Bartender Pro Turns Your Mac's Notch into a Dynamic Command Center

Introduction

The popular Mac menu bar management app Bartender has just received a significant upgrade with the launch of Bartender Pro. This new version introduces a groundbreaking feature called Top Shelf, which transforms the Mac's notch into a versatile hub for widgets, clipboard access, file storage, and more. Designed to extend the notch's functionality, Top Shelf offers a Dynamic Island-like experience for Mac users.

Bartender Pro Turns Your Mac's Notch into a Dynamic Command Center — Source: www.macrumors.com

What Is Top Shelf?

Top Shelf is a new tool that expands the size of the notch, turning it into a compact but powerful interface. Users can access a range of utilities directly from the notch, including clipboard management, file storage, audio controls, and AirDrop sending. It also supports customizable widgets for calendar, weather, and music apps like Apple Music or Spotify. A full Now Playing music controller is included, along with alerts for upcoming scheduled events.

Clipboard Management

The clipboard feature in Top Shelf automatically captures copied content, with the ability to ignore passwords for security. Users can set custom durations for how long items remain stored, making it easy to paste frequently used text or images without cluttering the system clipboard.

File Storage and AirDrop

Dragging files over to the notch now provides two options: store them temporarily or send them via AirDrop. This streamlined workflow is perfect for quick file transfers or keeping important documents handy. The storage duration is also customizable, letting users control how long files persist.

Widgets and Live Activity

Widgets in Top Shelf are fully customizable and can display information from apps like Calendar, Weather, and Music. A notable addition is support for a Live Activity-like tracking feature for AI agents such as Codex and Claude Code. This allows users to monitor ongoing tasks without leaving their current workspace.

System Controls

Top Shelf also provides quick access to system controls, including volume, display brightness, and battery level. These controls are displayed right in the notch, reducing the need to navigate to System Settings or use keyboard shortcuts.

How Top Shelf Works with Bartender

Top Shelf operates seamlessly alongside the traditional Bartender features. When not in use, it tucks away discreetly, much like Bartender's menu bar management. It disappears when Bartender is expanded, ensuring a clutter-free experience. Importantly, Top Shelf is not limited to Macs with a notch; it also works on older Mac models without one, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Pricing and Availability

Bartender Pro is an optional subscription priced at $15 per year. This subscription includes Bartender 6, all future upgrades for the duration of the subscription, and the full Bartender Pro suite. For users who prefer a one-time purchase, Bartender 6 remains available for $20. Additionally, the Mega Supporter option continues at $80, offering lifetime access to Bartender with Bartender Pro included. Both Bartender Pro and Bartender 6 can be purchased from the Bartender website.

Conclusion

Bartender Pro represents a smart evolution for one of macOS's most beloved utilities. By turning the notch into a functional control center, it enhances productivity without sacrificing the clean aesthetics of the menu bar. Whether you're a power user or just someone looking to streamline daily tasks, Top Shelf offers a compelling reason to upgrade.

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