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boringBar icon

boringBar

The macOS Dock is built around apps, not windows. Multiple displays and desktops make it hard to track what's open where. boringBar keeps windows organized by desktop, with instant previews, one-click desktop switching, and pinned apps within reach.

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Cost / License

  • Pay once
  • Proprietary

Application type

Platforms

  • Mac
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Features

Properties

  1.  Lightweight
  2.  Customizable

Features

  1.  Live Preview
  2.  Dark Mode
  3.  No registration required
  4.  Support for Multiple Monitors
  5.  Works Offline
  6.  Ad-free
  7.  Multiple desktops
  8.  Application Launchers
  9.  Dock

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What is boringBar?

The macOS Dock is built around apps, not windows. Multiple displays and desktops make it hard to track what's open where. boringBar keeps windows organized by desktop, with instant previews, one-click desktop switching, and pinned apps within reach.

boringBar also gives you a searchable app launcher, scroll-to-switch desktops, full window titles on chips, and a cleaner workspace when you hide the Dock. As a bonus, it makes macOS feel more familiar if you've just switched from Windows or Linux.

Features:

  • Current desktop only: Shows only the windows on the active desktop for that display, so you stay focused on what is in front of you.
  • Desktop switcher: Jump to any desktop on the current display with one click, and see how many windows are open on each one.
  • App launcher: Search and launch apps from a single list, then open it instantly with a configurable global shortcut.
  • Preview windows using thumbnails: Hover a chip to preview windows before switching, so you can pick the right one faster.
  • Notification badges: Unread badges from macOS appear directly on chips, so important updates stay visible.
  • Attention pulse: When an app needs your attention, its chip gives a subtle pulse so you notice it right away.
  • Scroll to switch desktops: Scroll up or down on the bar to move between desktops. Direction is configurable.
  • Adjustable bar size: Choose small, medium, or large. Pick the size that suits you best.
  • Group windows by app: Collapses multiple windows into one chip, with a count badge.
  • Toggle chip titles: Hide app name text on chips while keeping icons and window count badges.
  • Window or app names: Show full window titles in chips, or just the app name for a cleaner look.
  • Hide dock: Keeps the Dock out of the way while you use boringBar, then brings it back when you turn the feature off.
  • Show on all displays: Mirror bars across multiple monitors, including setups where the system setting "Displays have separate Spaces" is off.
  • Quick shortcut to Show Desktop: Right-click the bar and choose Show Desktop, or click the ribbon at the far right edge to reveal the desktop.
  • Pin apps on bar/app menu: Right click on any app in the bar to pin them to the bar itself or to the top of the application menu.