Hello, fellow Bartender enthusiasts! I am both thrilled to celebrate not just the release of Bartender 5, but also reflect on the remarkable journey of the past 12 years. Together, we have shaped Bartender into the tool that it is today, and I’m excited to share with you the extraordinary features of Bartender 5, our commitment to supporting each Mac release, and what the future holds.
Bartender embarked on this journey in 2011, born out of a desire to conquer the chaos of a cluttered menu bar. It’s been a remarkable 12 years, and I’ve been privileged to witness Bartender evolve and grow, largely thanks to your invaluable feedback and unwavering support.
One of my core principles has always been to ensure Bartender aligns seamlessly with the latest macOS updates. As macOS has evolved, so has Bartender. I’ve diligently worked to ensure that each new release of macOS is fully supported by Bartender, and Bartender 5 is no exception. With groundbreaking support for macOS Sonoma, you can trust that Bartender 5 will continue to enhance your Mac experience.
Now, I’m delighted to introduce Bartender 5, the latest and most significant upgrade to date. With support for macOS Sonoma and a multitude of innovative features, Bartender 5 represents the pinnacle of Mac menu bar mastery.
Bartender 5 empowers you with unprecedented mastery over your menu bar items. Conceal select menu bar items while retaining quick and easy access through intuitive methods. Swipe and scroll within the menu bar to unveil hidden items instantly, simplifying access to multiple screens of concealed items with a simple swipe.
Bartender 5 introduces menu bar item groups, allowing you to consolidate sets of menu bar items under a single customizable menu bar item. Perfect for categorizing and accessing related menu bar items with a single click or hover, this innovation is amazing for MacBook Pro users optimizing space in the menu bar landscape.
With its revamped trigger system, Bartender 5 elevates menu bar item interaction. Apply presets or reveal menu bar items precisely when they demand attention. Whether at work, on a specific Wi-Fi network, monitoring battery status, or using custom scripts like VPN or AirPods connectivity, Bartender 5 ensures you’re always in control.
New to Bartender 5 is the revolutionary menu bar styling feature. Customize each space’s menu bar with limitless design possibilities. Tint the menu bar with your preferred color, add borders, shadows, round off its edges, or create a distinctive pill-shaped design – your menu bar, your rules.
Bartender 5 boasts an extensive list of refinements, enhancements, and fresh features, creating a must-have update for Mac users seeking peak efficiency and personalization.
As we celebrate this milestone, I’m excited about the future of Bartender. Rest assured, I’m not resting on my laurels. I’m constantly exploring new ways to enhance your Mac experience and adapt to the ever-evolving world of technology.
In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have been part of this incredible 12-year journey. Bartender’s journey from a simple idea to a beloved Mac app would not have been possible without your trust, feedback, and support. Here’s to the past 12 years, and to many more ahead! Together, we’ll continue to redefine how you interact with your Mac and make it even better. Thank you for being part of the Bartender family.
Cheers to you, the heart and soul of Bartender!
Ben - Developer of Bartender