ExtraBar: The Keyboard-First Command Center for macOS

For many professionals, the macOS menu bar has become a cluttered graveyard of static icons—useful in theory, but often ignored in practice. A new productivity application, ExtraBar, is challenging this status quo by transforming the menu bar from a passive display into an active, keyboard-controlled command center.

The application was born out of a specific workflow challenge: the constant context-switching between essential tools. The developer, a self-described productivity geek, spends approximately 40% of the workday jumping between Zoom meetings, Slack channels, code projects, and design tools in Figma. The native menu bar, filled with icons that are rarely used, was identified as an underutilized resource for improving efficiency.

ExtraBar aims to solve this by allowing users to bypass the mouse entirely. Instead of hiding icons or requiring complex permissions, the tool creates a dynamic, keyboard-navigable menu tailored to the user’s specific needs. It represents a shift from managing visual clutter to executing actions directly.

The genesis of ExtraBar came after the developer created previous tools like DockFlow and ExtraDock to manage the macOS Dock. The next logical target was the menu bar. Existing solutions such as Bartender or Ice were found to have limitations, primarily requiring screen recording or accessibility permissions just to hide icons. More importantly, they did not address the core desire for custom menus within applications.

ExtraBar takes a fundamentally different approach. Rather than simply hiding the visual clutter, it repurposes the menu bar as a launchpad for specific actions. The application is designed to work offline with zero required permissions, though an optional accessibility permission can enhance keyboard navigation capabilities.

"Instead of just hiding icons, what if the menu bar became a keyboard-controlled command center that has the actions I need?"

The result is a highly customizable interface where users define the actions they need. The tool supports a wide range of integrations, allowing for instant execution of tasks that traditionally require multiple clicks and window switching.

ExtraBar is built to handle a diverse set of workflows through deep linking and direct app integration. The application allows users to set up a personalized menu of actions and access them via a global hotkey. Once invoked, the menu supports full keyboard navigation, enabling users to execute commands without ever touching the trackpad.

The tool supports several specific use cases out of the box, including:

• Joining the next scheduled Zoom call with a single keystroke
• Opening specific Slack channels instantly without menu clicking
• Launching VS Code projects directly from the menu bar
• Triggering Apple Shortcuts workflows for automation
• Integrating with Raycast for advanced command execution
• Creating custom deep links to Figma, Spotify, or any URL

A practical example provided by the developer illustrates the speed of this workflow: removing all menu bar icons and relying solely on keyboard commands. A sequence like Cmd+B → 2 → 4 can instantly launch a personal Zoom meeting. This level of customization allows the menu bar to serve as a central hub for the most frequently used applications and files.

Privacy and performance are central to ExtraBar’s design. The application is written in SwiftUI, ensuring native performance on both Apple Silicon and Intel-based Macs. Unlike many modern productivity tools that rely on cloud synchronization, ExtraBar operates entirely offline.

All configuration data, user preferences, and action setups are stored locally on the device. The developer emphasizes that the tool contains no telemetry and requires no cloud connectivity to function. This local-first architecture ensures that sensitive workflow data never leaves the user’s machine.

The application also features robust customization options. Users can import and export action configurations, making it easy to share setups or migrate workflows between machines. The developer notes that the app is improving weekly based on community feedback, with plans to introduce a configuration sharing feature to facilitate collaboration among users.

Since its release, ExtraBar has garnered attention from the productivity community on platforms like Reddit and Product Hunt. The feedback loop is active, with the developer implementing updates weekly to refine the user experience and expand functionality based on real-world usage.

The application is available for download via its official website. It stands as a distinct alternative to traditional menu bar managers, focusing on action execution rather than visual organization. By prioritizing keyboard control and local data storage, it appeals to power users who value speed, privacy, and deep customization.

As workflows become increasingly complex, tools that reduce friction and context-switching are gaining importance. ExtraBar represents a growing trend toward keyboard-centric interfaces that empower users to take control of their digital environment.

ExtraBar demonstrates that even the most familiar parts of an operating system can be reimagined for better productivity. By shifting the menu bar from a passive visual element to an active command center, it addresses the specific pain points of modern, multi-app workflows.

The tool’s commitment to privacy (zero permissions, local storage) and customization (deep links, import/export) sets a high bar for utility software. As the developer continues to iterate based on user feedback, the potential for expanding automation capabilities remains significant.

For professionals drowning in a sea of menu bar icons and context switches, ExtraBar offers a streamlined, keyboard-first path to efficiency. It proves that sometimes, the best way to manage digital clutter is not to hide it, but to put it to work.