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SPECIFICTION
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Hidden Bar

github.com

Free plan macOS
Visit github.com
Spec score 7.5 #13 of 25 in Menu Bar Customization Software

What it is

Hidden Bar is a free, open-source macOS app for hiding menu bar items. Click its arrow to expand or collapse the hidden section, and Command-drag icons across the divider to choose which items it hides. Preferences include automatic re-collapse after a selected delay and a system-wide shortcut. 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 through the macOS 13 or later SMAppService login item. It is available through Homebrew or manual download, and the project describes its direct download as notarized. The listed plan is free. On macOS 27, the direct download requires Accessibility permission to detect icon positions; hiding is per app, built-in macOS items remain visible, and the app must run from /Applications. That hiding feature relies on a private Apple framework that a macOS update could disrupt.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Hidden Bar hides menu bar items to give a Mac a cleaner look.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Privacy
The project says the app does not use third-party services that may collect information used to identify users.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The privacy policy lists [email protected] for questions or suggestions about that policy.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Always-hidden section
An optional second section stays hidden while expanded and can be revealed by Option-clicking the arrow.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Automatic collapse
The preferences include automatic re-collapse after a chosen delay and a system-wide expand or collapse shortcut.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Distribution
The project offers installation through Homebrew or manual download and says the direct distribution is notarized.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Documentation
The manual covers settings, Terminal-only options, and troubleshooting.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Framework dependency
The macOS 27 hiding feature relies on a private Apple framework that a macOS update could break.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Hide and show
Clicking the arrow expands or collapses the hidden section, and Command-dragging icons across the separator changes which icons are hidden.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Login launch
The app can start at login using the macOS 13 or later SMAppService login item.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
macOS 27 limits
On macOS 27, hiding is per app, built-in macOS items remain visible, and the app must run from /Applications.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
macOS 27 permission
On macOS 27, the direct download build needs Accessibility permission to detect icon positions; without it the menu bar stays expanded.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Open source
Dwarves Foundation describes Hidden Bar as an open source app provided at no cost.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Hidden Bar Free macOS 13 Ventura or later; macOS 10.13–12.x supported by v1.10 Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Hidden Bar plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan listed at free
  • Command-dragging changes which icons are hidden
  • Automatic re-collapse and system-wide shortcut
  • Optional second section stays hidden when expanded
  • Available through Homebrew or manual download

Limits

  • macOS 27 direct download needs Accessibility permission
  • Built-in macOS items remain visible on macOS 27
  • macOS 27 hiding depends on a private Apple framework

Who it suits

It suits Mac users who want to hide selected menu bar items and control them with a shortcut or automatic re-collapse. macOS 27 users should note the permission and framework requirements.

Verdict

Hidden Bar offers flexible control over which menu bar items are tucked away. Its macOS 27 requirements and framework dependency are important limitations to weigh.

Where Specifiction places it

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