# Badgeify > Badgeify is a macOS utility application that transforms your menu bar by showing your favorite apps with their notification counts directly in the menu bar. It enhances productivity by providing quick access to apps and their notifications without needing to check the Dock, especially helpful for users who keep their Dock hidden or have many applications running simultaneously. Badgeify serves as your ultimate menu bar companion for macOS, helping you stay updated with notifications from all your apps, launch applications quickly, and keep your workspace clean and organized. It displays real-time notification counts for virtually any application that shows badges in the macOS Dock. ## Key Features ### Notification Management Badgeify's primary function is displaying notification counts from your applications directly in the menu bar: - Real-time updating of notification badges as they change in the source application - Support for virtually all applications that display notification badges in the Dock - Ability to customize notification badge appearance with highlight colors - Option to show or hide badges based on user preference When an application receives a notification, Badgeify reads the notification count and displays it in the menu bar, allowing you to stay informed even when the Dock is hidden. The application uses macOS's Accessibility API to read these counts, ensuring seamless integration with the operating system. ### App Groups App Groups let you combine several related applications added via Badgeify into one consolidated menu bar item. Instead of having individual icons for each app, you'll have a single group icon that represents them all. Key App Groups features include: - **Consolidated Apps**: Group multiple apps (e.g., all messaging apps, all work apps) under one icon - **Custom Group Icons**: Assign a unique icon to each App Group for easy identification - **Aggregated Notifications**: The group icon displays the total unread notification count for all apps within that group - **Easy Management**: Add or remove apps from groups easily There are two main ways to create an App Group: **Method 1: Create Group First** 1. In the Badgeify app list (Preferences window), click the folder icon 2. Choose the apps you want to include in the new group from the list presented 3. Badgeify creates the group with your selected apps **Method 2: Select Apps First** 1. In the Badgeify app list, hold down the `Shift` key and click to select multiple existing app items 2. With the apps selected, click the folder icon 3. Badgeify moves the selected apps into a newly created group App Groups work seamlessly with other Badgeify features like custom icon support and drag-and-drop rearrangement, significantly reducing menu bar clutter while improving notification management efficiency. ### Custom Icons Badgeify allows you to personalize your macOS menu bar by using your own custom icons for the apps you add. You can replace the default app icons displayed by Badgeify in the menu bar with your own designs using the SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) format: - **Use Your Own Designs**: Upload SVG icons you've created or downloaded - **High-Quality Display**: SVGs ensure your icons look sharp at any resolution - **Flexibility**: Easily change icons whenever you want a new look Badgeify intelligently handles your custom icons: - **Monochrome Icons**: Single-color SVG icons are automatically converted into macOS template icons that adapt to light/dark modes - **Multicolor Icons**: SVGs with multiple colors preserve their original design, allowing vibrant icons to stand out To add a custom icon: 1. Get an SVG icon (create your own or download one) 2. Open Badgeify's preferences and select the app whose icon you want to change 3. Look for the option to add a custom icon and upload your `.svg` file 4. Your custom icon will immediately appear in the menu bar Free SVG icon resources include [SVG Repo](https://www.svgrepo.com/) and [Iconify](https://iconify.design/). ### Custom Notification Colors Enhance your menu bar's clarity by assigning unique highlight colors to the notification badges of your apps and groups. This feature helps you instantly distinguish which app has new updates. Benefits include: - **Improved Visibility**: Quickly identify which app or group has notifications just by the color - **Personalization**: Choose colors that fit your workflow or aesthetic preferences - **Better Organization**: Visually separate different types of apps (e.g., work vs. personal) in your menu bar Setting up custom colors is straightforward: 1. Open Badgeify Preferences 2. Select an app or group in the list 3. Find the "Highlight Color" setting and click the color swatch 4. Select your desired color 5. The change takes effect immediately ### Icon Visibility