# Thaw for Mac

> A free menu bar manager for recent macOS.

Thaw hides and rearranges menu bar items, groups them, reveals them by hover, click or hotkey, and finds any item by search. Profiles switch layouts per display, Space or Focus, and a separate Thaw Bar helps on notched Macs. It is GPL-licensed with no tracking.

## Facts

- Price: Free and open source
- Developer: Toni Förster
- Category: Windows & Desktop
- Website: https://www.getthaw.app/
- Homebrew cask: thaw
- Source code: https://github.com/thaw-app/Thaw
- License: GPL-3.0
- GitHub stars: 12k
- Last commit: 2026-10-18
- Facts checked: 2026-10-19
- MacWorthy page: https://macworthy.com/apps/thaw/

## Install

Homebrew:

```sh
brew install --cask thaw
```

## Questions

### Is Thaw free?

Yes. Thaw is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license. The source code is on GitHub at thaw-app/Thaw.

### Where can I download Thaw for Mac?

Download Thaw from the developer's website (getthaw.app) and GitHub. MacWorthy links only to official sources.

### Can I install Thaw from the Terminal?

Yes. With Homebrew, run `brew install --cask thaw`.

### What are good alternatives to Thaw?

Other windows & desktop apps for Mac worth a look are Rectangle (open source), Loop (open source), AltTab (open source) and Boring Notch (open source).

## Alternatives in Windows & Desktop

- [Rectangle](https://macworthy.com/apps/rectangle/): Window snapping with keyboard shortcuts. (Open source)
- [Loop](https://macworthy.com/apps/loop/): Window management with a radial menu. (Open source)
- [AltTab](https://macworthy.com/apps/alttab/): Windows-style alt-tab, with window previews. (Open source)
- [Boring Notch](https://macworthy.com/apps/boring-notch/): A free, open-source notch companion. (Open source)
- [DockDoor](https://macworthy.com/apps/dockdoor/): Window previews when you hover the Dock. (Open source)
- [Hand Mirror](https://macworthy.com/apps/hand-mirror/): Check your camera with one click. (One-time purchase)
- [Windowcase](https://macworthy.com/apps/windowcase/): Wood, marble and metal frames around your windows. (One-time purchase)
- [DynamicHorizon](https://macworthy.com/apps/dynamichorizon/): Turns the notch into a Dynamic Island. (One-time purchase)

Tags: menu bar, open source