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SwiftBar

Free#17 of 25 in Menu Bar Customization Software

SwiftBar: SwiftBar suits technical Mac users who want programmable menu bar controls. Ranked #17 of 25 in Menu Bar Customization Software by our editors (7.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for script-focused technical users.

7.0/10Editor score

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At a glance

Editor score
7.0 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Script-focused technical users
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Creates menu bar items from executable scripts or Shortcuts
- Supports plugins, schedules, nested menus, and keyboard shortcuts
- Offers URL actions, images, SF Symbols, badges, and web views
Where it doesn't
- Requires macOS 12 or later
- Script-focused workflows may demand technical setup
- Focuses on creating items rather than hiding existing ones

Our verdict on SwiftBar

SwiftBar is an open-source macOS utility for creating custom menu bar items with executable scripts or Shortcuts. It is aimed at technical users who want to turn scripts into menu bar programs, build dropdown menus, or add quick actions to their desktop. The app supports custom items, separators, notifications, images, SF Symbols, badges, tooltips, and web views. It requires macOS 12 or later and is distributed under the MIT License.

Its strongest area is programmable menu construction. Plugins can be installed from a bundled repository, and users can run Shortcuts, ephemeral, standard, and streamable plugins. Refreshes can be scheduled with filenames or cron syntax, while menu items can be reordered by Command-dragging. Keyboard shortcuts and a URL scheme add direct ways to trigger menu actions and refreshes. This makes SwiftBar a fit for workflows that need more than static icons or simple visibility controls.

SwiftBar is free and open source, with no paid tier to choose between. Users can install plugins from GitHub Releases or Homebrew, or build the app from source. The trade-off is that its flexibility depends on scripts, plugins, and configuration rather than a purely visual setup. It is a strong choice for Mac users comfortable with script-based customization and a poor fit for anyone seeking a conventional point-and-click menu bar organizer focused primarily on hiding existing items.

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

SwiftBar pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on swiftbar.app

SwiftBar fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Hide menu items	Not verified
Rearrange items	Yes
Group menu items	Yes
Custom menu items	Yes
Keyboard shortcuts	Yes
Multiple displays	Not verified
Notch support	Not verified
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	macOS
Support	Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan
Website	swiftbar.app
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

Alternatives to SwiftBar

See all SwiftBar alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

SwiftBar 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