Vanilla provides menu bar icon management by hiding unwanted icons and revealing them on demand. The app addresses visual clutter on crowded menu bars, particularly relevant for MacBooks with notched displays where menu bar space is limited.
The core functionality operates through a simple toggle mechanism. Users designate which icons to hide, and Vanilla displays a separator line in the menu bar. Clicking the separator reveals hidden icons temporarily, then collapses them again with another click. The free version includes this essential show-hide functionality with a straightforward interface requiring minimal configuration.
Vanilla Pro ($10 one-time purchase) extends functionality with custom keyboard shortcuts for toggling menu bar and desktop icons without mouse interaction. An auto-hide feature collapses revealed icons after a 5-second delay, eliminating manual cleanup. The “Completely Removed” section maintains certain icons visible only within preferences while hiding them from the menu bar entirely, reducing visual presence without losing functionality.
Multi-Mac licensing permits up to 10 activations per license code, suitable for users managing multiple devices. The app launches automatically at login and maintains minimal resource overhead. Development by Matthew Palmer, creator of utilities including Rocket, Horo, and FastFolderFinder.
System requirements
- macOS Catalina or later
- Requires screen recording permissions (macOS Catalina+)
- Direct DMG download from developer website
- Free version available; Vanilla Pro $10 one-time purchase
- 30-day money-back guarantee for Pro version
Limitations
- Screen recording permission requirement may concern privacy-conscious users
- Free version lacks keyboard shortcuts and auto-hide functionality
- No App Store availability for system-level preference integration
- Focused specifically on hiding rather than advanced organization or automation
Alternatives
- Bartender ($16): Comprehensive automation with presets and triggers
- Ice (Free, open-source): Search functionality with basic hiding
- Hidden Bar (Free): Minimal interface for simple show-hide operations
Suitable for users seeking straightforward menu bar decluttering without complex configuration requirements, particularly those managing notched MacBook displays or preferring lightweight utilities over feature-rich alternatives.
