When Apple first added the notch to MacBook screens, people had mixed feelings. Some saw it as a clever way to fit in a better camera, while others thought it was just an eyesore. For a long time, that little cutout at the top of the screen didn’t really do much until a new app came along and changed how people look at it. That app is NotchNook, a smart utility that gives purpose to the notch area and adds handy shortcuts, widgets, and even a mini file tray right around it.
Let’s dive into what makes this app stand out, what users love about it, and what you should know before adding it to your setup.
What Exactly Is It?
NotchNook is a small macOS utility that turns the otherwise unused notch space into something functional. You can think of it as giving your Mac a “Dynamic Island” similar to what iPhones have. It lets you access mini tools, widgets, media controls, and even a small storage area for dragging and dropping files.
Even if you don’t own a MacBook with a physical notch, you can still use the app. It creates a “virtual notch” on the screen that behaves the same way. This makes it available for almost any Mac running macOS 14.6 or later.
The app is available through a one-time purchase or a small subscription, and it’s also part of the Setapp bundle, a subscription service that gives you access to many premium apps under one plan.
How It Works
Once installed, the app integrates neatly into your Mac’s top screen area. You can access different functions by hovering or clicking near the notch. A small menu appears, giving you access to whatever tools you’ve enabled.
Some users compare it to the Mac menu bar but it is smarter and more dynamic. You can toggle between different widgets from music playback to file trays or calendar previews all without opening another window or app.
For example, if you’re listening to music, you can use the notch area to control playback, see album art, or skip songs. If you’re managing files, you can drag items to a small tray that sits right under the notch. It’s a simple yet clever way to declutter your desktop and keep things organized.
Standout Features
1. File Tray and Quick Access
One of its most praised tools is the “tray” feature. You can drag files into this small shelf to hold them temporarily, perfect for when you’re working between folders or apps and just need a spot to drop items for a moment.
2. Media Controls
Music lovers appreciate being able to control playback directly from the notch. Album art, track names, and even waveform visuals appear neatly without taking up much space.
3. Calendar View
You can link your calendar to quickly check upcoming events. Instead of opening your full calendar app, your next meetings or reminders appear right above your workspace.
4. Webcam Preview
If you often join video calls, you can preview your camera feed through a small notch widget. It’s handy for checking your framing or background quickly.
5. Custom Widgets and Shortcuts
Beyond built-in options, it supports shortcuts and other small widgets, allowing you to customize the notch area based on your daily needs.
What People Love About It
Users say the biggest advantage is how it brings functionality to something that used to just sit there. It’s simple, clean, and genuinely useful. The animations feel smooth, and for MacBook owners with a physical notch, it blends seamlessly with the overall design.
People who work with files daily, such as designers or content creators, find the file tray especially useful. It saves time when transferring assets between folders or apps. For others, the ability to see song details or upcoming tasks at a glance makes their workflow faster and less cluttered.
The app also adds a nice visual touch; the interface looks minimal and polished, matching Apple’s design style.
Common Complaints and Bugs
No app is perfect, and this one is no exception. Some users on Reddit and forums have reported small bugs. For instance, when switching between “click to open” and “hover to open” modes, the tray sometimes behaves unpredictably. Others mentioned that dropped files don’t always show up correctly in the tray until you reopen the app.
A few people also found that the app can use a noticeable amount of system resources, particularly on older MacBooks. That’s something to keep in mind if you care about battery life or performance.
Another limitation is that media controls don’t always support every app. While Apple Music and Spotify work smoothly, other third-party players might not show full integration yet.
Still, the developers seem active and regularly push updates to fix these issues.
Price and Compatibility
You can get NotchNook in a couple of ways:
- One-time payment: around $25, which gives you a lifetime license.
- Subscription plan: about $3 per month.
- Setapp bundle: if you already use Setapp, it’s included in the collection.
It runs on macOS 14.6 or later and supports both MacBooks with notches and desktop Macs without one. For the latter, it simply creates a “virtual notch” on the screen.
Who It’s Best For
This tool fits anyone who likes to customize their Mac and streamline small tasks. If you constantly manage media, files, or schedule items, it can shave seconds off each action and that adds up over a workday.
It’s particularly great for:
- Students who need quick access to study files or reminders.
- Designers and editors handling large media files.
- Business users who often check calendars or join meetings.
- Music lovers who want subtle media controls that don’t interrupt workflow.
However, if you’re someone who rarely uses those features or prefers a very minimal desktop setup, it might feel unnecessary.
Performance and Everyday Use
After a few hours of testing, the app feels stable and intuitive. The notch widgets pop up instantly when hovered over, and transitions are smooth. The file tray works as advertised, though it can feel a bit cramped if you drop many files at once.
Battery usage is moderate, though keeping widgets active all day can slightly reduce runtime on older MacBooks. Still, for most users, the difference is hardly noticeable.
Another highlight is customization: you can choose which widgets appear and how they behave. Whether you want a single tool like media controls or a complete set of utilities, the app gives you flexibility without cluttering your screen.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Makes good use of unused notch area
- Smooth, modern design
- Useful for quick file transfers and shortcuts
- Works even without a physical notch
- Easy to set up and customize
Cons:
- Slight learning curve for first-time setup
- Occasional bugs with the tray feature
- Media controls limited for some apps
- Can consume extra power on older Macs
- Price may feel high for casual users
Final Thoughts
NotchNook is one of those tools you don’t realize you need until you try it. It transforms a small part of the Mac screen often ignored into something practical and even fun to use. While it’s not perfect and might have a few quirks, it shows how thoughtful software design can enhance everyday computing.
For those who love tinkering with their workspace, this app feels like a small luxury that makes the Mac experience smoother. If you’re curious about giving your MacBook’s notch a real purpose, this might be the most creative way to do it.
Read Also Gully Camera: The Hidden Hero Behind Modern Drain Inspection
FAQs
What is NotchNook?
It’s a macOS utility that transforms the MacBook notch into a functional area for widgets, file trays, media controls, and shortcuts.
Do I need a MacBook with a notch to use it?
No. Even Macs without a physical notch can use a “virtual notch” created by the app, offering the same features.
Is NotchNook free?
No, it’s a paid app. You can either make a one-time purchase (around $25) or subscribe for about $3 per month. It’s also available through Setapp.
What macOS version does it support?
You’ll need macOS 14.6 or later to install and run the app smoothly.
Can I use it with multiple monitors?
Yes. The app supports multiple displays and adapts to various screen layouts.
Does it affect performance or battery life?
It runs efficiently on most modern Macs, though older models may notice a slight increase in power usage.
What media apps does it support?
It works best with Apple Music and Spotify. Other third-party apps may have limited integration for now.
