SwiftBar is a macOS menu bar customization tool that lets you add custom programs to the menu bar by writing shell scripts.
The tool solves the problem of extending macOS menu bar functionality without building native applications. You write an executable script in any language, place it in a designated plugin folder, and SwiftBar automatically detects, runs, and displays its output in the menu bar. The plugin naming convention includes an optional refresh interval specified with duration modifiers like seconds, minutes, hours, or days. SwiftBar parses script output into a header section displayed in the menu bar and a body section shown in a dropdown menu. The tool handles file permissions automatically and supports nested plugin folders with symlink traversal, while allowing exclusion via a `.swiftbarignore` file.
SwiftBar suits developers and power users who want to add quick information displays or controls to their menu bar without native app development. It works well for system monitoring, quick access tools, or status displays that update at regular intervals. The plugin API is compatible with existing BitBar and xbar plugins, so you can reuse plugins from that ecosystem. The tool includes a built-in plugin repository accessible through the Get Plugins menu item, providing a collection of ready-made plugins. You can reorder plugins in the menu bar by holding Command and dragging them, and positions are remembered across sessions unless you rename the plugin file.
The project maintains active engagement with its plugin ecosystem through a dedicated plugin repository with clear contribution guidelines. Development activity shows consistent attention to core functionality and user experience, with support for modern macOS versions and straightforward installation options including Homebrew and source builds.
