Übersicht
tracesof.net
What it is
Übersicht is a free macOS app that places the output of system commands on the desktop in small widgets. Widgets can present information as tables, charts, or graphs, adapt to screen sizes, and are written in HTML5, JavaScript, and React JSX. The app includes a gallery and installation instructions for community widgets, spanning categories such as system monitoring, clocks, calendars, weather, RSS feeds, networking, and media. For development, Übersicht watches the widget directory and updates the display when files change. Commands run at a configurable interval, once per second by default, or can be set not to refresh automatically. A built-in local proxy supports Ajax requests to external sites, and AppleScript scripting is available. The download page specifies macOS 12 or later, and the app is released under the GNU General Public License version 3 or a later version at the user's option. Widgets can execute arbitrary code, so the maker advises checking their source; malicious code cannot be ruled out.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Übersicht displays the output of system commands on the desktop in small containers called widgets.Read 2 Oct 2026 · tracesof.net
- Integrations
- The GitHub documentation describes a built-in local proxy server for making Ajax requests to external sites.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Support
- The maker directs users to GitHub documentation and issue reporting, and offers sponsorship and one-time donations as ways to support development.Read 2 Oct 2026 · tracesof.net
- License
- The maker releases Übersicht under the GNU General Public License version 3 or, at the user's option, any later version.Read 2 Oct 2026 · tracesof.net
- Automation
- The GitHub documentation says Übersicht supports AppleScript scripting.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Command refresh
- The GitHub documentation says widget commands run at a configurable interval, defaulting to once per second, and can be set not to refresh automatically.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Community widgets
- The maker provides a widget gallery and instructions for installing widgets from it.Read 2 Oct 2026 · tracesof.net
- Customization
- The maker says widgets are easy to write and customize.Read 2 Oct 2026 · tracesof.net
- Display options
- Widgets can show data in tables, charts, and graphs, and can react to different screen sizes.Read 2 Oct 2026 · tracesof.net
- Security and liability
- The maker says use of Übersicht and its widgets is at the user's sole risk and provides them as is.Read 2 Oct 2026 · tracesof.net
- Supported platform
- The download link on the maker's site specifies macOS 12 or later.Read 2 Oct 2026 · tracesof.net
- Widget development
- The GitHub documentation says Übersicht watches the widget directory for file changes and displays UI changes immediately.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Widget format
- Widgets are written using HTML5, JavaScript, and React JSX.Read 2 Oct 2026 · tracesof.net
- Widget safety
- Widgets can run arbitrary code on the machine, and the maker advises users to inspect their source because malicious code cannot be ruled out.Read 2 Oct 2026 · tracesof.net
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free to download and open source.
- Widgets can show tables, charts, and graphs.
- Gallery includes community-made widgets.
- Widget directory changes update the display immediately.
- Supports AppleScript scripting.
Limits
- Download requires macOS 12 or later.
- Widgets can run arbitrary code.
- The maker provides the app and widgets as is.
Who it suits
Übersicht suits macOS users who want system-command output displayed in customizable desktop widgets. It also offers controls and scripting features for people who develop their own widgets.
Verdict
Übersicht offers flexible desktop widgets and tools for developing them, with no listed purchase price. Inspect widget source before use because widgets can run arbitrary code.
Where Specifiction places it
- Desktop Widget Software#3 of 298.0