Menu Bar Integration (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:
-
Better macOS Integration
- Users expect apps in the Dock
- Cmd+Tab switching is standard workflow
- Consistent with other productivity apps
-
Improved Discoverability
- New users can find Vigilare in Dock
- No confusion about "where did the app go?"
- Standard macOS app launch experience
-
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
- Open Settings (⚙️ or ⌘,)
- Navigate to Feedback tab
- Submit bug reports or feature requests
Viewing About Information
- Open Settings (⚙️ or ⌘,)
- Navigate to About tab
- 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
-
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
-
No Menu Bar Icon
- Menu bar icon no longer appears
- All functions accessible through other methods
- Cleaner menu bar
-
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
Related Features
- Window Management - Floating window still works
- Settings - How to access settings now
- Keyboard Shortcuts - ⌘, for settings, ⌘Q for 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.