Control Badgeify offers several options to control when and how app icons appear in your macOS menu bar, helping you reduce clutter and focus on what's important. You can configure icons to automatically hide or become transparent based on the app's notification status or whether it's running: - **Hide Icon When No Notifications**: Completely hides the app's icon when it has zero unread notifications - **Show Transparent Icon When No Notifications**: Makes the icon semi-transparent when there are no notifications - **Show Transparent Icon When App Isn't Running**: Makes the icon transparent if the underlying application isn't running The "Pin to menu bar" option allows you to designate specific app or group icons to *always* be visible in the menu bar. Pinned icons ignore global or individual hiding rules, ensuring your most important apps are always accessible. Some apps might have unique integration features with their own visibility controls, such as Slack's dot indicator for unread messages. ## Pricing Plans Badgeify offers flexible pricing options to accommodate different user needs: ### Free **Basic features for everyone (Forever free)** - Add up to 3 app icons to menu bar - One app group for quick access - Default app icons only - Notification tracking - Quick-launch apps from the menu bar ### Lifetime **Get full access forever (One-time payment)** - 1 macOS device - Unlimited app icons in menu bar - Unlimited app groups for quick access - Personalize menu bar with custom icons - Advanced settings and customization - Lifetime of free updates - Priority customer support ### Lifetime Duo **Full access for three devices (One-time payment)** - 3 macOS devices - All Lifetime features included - Lifetime of free updates - Priority customer support ## System Requirements and Installation ### System Requirements - macOS 11 Big Sur or newer - Compatible with latest macOS versions including Ventura and Sonoma - Works on both Intel-based Macs and Apple Silicon - Works alongside other menu bar management tools ### Installation Steps 1. Download Badgeify from the [official website](https://badgeify.app/download) 2. Open the downloaded file and drag Badgeify to your Applications folder 3. Launch Badgeify from your Applications folder 4. When prompted, grant Accessibility permissions: - Click "Open System Settings" - Navigate to Privacy & Security > Accessibility - Toggle on Badgeify 5. Start adding your favorite apps to the menu bar ### Permission Requirements Badgeify requires Accessibility permissions to: - Read notification counts from other applications - Display these counts in the menu bar - Interact with system UI elements for proper functionality The application operates with a privacy-first approach: - Doesn't collect personal data - Doesn't share any information - Only requires essential system permissions ## Frequently Asked Questions ### General Questions **What exactly does Badgeify do?** Badgeify is an app for Mac that helps you see notifications from your other apps right in the menu bar. It shows you how many unread messages you have, so you don't have to keep switching between apps. This makes it easier to stay updated without cluttering your screen. **Can I say goodbye to my Dock with Badgeify?** Badgeify doesn't remove the Dock, but it lets you work without it if you want. You can hide the Dock and still see notifications and launch apps from the menu bar, making your workspace cleaner and more efficient. **How do I make my menu bar look awesome with Badgeify?** With Badgeify, you can personalize your menu bar by adding app icons and showing notification counts. You can even change the default icons to ones you like better, making your Mac feel more like yours. **How does Badgeify keep me updated on messages from various apps?** Badgeify turns your menu bar into a notification center. It shows you how many messages you have from apps like Messages, Apple Mail, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, so you can see everything at a glance without opening each app. **Can I customize icons for different apps?** Yes! You can choose from three styles for each app's icon: the original icon, a recommended one from Badgeify, or even add your own custom icon. This way, you can make your menu bar look just how you want. **Can I use Badgeify with other menu bar management tools?** Definitely! Badgeify works well with other menu bar management tools like Bartender, Hidden Bar and Ice. This means you can use it alongside your favorite apps to make your Mac even more personalized. **What about privacy? What permissions does Badgeify require?** Badgeify only needs permission to use the macOS Accessibility API. It doesn't collect or share your personal data, so you can use it without worrying about your privacy. **Which macOS versions are supported by Badgeify?