Bare fits Mac users who want free, open-source Desktop hiding with file-type selection. HiddenMe is a focused App Store utility for one-click icon hiding. One Switch combines Desktop hiding with other Mac controls. Try macOS's built-in settings first if you only want fewer visible items.
I make Bare. I compared Bare 1.0.0's source with the other developers' public product pages on October 16, 2026. I haven't tested the competing apps. Not specified means I could not verify a feature from the linked official page.
Feature and cost comparison
| Criterion | Bare | HiddenMe | One Switch | macOS settings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main scope | Hide Desktop items, all or by type | Hide Desktop icons | Multiple menu bar switches | Built-in Desktop display preferences |
| Cost | Free; MIT source | Paid US App Store listing; in-app purchases | Paid license; seven-day trial; also on Setapp | Included with macOS |
| One-click menu bar hiding | Yes | Yes, per listing | Yes, per product page | System Settings control |
| Hide screenshots while keeping folders visible | Yes | Not specified | Not specified | No file-type selector in Show Items |
| Source available | MIT repository | Not specified | Not specified | System component |
| Other controls | Shortcut, auto-hide new Desktop items, launch at login | See current App Store listing | Dark Mode, Keep Awake, Screen Saver, AirPods connection | Desktop, Dock, and Stage Manager settings |
Prices and availability can vary by storefront. Check HiddenMe's listing and One Switch's purchase page before buying. I did not measure performance, memory use, or battery life.
Choose Bare for selective Desktop hiding
Bare lets you hide screenshots and recordings while leaving folders visible, hide only folders, or hide everything except apps and aliases. It also provides a configurable global shortcut and an option to hide newly arriving Desktop items while hiding is active.
Its implementation sets the standard macOS hidden flag. It records which items it changed and restores those items when you show icons again. Previously hidden files are left alone. The source code is available under MIT, and the app requires macOS 13 or later.
Bare only manages Desktop visibility. For system toggles, file organization, or capture editing, you'll need other tools.
The screenshot-only walkthrough shows folders staying visible while captures disappear.
Choose HiddenMe if you prefer a focused App Store option
HiddenMe's official listing describes a single-click way to hide Desktop icons, distributed through the App Store.
Check its current listing for compatibility and purchases. I haven't verified permission requirements or multi-display behavior; confirm those in the current app or with its developer.
If you need to hide screenshots while keeping folders visible, ask the developer whether the current version supports it. The listing I reviewed does not specify category selection.
Choose One Switch if you want several controls together
One Switch's official page lists Desktop icon hiding alongside Dark Mode, Keep Awake, Screen Saver, and AirPods connection. Choose it if you want several of those controls in one menu bar app.
The developer offers a seven-day trial and a paid license; it is also available through Setapp.
The official page does not specify file-type selection. Use the trial to check whether it can hide the items you want.
Try the built-in macOS option before installing anything
On macOS Sonoma 14 and later, System Settings → Desktop & Dock → Show Items controls whether Desktop items appear. Apple notes that clicking the Desktop can reveal hidden items. This may be enough for an uncluttered workspace, but test the behavior before a recording or presentation.
Follow the complete hiding guide for setup and undo instructions. Apple's Desktop & Dock documentation explains the native controls.
Hiding icons does not encrypt files or restrict access to them. Before a screen share, check the preview for open files and windows that remain visible.
Sources
- Bare 1.0.0: implementation and supported workflows.
- HiddenMe on the US App Store: product description and purchase model.
- One Switch official site: advertised controls and trial.
- Apple Desktop & Dock settings: native display behavior.
If icons remain hidden after trying a tool, work through how to restore Desktop icons.
A tiny vote of confidence
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