How to Install and Set Up Bartender on Mac

Edited 2 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

BartenderMacInstallationSetupSoftwareConfigurationAppsUtilitiesmacOSOptimization

Bartender is a utility application designed to help Mac users organize and manage their menu bar items efficiently. Over time, the menu bar in macOS can become cluttered with numerous icons from various installed applications. Bartender allows users to reduce this clutter by creating a secondary, more organized menu bar and providing easier access to less frequently used icons. This guide will detail the process of downloading, installing, and configuring Bartender on Mac, helping you maintain a neat and efficient workspace.

System requirements

Before we begin the installation process, it's important to make sure your Mac meets the necessary system requirements for Bartender:

• macOS 10.12 or later (some versions may require a newer macOS update).
• Active internet connection to download the software.
• Minimum 2 MB free disk space for installation.

Downloading bartender

Get started by downloading the app from the official Bartender website:

1. Open your favorite web browser on your Mac.
2. Visit the official BarTender website (bartenderapp.com).
3. Find the download button, usually available on the homepage, and click on it to start the download.
4. You may have to choose from different versions of Bartender, especially if a new version has been released recently. Make sure you choose the version that is compatible with your current macOS version.
5. The download should begin and a .dmg file should then be saved to your default downloads folder.

Installing bartender

Step 1: Open the DMG file

Find the downloaded DMG file, usually in your Downloads folder, and follow these steps:

1. Double-click Bartender.dmg file to open it.
2. This action will mount the disk image and open a new Finder window displaying the application package.

Step 2: Drag and drop the app

With the application package visible, you're one step away from completing the installation:

1. Drag Bartender.app icon and drop it into the Applications folder shortcut, which you can see in the same window.

Step 3: Launch bartender

After you've copied Bartender to your Applications folder, you can launch it:

1. Open your Applications folder.
2. Locate Bartender application and double-click to open it.

When launched for the first time, macOS may display a security prompt stating that the application was downloaded from the Internet. Click Open to continue.

Step 4: Grant the required permissions

Bartender requires special permissions to function properly. You must grant access as follows:

1. A prompt will appear asking for permission to access accessibility features.
2. Click Open System Preferences in the prompt.
3. In System Preferences, make sure you're in the Security & Privacy pane.
4. Select Privacy tab and then click Accessibility from the sidebar.
5. Unlock the preference pane by clicking the lock icon in the lower-left corner and entering your administrator password.
6. Check the box next to Bartender to grant it accessibility permission.
7. You may need to restart Bartender for these changes to take full effect; simply close and relaunch the application.

Establishment of bartender

Once installed and launched, you will need to configure Bartender to suit your personal preferences and workflow. Here is a step-by-step guide to setting it up:

Step 1: Customize your menu bar

Bartender allows extensive customization of your macOS menu bar:

1. Open Bartender Preferences by clicking the Bartender icon in your menu bar.
2. Go to Menu Items section to view all the current menu bar items.
3. Drag and drop menu bar icons between Show and Hide sections to arrange them. Items in the Hide section are only accessible when you click the bartender icon.

Step 2: Set up hot keys

Hot keys allow you to quickly access hidden icons:

1. Still in Bartender preferences, switch to Keyboard Shortcuts tab.
2. Select or create a shortcut by clicking the Add Shortcut button.
3. Specify a key combination to quickly toggle between showing or hiding hidden menu items.

Step 3: Adjust advanced settings

Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to adjust other advanced settings:

1. In Preferences, go to Advanced tab.
2. Options such as auto-update, menu bar perception and refresh interval can be set as per personal preference.

Step 4: Manage bartender updates

For smooth operations, ensure Bartender stays updated on:

1. Go to Advanced section of the Bartender preferences.
2. Enable automatic updates, which will ensure you’re equipped with the latest features and security patches.

Troubleshooting tips

Although Bartender is relatively simple, you may encounter problems sometimes. Here are common problems and their solutions:

Problem: Menu items are not hiding

If some menu items refuse to hide, consider these steps:

1. Check for any conflicting applications that may be overriding Bartender settings.
2. Restart Bartender and your Mac to make sure all settings are properly applied.

Problem: Bartender icon is missing

If you find the Bartender icon missing from your menu bar:

1. Check the Applications folder to make sure Bartender is running.
2. If unavailable, relaunch Bartender from the Applications folder.

Problem: Permission errors

If you're having permissions issues:

1. Revisit the Security & Privacy pane in System Preferences and re-enable access for Bartender.
2. Confirm that Bartender is listed in the Accessibility section with the checkmark enabled.

Conclusion

Installing and setting up Bartender on your Mac is a straightforward process that boosts productivity and keeps your workspace organized. With customizable features, easy access via hotkeys, and seamless updates, Bartender proves to be an invaluable tool for decluttering your menu bar. Follow the described steps, and enjoy a clean, efficient computing experience that makes it easier to focus on your tasks efficiently.

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