** Badgeify works with macOS 11 Big Sur and all newer versions. The app is regularly updated to stay compatible with the latest macOS, ensuring you have a smooth experience. ### Pricing and Licensing Questions **How can I start using Badgeify?** You can start with the Free version to try it out. If you like it, you can upgrade to a Lifetime License for full access. **What features can I expect in the Free version?** In the Free version, you can add up to 3 apps to your menu bar, use default app icons, track notifications, and quickly launch apps. It's a great way to get started! **How does the Lifetime License work?** With the Lifetime License, you get full access to all features for one Mac. This includes unlimited app icons, the ability to personalize your menu bar, free updates for life, and priority customer support. **What is the difference between Lifetime and Lifetime Duo licenses?** The Lifetime License is for one Mac, while the Lifetime Duo License allows you to use Badgeify on three Macs. Both licenses include all features, lifetime updates, priority support, and early access to new features. **Can I switch from Free to Lifetime License?** Yes! You can easily upgrade from the Free version to the Lifetime License whenever you want. This will unlock all the features and remove the limitations of the Free version. **What payment options are available?** Badgeify accepts major credit cards and popular online payment methods, making it easy and secure to purchase your chosen plan. **Is there a money-back guarantee?** Yes, Badgeify offers a 7-day money-back guarantee. If you are not happy with the application, you can ask for a full refund within 7 days of your purchase. **Will I have to pay for updates in the future?** No, if you have a Lifetime License, you will receive all future updates for free, forever. This means you can always enjoy the latest features without any extra cost. **How do I transfer my license to a new device?** Transferring your Badgeify license to a new device is simple. First, deactivate the license on your old device. Then, activate it on your new device. If you can't access your old device to deactivate the license manually, just contact the support team, and they'll be happy to assist you with the transfer process. **Do I get customer support with my license?** All users receive customer support. However, if you have a Lifetime License, you will get priority support, meaning your questions will be answered faster. ## Troubleshooting ### Missing Notification Counts If an app icon added via Badgeify isn't displaying the notification count when you expect it to, follow these steps: 1. **Check macOS Permissions**: - Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility - Ensure Badgeify is enabled - Try toggling it OFF and then ON again 2. **Check Source App's Notification Settings**: - Open the Settings/Preferences within the source application - Look for Notification settings - Make sure options like "Show badge count" or "Badge Dock icon" are enabled 3. **Check Badgeify's App Settings**: - Open Badgeify Settings - Ensure no settings are preventing the badge from showing 4. **Check macOS Notification Settings**: - Open System Settings > Notifications - Select the source application - Make sure "Allow Notifications" and "Badge app icon" are turned ON 5. **Restart Applications**: - Quit the source application - Quit Badgeify - Relaunch both applications 6. **Test with Another App**: - Add a different standard app to determine if the issue is app-specific ### Compatibility with Menu Bar Managers #### Hidden Bar Compatibility When using Badgeify alongside Hidden Bar, you may encounter an issue where Hidden Bar automatically moves new Badgeify icons into its hidden section. This occurs because Hidden Bar places any icon that appears *after* it has started into its hidden area. Since Badgeify icons are added dynamically, Hidden Bar treats them as "new" and hides them. Currently, there is no setting within Badgeify to prevent this interaction. The only workaround is to manually drag the Badgeify-managed icons from the hidden section to the visible section after they appear. Alternative menu bar managers like [Bartender](https://www.macbartender.com/) may provide a smoother experience with Badgeify. #### Ice Compatibility When using Ice to manage menu bar items, Badgeify icons may be automatically moved to the "Always Hidden" or "Hidden" section after system restart, application restart, or when adding new icons dynamically. This issue stems from how Ice handles menu bar items that appear after Ice has started, disappear and reappear dynamically, or update their state or appearance. Workarounds include: - Manually repositioning icons after they move - Using Bartender instead, which has better handling of dynamic menu bar items ### License Deactivation If you