Menu Bar Extra
A Menu Bar Extra is a small status item in the macOS menu bar. It opens a focused menu or small window without opening the main app window.
Another example
A timer stays in the menu bar. It shows minutes left and offers one-click Pause and Stop controls.
Main parts
- 01Current location
- 02Destination labels
- 03Focus order
- 04Responsive behavior
Use it when
Use it for status that people can read at a glance. Add only a few common controls that people need without the main window.
Do not use it when
Do not use it for multi-step work, document editing, or crowded dashboards. Every icon must offer lasting value, not just use menu-bar space.
Name used in code
AppKit NSStatusItem / SwiftUI MenuBarExtra Before you ship
Check the supported macOS versions and AppKit or SwiftUI integration. Check standard focus and keyboard behavior. Also check VoiceOver, Full Keyboard Access, window resizing, and multi-window state. When needed, check restore, localization, and reduced motion.
Outcome: Apply or review Menu Bar Extra in a native macOS app without breaking platform rules. User context: A timer stays in the menu bar. It shows minutes left and offers one-click Pause and Stop controls. macOS concept or control: Menu Bar Extra. Why it fits: Use it for status that people can read at a glance. Add only a few common controls that people need without the main window. Do not use it when: Do not use it for multi-step work, document editing, or crowded dashboards. Every icon must offer lasting value, not just use menu-bar space. Platform requirements: List the supported macOS versions. Say whether AppKit or SwiftUI owns each part and how they connect. Define window, menu, focus, keyboard, saved state, restore, and multi-window behavior. Platform accessibility and resilience: Use the right accessibility APIs. Check VoiceOver and Full Keyboard Access. Support localization, contrast, and reduced motion when needed. Keep user state after a relaunch. Acceptance criteria: Check the behavior on supported macOS versions with a keyboard and VoiceOver. Window resizing, focus, state restore, and AppKit or SwiftUI integration work in the normal macOS way. Evidence and limits (evidence boundary): It is official for that source. Other platforms or teams may use the term in another way. Unknowns to confirm: Supported macOS versions, AppKit or SwiftUI structure, and window model. Also confirm sandbox and entitlement limits, save rules, and the accessibility goal.
Check this request
Review the current use of Menu Bar Extra. Definition: A Menu Bar Extra is a small status item in the macOS menu bar. It opens a focused menu or small window without opening the main app window. Release checks: Check the supported macOS versions and AppKit or SwiftUI integration. Check standard focus and keyboard behavior. Also check VoiceOver, Full Keyboard Access, window resizing, and multi-window state. When needed, check restore, localization, and reduced motion. Before changing code, report the evidence you found, gaps, severity, and the smallest safe fix.