SwiftBar for MAC
Free, open-source Mac app that puts the output of any script in your menu bar: build your own menu bar tools in any language.
SwiftBar Overview
SwiftBar lets you add your own programs to the macOS menu bar. Write a script in any language, such as shell, Python, Ruby or JavaScript, put it in SwiftBar's plugin folder, and its output appears in the menu bar, refreshing as often as you like. A plugin can show anything from the weather, a stock price or the status of a server to your unread messages, with a dropdown menu of actions underneath. You can also get ready-made plugins from SwiftBar's built-in plugin repository and from the large collection written for BitBar.
SwiftBar is free and open source under the MIT license, made by Ameba Labs. Version 2.1.1 needs macOS 12 Monterey or later and runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. The refresh interval is simply part of the plugin's file name, for example weather.10m.sh to update every ten minutes.
Key Features
SwiftBar turns any script into a menu bar app.
- Any language: write plugins in shell, Python, Ruby, JavaScript or any executable script.
- Plugin repository: install ready-made plugins from the Get Plugins menu.
- BitBar compatible: use plugins written for BitBar.
- Refresh intervals: set how often each plugin updates in its file name.
- Dropdown menus: show details and actions under each menu bar item.
- Images and colours: add icons, colours and SF Symbols to menu items.
- Plugin folder: SwiftBar loads every script in the folder you choose.
- Light: a small native app, just 3 MB to download.
What’s New in Version 2.1.1
SwiftBar 2.1.1 fixes two regressions from 2.1.0.
- Plugins are no longer skipped when the plugin folder is the usual ~/.swiftbar path
- Images in dropdown menu items work again on macOS 26 and later
SwiftBar FAQ
Is SwiftBar free?
Yes. SwiftBar is free and open source under the MIT license.
Which macOS version does SwiftBar need?
SwiftBar 2.1.1 needs macOS 12 Monterey or later.
Does SwiftBar run on Apple Silicon?
Yes. It is a universal app that runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
What is a SwiftBar plugin?
A plugin is an executable script whose output SwiftBar shows in the menu bar. Lines before a --- separator appear in the menu bar, and lines after it in the dropdown menu.
Which languages can I write plugins in?
Any language that can run as a script on your Mac, such as shell, Python, Ruby, Perl or JavaScript with Node.js.
How do I set how often a plugin refreshes?
Put the interval in the file name, for example weather.10m.sh refreshes every ten minutes and cpu.5s.sh every five seconds.
Can I use BitBar plugins in SwiftBar?
Yes. SwiftBar works with plugins written for BitBar, so you can use that large collection.
Where do I get ready-made plugins?
Choose Get Plugins in SwiftBar's menu to browse its plugin repository, or download plugins from the BitBar plugins collection on GitHub.
Can I install SwiftBar with Homebrew?
Yes. Run brew install swiftbar.
Where does the SwiftBar download on swiftbar.FULLMAC.app come from?
The download button leads to the official SwiftBar website at https://swiftbar.app/. swiftbar.FULLMAC.app does not change or repackage the app.
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More from Ameba Labs
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