Skip to content
Get packs

Guide · Open source

How to use Hidden Bar: hide menu bar icons on macOS

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

Hidden Bar is a small, open-source macOS app that tucks menu bar icons out of sight so the top of your screen looks cleaner. This guide covers what it needs, how to install it, and how to hide and show icons. After reading it you will be able to set up Hidden Bar and arrange your menu bar the way you want.

Hidden Bardwarvesf/hidden · ★ 15.3k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Check your macOS version. Confirm you run macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later. On older systems, use v1.10 instead.
  2. 2Install the app. Run brew install --cask hiddenbar in Terminal, or download the latest release from GitHub or the Mac App Store.
  3. 3Move the Hidden icon. Launch Hidden and hold ⌘ while dragging its icon to the right so it sits between other menu bar icons.
  4. 4Position the items. Use ⌘ and drag to arrange the icons on the side of the Hidden icon that you want to hide.
  5. 5Hide and show items. Click the arrow icon to hide the chosen menu bar items, and click it again to show them.

What Hidden Bar does and what it needs

Hidden Bar lets you hide menu bar items so they don't clutter the top of your screen. You click an arrow icon to show or hide the items you choose. It is open source under the MIT license.

It requires macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later. If you run macOS 12 or older, the project's README points you to v1.10, the last release that supports those versions.

  • Requirement: macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later
  • Licence: MIT
  • Also listed on the Mac App Store

Install Hidden Bar with Homebrew

If you use Homebrew, install the app as a cask with a single command in Terminal.

brew install --cask hiddenbar

Install Hidden Bar by manual download or the Mac App Store

You can also download the latest release from the project's GitHub releases page. Open the downloaded file and drag the app to the Applications folder. The README notes that the app is notarized for distribution outside the App Store.

Hidden Bar is also available on the Mac App Store if you prefer installing from there.

  • Download the latest version from the GitHub releases page.
  • Open it and drag the app to the Applications folder.
  • Launch Hidden and hold ⌘ while dragging its icon in the menu bar to the right, so it sits between other icons.

Hide and show menu bar icons

Once Hidden is in your menu bar, use ⌘ and drag to position the Hidden icons. Place the icon so the items you want to hide sit on the correct side of it. Then click the arrow icon to hide or show those items.

  • Hold ⌘ and drag to move the Hidden icons around the menu bar.
  • Click the arrow icon to hide menu bar items.
  • Click again to show them.

Troubleshooting and where to read more

The project keeps a separate manual that covers every setting and troubleshooting steps. The README describes only basic hide and show behaviour, so check the manual for anything beyond that.

  • Manual: every setting, the hidden Terminal-only options, and troubleshooting (docs/MANUAL.md)
  • Architecture: how the hiding works and known limits (docs/ARCHITECTURE.md)

What people use it for

  • Clearing a crowded menu bar so only the icons you use daily stay visible
  • Hiding utility icons that you check occasionally but don't need on screen
  • Keeping a simple, single-purpose tool instead of a full menu bar manager

Frequently asked questions

How do I install Hidden Bar on Mac?

You can install it with Homebrew using brew install --cask hiddenbar. You can also download the latest release from the project's GitHub releases page or get it from the Mac App Store.

What macOS version does Hidden Bar need?

Current versions require macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later. The README says later versions require macOS 13 because autostart moved to the SMAppService API introduced there.

Is Hidden Bar free?

The project is open source under the MIT license. The source does not state pricing for the Mac App Store listing, so check the App Store page for that.

What should I do if I run macOS 12 or older?

The README says the last release supporting macOS 10.13 through 12 is v1.10. Install that version from the project's releases page.

How do I move the Hidden icon in the menu bar?

Hold the ⌘ key and drag the icon. The README recommends placing it to the right, between other menu bar icons, so the items to its left can be hidden.

What are good alternatives to Hidden Bar?

The README lists comparable projects including Bartender and Ice. Those are menu bar managers with more layout options, which may suit you if you need more than basic hide and show.

New agent skills, repos and AI tools — every week

The best new skills and open-source projects, the fastest-growing repos, and one free prompt. Five minutes to read. Unsubscribe anytime.

Our verdict

Hidden Bar suits Mac users on macOS 13 or later who want a simple, free and open-source way to declutter the menu bar. If you need many advanced layout options, or you run macOS 12 or older, consider a full menu bar manager such as Bartender or Ice, or the v1.10 release.

Install options & downloads