macOS 12 or later, leaving older Macs out.

Alternatives

For a simpler menu-bar utility, Lloyd is another free macOS option, though its plan is described only as a menu-bar utility. Consider Vanilla if your priority is hiding menu-bar icons; its free plan covers that specific task. Cornice is a free option for Apple Silicon Macs on macOS 26 or later, while Dozer supports macOS 10.13 and later and may suit users on older systems. GreatBar is free for now and requires macOS 14 or later. Hidden Bar is a free, open-source alternative with support for macOS 13 and later and older versions back to macOS 10.13. iBar-Menubar is a freemium macOS alternative with a free download and in-app purchases. Ice 2 is another free, open-source macOS app.

Browse more options in Menu Bar Customization Software.

Verdict

Choose SwiftBar if you want a free, open-source way to bring script or Shortcuts output into a customizable macOS menu, with scheduled refreshes and actionable items. Its broad scripting support and compatibility with BitBar and xbar plugins are strong reasons to choose it. Look elsewhere if you want a visual icon organizer or use a Mac older than macOS 12.