Cornice review
A focused macOS utility for hiding menu bar items without rearranging them.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Cornice pros and cons
- 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
Cornice fact sheet, pricing and score →
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