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SPECIFICTION
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Lloyd

benwbooth.github.io

Free plan macOS
Visit benwbooth.github.io
Spec score 7.9 #6 of 25 in Menu Bar Customization Software

What it is

Lloyd is a free, MIT-licensed macOS utility that brings menu-bar icons hidden behind a MacBook notch into a panel below the menu bar. The panel displays those icons as live images. Hovering identifies the app behind an icon, or gives the item name for system extras. Clicking an icon moves it to a visible menu-bar slot and opens its menu; right-clicks are forwarded too. Open the panel from Lloyd’s menu-bar icon or with ⌃⌥L. Lloyd places its own icon at the far right of the movable menu-bar area. To capture and operate the hidden items, it requests Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions. The app is signed but not notarized, uses private APIs, and is distributed directly rather than through the App Store. The maker provides a DMG download and Homebrew cask instructions. A revealed item stays visible because macOS provides no way for Lloyd to put it back into notch overflow; it can be hidden again by dragging it toward the notch.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Lloyd brings menu-bar icons hidden behind a MacBook notch into a panel below the menu bar.Read 9 Oct 2026 · benwbooth.github.io
Integrations
The maker’s pages describe no third-party integrations.Read 9 Oct 2026 · benwbooth.github.io
License
The project is MIT-licensed.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
App names
Hovering over an icon shows the app that owns it, or the item name for system extras.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Click handling
Clicking a hidden icon moves it to a visible slot and opens its menu; right-click is forwarded too.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Click support
Clicking a hidden icon reveals it in a visible menu-bar slot and opens its menu; right-clicks are also forwarded.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Cursor behavior
Lloyd hides and restores the cursor during synthetic drag-and-click gestures so it does not visibly jump.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Distribution
Lloyd is signed but not notarized, uses private APIs, and is distributed directly rather than through the App Store.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Distribution limit
The maker says private API use means Lloyd is not App Store-safe and is distributed directly.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Hotkey
The panel can be opened by clicking Lloyd’s menu-bar icon or pressing ⌃⌥L.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Installation
The maker provides a DMG download and Homebrew cask installation instructions.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
License and maker
The public repository identifies Lloyd as MIT-licensed open source by Ben Booth.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Limitation
A revealed item stays visible because macOS provides no way for Lloyd to push it back into notch overflow.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Live icon panel
Clicking Lloyd’s menu-bar icon or pressing ⌃⌥L opens a panel showing hidden menu-bar icons as live images.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Live previews
The panel shows hidden menu-bar icons as live images.Read 9 Oct 2026 · benwbooth.github.io
Notable limitation
A revealed item stays visible because macOS provides no way for Lloyd to return it to notch overflow; it can be hidden again by dragging it toward the notch.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Permissions
Lloyd requests Screen Recording to capture hidden icons and Accessibility to move menu-bar items, forward clicks, and identify app names.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Placement
Lloyd pins its icon to the far right of the movable menu-bar area so the panel opens in a predictable place.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Signing
The app is signed but not notarized; the maker says first launch may require right-clicking the app and choosing Open.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Technical implementation
Lloyd uses private CGS/SkyLight calls to enumerate menu-bar windows and synthetic gestures to reveal items.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Lloyd Free MIT-licensed; macOS menu-bar utility Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Lloyd plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Shows hidden icons as live images
  • Identifies apps on hover
  • Forwards clicks and right-clicks
  • Opens with a keyboard shortcut

Limits

  • Requires Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions
  • Not notarized; first launch may require right-clicking Open
  • Uses private APIs and is not App Store-safe
  • Revealed items must be dragged toward the notch to hide

Who it suits

Lloyd suits Mac users who want to open and interact with menu-bar items concealed by a MacBook notch. It requires Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions.

Verdict

Lloyd offers a focused way to reach menu-bar items behind a notch, with live previews and forwarded clicks. Its permissions, direct distribution, and behavior after revealing an item are important considerations.

Where Specifiction places it

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