SlimHUD for MAC
Free, open-source replacement for the macOS volume, brightness and keyboard backlight overlays, with slim bars you can color, resize and move.
SlimHUD Overview
SlimHUD replaces the overlays macOS shows when you change the volume, the screen brightness or the keyboard backlight. Instead of the system graphic you get a slim bar on the edge of the screen, and you decide how it looks. To open its settings window, start SlimHUD again while it is already running.
Each bar has its own color, and so does each icon (icon colors need macOS 10.14 or later). The volume bar can use a separate color when the sound is muted. You choose the size of the bars, the screen edge they appear on, a shadow effect and one of several animation styles. If you use a Touch Bar, a setting that checks continuously for changes shows the bars when you use the volume or brightness slider. To get the system overlays back, turn off launch at login or delete SlimHUD from Applications.
SlimHUD is made by Alex Perathoner and is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license. Version 1.5.3 adds a blurred background effect and fixes bars that could appear below the menu bar or Dock. It is a universal app for Apple Silicon and Intel and needs macOS 10.13 or later. One limitation to know about: Homebrew has disabled its SlimHUD package because the app fails macOS's Gatekeeper check, so download it from GitHub and expect that macOS may warn you when you first open it.
Key Features
SlimHUD gives the Mac's system overlays a slimmer look that you control.
- Three bars: volume, brightness and keyboard backlight.
- Colors: a separate color for each bar and for each icon.
- Muted color: its own volume color when the sound is off.
- Screen edge: show the bars on the left, right, top or bottom.
- Size: make the bars smaller or larger.
- Animations: several styles, or none at all.
- Shadow and blur: optional depth and a blurred background.
- Touch Bar: shows the bars when you use the sliders.
What’s New in Version 1.5.3
SlimHUD 1.5.3 adds a blurred background and fixes where the bars appear.
- Added a blurred background effect.
- Fixed an issue that could show the bars below the menu bar or Dock.
- The bars now stay in a stationary position when Mission Control is activated.
SlimHUD FAQ
Is SlimHUD free?
Yes. SlimHUD is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license.
What does SlimHUD replace?
It replaces the overlays macOS shows when you change the volume, the screen brightness or the keyboard backlight.
How do I open the SlimHUD settings?
Start SlimHUD again while it is already running, and the settings window appears.
Which macOS version does SlimHUD need?
SlimHUD 1.5.3 needs macOS 10.13 or later. Separate icon colors need macOS 10.14 or later.
Does SlimHUD run on Apple Silicon?
Yes. It is a universal app for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
Can I change where the bars appear?
Yes. The bars can appear on the left, right, top or bottom edge of the screen, and you can adjust their size.
Does SlimHUD work with a Touch Bar?
Yes. A setting that checks continuously for changes shows the bars when you use the volume or brightness slider, and it is recommended if you use a Touch Bar.
Can I install SlimHUD with Homebrew?
Not at the moment. Homebrew has disabled its SlimHUD package because the app fails macOS's Gatekeeper check. Download it from GitHub instead and expect that macOS may warn you when you first open it.
How do I get the normal macOS overlays back?
Turn off launch at login in SlimHUD, or delete SlimHUD from the Applications folder.
Where does the SlimHUD download on slimhud.FULLMAC.app come from?
The download button leads to the official SlimHUD releases page at https://github.com/AlexPerathoner/SlimHUD/releases/latest. slimhud.FULLMAC.app does not change or repackage the app.
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FULLMAC.app does not host this app. Download buttons lead to the developer’s own pages.