Skip to main content

Menu Bar Integration (Removed)

Feature Removed

Menu bar integration was removed in November 2025 when Vigilare transitioned from a menu bar app to a regular macOS application. This page documents the change for users upgrading from earlier versions.

What Changed​

Before: Menu Bar App (LSUIElement)​

Vigilare previously operated as a menu bar-only application:

  • ❌ Menu bar icon for quick access
  • ❌ No Dock icon
  • ❌ Not visible in Cmd+Tab app switcher
  • ❌ Accessed exclusively through menu bar

The menu bar icon provided:

  • Show/Hide Window control
  • Settings access
  • Feedback submission
  • About information
  • Quit command

After: Regular macOS App​

As of November 2025, Vigilare is a standard macOS application:

  • ✅ Dock icon - Visible in Dock when running
  • ✅ Cmd+Tab - Appears in app switcher
  • ✅ Standard macOS behavior - Works like other Mac apps
  • ✅ No menu bar icon - Menu bar icon completely removed

Why the Change?​

The transition from menu bar app to regular app was made to:

  1. Better macOS Integration

    • Users expect apps in the Dock
    • Cmd+Tab switching is standard workflow
    • Consistent with other productivity apps

  2. Improved Discoverability

    • New users can find Vigilare in Dock
    • No confusion about "where did the app go?"
    • Standard macOS app launch experience

  3. Simplified Experience

    • Streamlined app structure
    • More reliable operation
    • Easier to use and understand

What Didn't Change​

Despite the transition, all core features remain intact:

✅ Floating Window Behavior:

  • Still floats above other windows (if configured)
  • Window levels (Always on Top, Normal, Desktop) unchanged
  • Position and size persistence works the same

✅ Multi-Space Support:

  • "All Spaces" mode still available
  • Window can appear on every Space
  • Or stay on current Space only

✅ Iconify Feature:

  • ⌘E still minimizes to circular icon
  • Click icon to restore full window
  • Same compact mode as before

✅ Settings Access:

  • Gear icon (⚙️) in window titlebar
  • Keyboard shortcut ⌘, still works
  • All settings tabs unchanged

How to Access Features Now​

Since menu bar icon is removed, here's how to access previously menu-based features:

Opening Settings​

Method 1: Settings Button

  • Click ⚙️ icon in window titlebar
  • Settings window opens

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut

  • Press ⌘, (Command + Comma)
  • Standard macOS settings shortcut

Method 3: Menu Bar (Application Menu)

  • Click "Vigilare" in macOS menu bar (top-left)
  • Select "Settings..." (or "Preferences...")

Sending Feedback​

  1. Open Settings (⚙️ or ⌘,)
  2. Navigate to Feedback tab
  3. Submit bug reports or feature requests

Viewing About Information​

  1. Open Settings (⚙️ or ⌘,)
  2. Navigate to About tab
  3. See version, privacy policy, credits

Showing Hidden Window​

If Window is Hidden:

  • Click Vigilare icon in Dock
  • Window reappears

If Window is Iconified (⌘E):

  • Click circular icon
  • Or click Vigilare in Dock

Quitting Vigilare​

Keyboard: ⌘Q (standard macOS quit)

Dock: Right-click Vigilare icon → Quit

Menu: Vigilare → Quit Vigilare

For Users Upgrading​

If you're upgrading from an earlier version with menu bar integration:

What You'll Notice​

  1. Dock Icon Appears

    • Vigilare now visible in Dock when running
    • Can be hidden via macOS Dock preferences if desired
    • Standard app icon instead of menu bar icon

  2. No Menu Bar Icon

    • Menu bar icon no longer appears
    • All functions accessible through other methods
    • Cleaner menu bar

  3. Cmd+Tab Integration

    • Vigilare appears in app switcher
    • Can quickly switch to Vigilare from other apps
    • Standard macOS workflow

Migration Tips​

Previously: Clicked menu bar icon → Show Window Now: Click Dock icon or use ⌘Tab to switch

Previously: Menu bar → Settings Now: ⌘, or click ⚙️ in window

Previously: Menu bar → Send Feedback Now: Settings → Feedback tab

Previously: Menu bar → Quit Now: ⌘Q or Dock → Quit

Summary​

Menu bar integration has been fully removed as of November 2025. Vigilare is now a regular macOS app with a Dock icon, Cmd+Tab integration, and standard app behavior. All core features (floating windows, iconify, settings) remain unchanged and are accessible through alternative methods.

If you preferred the menu bar-only approach, you can hide the Dock icon through macOS System Settings → Desktop & Dock → "Show recent apps in Dock" (disable), though this is not officially supported.