SwiftBar

SwiftBar lets macOS users extend the menu bar by placing custom scripts that generate dynamic items. Users write an executable script, place it in a designated plugin folder, and SwiftBar automatically runs the script, displaying its output as a menu‑bar icon and optional dropdown content. The tool supports any scripting language, follows the BitBar‑compatible output format, and allows refresh intervals to be specified in the filename.

The application includes a built‑in plugin repository that can be accessed through a menu command, offering a collection of ready‑made plugins and the ability to browse, install, or remove them. Plugins are discovered recursively, hidden folders are ignored, and a `.swiftbarignore` file can be used to exclude specific files. Users can reorder icons by dragging them while holding the Command key, and positions persist across launches unless the plugin filename changes.

SwiftBar runs on macOS Catalina (10.15) and later, is distributed as an open‑source project with a free tier, and can be installed via GitHub releases or Homebrew. It provides a simple three‑step workflow—write a script, add it to the plugin folder, and let SwiftBar handle execution—making it a lightweight solution for customizing the macOS menu bar.