The menu bar on a Mac can often become cluttered, especially with numerous applications vying for space in the upper-right corner. This issue is particularly pronounced on newer MacBook models, where the camera notch occupies a significant area of the menu bar. Consequently, tools designed for tidying up the Mac menu bar have gained popularity, as users seek to minimize the visual chaos.
However, you might not need to rely on such applications constantly. By adjusting settings within macOS, you can hide icons and utilize a simple tool to rearrange them more closely together. Here's how to do it.
Hiding Icons in macOS System Settings
The recent macOS update, known as Tahoe, introduced several features, including the option to hide menu bar icons without the need for third-party applications. To access this feature, navigate to System Settings and select the Menu Bar section. Here, you can toggle system icons like Siri and Spotlight on or off. By scrolling further, you'll find the option to hide icons for any installed applications. Simply turn off the toggle for any app you wish to remove from view.
I have personally been using this feature to eliminate unwanted icons, and it has proven effective. While it may not completely replace dedicated applications like Bartender or Ice, which allow for quick access to hidden icons, it remains a free and efficient way to declutter your menu bar.
Adjusting Icon Spacing in the Menu Bar
If your menu bar still feels overcrowded, consider adjusting the spacing between icons to create a more streamlined look. A free tool called Menu Bar Spacing enables users to modify the spacing between icons easily. After downloading the application, you can simply use a slider to bring the icons closer together.
The advantage of Menu Bar Spacing is that it doesn't need to run in the background. You can launch it once, make your desired adjustments, and then uninstall it--your settings will remain intact. For those who prefer not to use an application, changes can also be made manually through Terminal.
One thing to note for macOS 26 users is a minor bug that initially restricts spacing adjustments to Apple's own icons. To see changes for third-party applications, you may need to restart them or reboot your Mac. Although this may seem inconvenient, the end result will be a much cleaner menu bar.