Cornice

At a glance

• Editor score
  6.8 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Users wanting lightweight divider-based hiding
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Hide menu items
  Yes
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Free and open source with no paid tiers
  • Divider-based hiding, an always-hidden zone, and automatic hiding
  • Keyboard shortcuts, login launch, and 16 interface languages

• Where it doesn't

  • Does not rearrange other applications’ menu bar icons
  • No grouping or custom menu items
  • Requires Apple Silicon and macOS 26 or later

Our verdict on Cornice

Cornice is a free, open-source menu bar manager for Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 26 or later. It is designed for users who want to reduce menu bar clutter by placing a divider that hides and reveals items. A second divider can create an always-hidden zone, while configurable keyboard shortcuts provide another way to control visibility. Cornice also includes automatic hiding when the pointer leaves the menu bar, open-at-login support, adjustable divider thickness and height, and an optional title-bar trackpad gesture for positioning windows.

Its main strength is a narrow, understandable approach to menu bar organization. Rather than rearranging icons from other applications, Cornice uses divider-based visibility controls. That makes it suitable for users who want selected items out of sight while keeping a quick way to reveal them. The optional always-hidden zone adds a second level of control, and automatic hiding can keep the menu bar clear during regular use. Sixteen interface languages broaden its accessibility, while configurable shortcuts support keyboard-led workflows.

Cornice is less suitable for anyone who needs full menu bar layout management. It does not rearrange other applications’ icons, group items, or add custom menu items, so it is focused on hiding rather than rebuilding the menu bar. Installation also has specific platform requirements: the application requires an Apple Silicon Mac running macOS 26 or later, and its builds are development-signed and not notarised. Choose Cornice for free, open-source divider-based hiding on compatible Macs; choose another tool if rearrangement, grouping, or custom controls are central requirements.

Your product? Our editors can test Cornice in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Cornice pricing

Cornice fact sheet

Alternatives to Cornice

• TThawA free, highly configurable way to organize, hide, and search macOS menu bar items.9.4
• BartenderA broad Mac menu bar toolkit for users who need profiles, triggers, widgets, and layouts.9.2
• SaneBarA capable free option for organizing crowded Mac menu bars.8.9

See all Cornice alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Cornice is listed in our Menu Bar Customization Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update