KeepingYouAwake is a menu bar utility for macOS that prevents your Mac from entering sleep mode for a set duration or indefinitely while activated.
The tool solves the problem of unwanted sleep interruptions by wrapping Apple's built-in caffeinate command line utility in a graphical interface. Rather than requiring terminal commands, users can toggle sleep prevention directly from the menu bar with a simple click, optionally setting a predefined duration after which the Mac will be allowed to sleep again.
The utility is lightweight and straightforward, making it suitable for anyone who occasionally needs to keep their Mac awake during presentations, file transfers, or other tasks. It works on desktop Macs and laptops with open lids; closed-lid operation is not supported due to macOS limitations and thermal considerations. The project was created as a modern replacement for an older utility that had fallen out of maintenance, optimized for contemporary macOS versions.
The project maintains active engagement with contributors through documented contribution guidelines. Development has adapted to evolving macOS requirements, with the codebase supporting current system versions while providing historical releases for users on older operating systems. The maintainer has established clear expectations around redistribution, requesting that forked versions not reuse the original name and icon.
