GreatBar review
A flexible free launcher for organizing custom shortcuts on macOS.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
GreatBar is a macOS menu bar launcher for people who want a custom home for frequently used websites, applications, files, and folders. It supports grouped shortcuts, nested submenus, separate switchable menu bars, drag-and-drop reordering, hidden entries, and configurable keyboard shortcuts. Users can also assign symbols, emoji, letters, or web pictures as icons, giving the menu a more personal structure than a basic list of shortcuts.
Its strongest area is shortcut organization. Separate bars let users switch between different collections, while nested menus can group related entries without keeping every shortcut visible. GreatBar can hide shortcuts from the menu bar while retaining them in the app, and keyboard shortcuts can open entries or switch bars. For websites, it supports panels, separate windows, or the browser, plus separate browsing sessions for different website accounts. These options make it suited to users who want one menu-bar system for both local items and web destinations.
GreatBar is offered free today, although its terms state that the app as a whole or a later version may become paid. It runs on macOS 14 or later, stores configuration locally, and includes a built-in MCP server for connecting assistants. The narrower fit is important: it is a macOS-only tool, and existing-item management and display coverage are less complete. Choose GreatBar if custom shortcut menus, multiple bars, and keyboard access are the priority. Users who need broader platform support or more complete management of existing menu-bar items should consider an alternative.
GreatBar pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Adds websites, apps, files, and folders to the menu bar
- Supports nested menus, multiple bars, and drag-and-drop reordering
- Offers keyboard shortcuts, website panels, and separate browsing sessions
- Where it doesn't
- Runs on macOS 14 or later only
- Existing-item management and display coverage are less complete
- The app or a later version may become paid
GreatBar fact sheet, pricing and score →
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