Macarte
Macarte is a lightweight menu bar utility for macOS that lets you switch between running apps and manage hidden windows from one menu.
What is Macarte?
Macarte is a native macOS utility that adds an app-switching menu to the Menu Bar, making it easy to move between running applications without relying on the standard app switcher. It is designed for Mac users who want a mouse- or trackpad-friendly way to change focus, hide apps, and bring windows forward during everyday work. The app shows the currently active app in the Menu Bar, then lists open apps in a simple menu so you can choose the one you want to use. It also includes options for showing app icons, dimming hidden apps, displaying tooltips with app information, and adjusting how windows come to the front. Macarte supports older and newer macOS versions, which makes it useful on both current Macs and older systems still in service.
Key features
- Switch to any running app directly from the Menu Bar
- Hide the active app, hide other apps, or show all apps from one menu
- Show running apps with names and optional icons
- Dim hidden apps in the list to make window state easier to spot
- Display tooltips with information about active or running apps
- Reveal app details such as bundle ID, process ID, and executable path through optional utilities
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Safety overview
Status: Safe
Macarte is a small menu bar utility with behavior that matches its purpose: it needs to see which apps are running so it can list and switch between them. Its published privacy information says it does not collect data, and it does not present unusual background or network-related risks for this kind of app. As with any app switcher, keep it only if you use its Menu Bar workflow and remove it if you prefer macOS's built-in switching tools.
Recommendation: Keep Macarte if you like switching apps from the Menu Bar or want a simpler app list while you work. If you do not use that workflow, you can remove it without affecting macOS beyond losing its custom switching and window-management convenience.
Common paths
/Applications/Macarte.app
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