need to free up your Badgeify license activation slot, you can deactivate a device using one of these methods: **Method 1: Deactivate from Within the App** 1. Open the Badgeify Preferences window 2. Navigate to the About tab 3. Click the "Deactivate" button and confirm **Method 2: Deactivate via License Management Portal** 1. Go to the [License Management portal](https://badgeify.app/license/) 2. Enter your email address and license key 3. Click Continue 4. Find the device you want to remove and click "Deactivate" Once a device has been successfully deactivated, its activation slot is freed up, and you can use the same license key on a new Mac. ## Documentation - [Introduction](https://docs.badgeify.app/introduction): Overview of Badgeify, features, requirements, and privacy information - [Quickstart Guide](https://docs.badgeify.app/quickstart): Installation steps, setup instructions, and common questions - [App Groups](https://docs.badgeify.app/features/app-groups): Detailed information on creating and using App Groups - [Custom Icons](https://docs.badgeify.app/features/customize-icon): Guide to personalizing your menu bar with custom icons - [Notification Colors](https://docs.badgeify.app/features/highlight-color): Instructions for customizing notification badge colors - [Icon Visibility](https://docs.badgeify.app/features/icon-visibility): Options for controlling when and how icons appear - [Missing Notifications](https://docs.badgeify.app/troubleshooting/missing-notification-counts): Troubleshooting guide for notification issues - [Hidden Bar Compatibility](https://docs.badgeify.app/troubleshooting/compatibility-hidden-bar): Information on using Badgeify with Hidden Bar - [Ice Compatibility](https://docs.badgeify.app/troubleshooting/compatibility-ice): Details on using Badgeify with Ice menu bar manager - [Device Deactivation](https://docs.badgeify.app/troubleshooting/deactivate-device): Instructions for freeing up license slots ## Community Feedback and Alternatives According to user feedback on Hacker News ([Show HN: Badgeify](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43620471)), Badgeify addresses a common pain point by not only managing existing menu bar items but also adding new ones you care about: > "It's super hard to make menubar show just the stuff I care about. Tons of apps like Bartender or Ice can hide icons, but adding the ones I actually want? That's what Badgeify do." - developer comment Users particularly appreciate that Badgeify: - Can stay quiet and only show icons when there are notifications - Works well alongside menu bar managers like Ice (though with some compatibility considerations) - Provides a focused solution for bringing notification badges to the menu bar When considering menu bar management, several alternatives were mentioned in community discussions: - **[Ice](https://github.com/jordanbaird/Ice)**: Free, open-source menu bar manager - **[Hidden Bar](https://github.com/dwarvesf/hidden)**: Simple, free tool for hiding menu bar items - **[Bartender](https://www.macbartender.com/)**: Commercial solution with extensive features - **[Dozer](https://github.com/Mortennn/Dozer)**: Another open-source option - **[Vanilla](https://matthewpalmer.net/vanilla/)**: Minimalist menu bar hiding tool - **[xbar/SwiftBar](https://github.com/matryer/xbar)**: Programmable menu bar item creation tools Note that each option has different strengths and compatibility considerations with macOS versions, particularly with recent updates like macOS 15.4. ## Optional - [Main Website](https://badgeify.app/): Official product homepage with overview and download links - [Download Page](https://badgeify.app/download/): Direct links to download the application - [License Management](https://badgeify.app/license/): Online portal for managing your Badgeify license - [Blog: App Groups](https://badgeify.app/introducing-app-groups-for-powerful-menu-bar-management/): Detailed post about the App Groups feature - [Blog: Menu Bar in Sonoma](https://badgeify.app/how-to-customize-your-menu-bar-in-macos-sonoma/): Tips for customizing the macOS Sonoma menu bar - [Blog: Notch Issues](https://badgeify.app/how-to-fix-mac-menu-bar-icons-disappearing-behind-notch/): Fixing menu bar icons disappearing behind the MacBook notch - [Blog: Slack Notifications](https://badgeify.app/troubleshooting-mac-slack-notifications-not-working/): Troubleshooting Slack notifications on Mac - [Product Hunt](https://www.producthunt.com/products/badgeify): Badgeify's Product Hunt page - [Hacker News Discussion](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43620471): Community discussion about Badgeify on Hacker News - [Indie Hackers Post](https://www.indiehackers.com/post/i-built-a-macos-app-to-add-app-icons-and-notifications-to-the-menu-bar-bb0c9dabdf): Developer's post about creating Badgeify