Vanilla

7.1easy start · #1 of 25
in Menu Bar Customization Software

Free to practise onyes
Free trialnot on record
Well documentedyes
Runs where you worknot on record

Runs on Mac.

Vanilla is ranked #1 of 25 in menu bar customization software on The Geeks Club. It runs on macOS. There is a free plan.

Vanilla plans and pricing

All plans

Vanilla Free Free Hide menu bar icons matthewpalmer.net · 30 Sept 2026

Vanilla Pro $10 once One-time purchase Keyboard shortcuts · Completely remove icons · Auto-hide icons after five seconds · Start at login · License activation code usable up to 10 times · 30-day money-back guarantee matthewpalmer.net · 30 Sept 2026

Compared on menu bar customization software

Free plan: Yes
Paid from: 10 one-time
Hide menu items: Yes
Group menu items: Yes
Keyboard shortcuts: Yes
Multiple displays: Yes
Notch support: Yes

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The record

Purpose: Vanilla is a Mac app that hides menu bar icons.
Pro customization: Vanilla Pro adds keyboard shortcuts to toggle menu bar and desktop icons.
Completely remove icons: Pro has a “Completely Removed” section whose icons are visible only in Vanilla’s preferences window.
Automatic hiding: Pro can automatically hide icons five seconds after you toggle them in Vanilla.
Launch behavior: Pro can start Vanilla automatically when you log in to your Mac.
License limit: A Vanilla Pro activation code can be used up to 10 times by default.
macOS permission: Vanilla requires Screen Recording permission on macOS Catalina and later to hide icons.
Screenshot handling: Vanilla says it takes screenshots of the menu bar to hide icons, and that screenshots are not saved or transmitted.
Internet access: Vanilla says it accesses the internet only to check for updates and validate Pro license codes.
Display notch support: Vanilla is compatible with MacBooks that have display notches, though setup may require rearranging menu bar items.
macOS 27 beta: The maker says Vanilla 3 is available in beta for macOS 27 Golden Gate.
Support: The maker offers email support and suggests including device and operating system details when requesting help.
Maker: The product site identifies Matthew Palmer as the maker; his main site says he runs a software business making apps and SaaS.
Founded: 2017
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on The Geeks Club

Best Menu Bar Customization Software in 2026#1 of 25

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Sources

matthewpalmer.net/vanilla/· checked 30 Sept 2026
matthewpalmer.net/vanilla/help.html· checked 30 Sept 2026
matthewpalmer.net/vanilla/screen-recording-permission.htm· checked 30 Sept 2026
matthewpalmer.net/vanilla/vanilla-macbook-notch.html· checked 30 Sept 2026
matthewpalmer.net· checked 30 Sept 2026