Widgets are a great way to personalize and customize your desktop on a Mac. They provide quick access to information and tools that you use frequently, without having to open specific applications. However, one common frustration that Mac users face is the inability to keep widgets on the desktop. By default, widgets are confined to the Notification Center, which means you have to open it every time you want to use or view a widget. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to keep widgets on the desktop on a Mac, allowing for easier access and increased productivity.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Keep Widgets on the Desktop
There are several reasons why you might want to keep widgets on your desktop. First and foremost, it provides quick and effortless access to information and tools that you regularly use. Instead of having to open the Notification Center each time, you can have the widgets right in front of you, ready to be used.
Additionally, having widgets on the desktop allows for better multitasking. You can view and interact with the widgets while simultaneously working on other tasks, without having to switch between different screens or applications.
Lastly, keeping widgets on the desktop enhances personalization and customization. You can arrange and organize the widgets according to your preferences, creating a desktop layout that suits your workflow and style.
Now, let’s explore different methods to keep widgets on the desktop on your Mac.
Method 1: Using Third-Party Apps
Some third-party apps allow you to bring widgets from the Notification Center to your desktop. These apps bypass the default restrictions set by macOS and provide a workaround to keep widgets accessible at all times. Here’s how you can do it using a popular app called "Übersicht":
1. Download and install the "Übersicht" app from the official website.
2. Launch the app, and you’ll see an empty screen with a bar at the top.
3. Right-click on the bar and select "Add Widget" from the context menu.
4. Choose a widget from the available options or create a custom one using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
5. Drag and position the widget on your desktop. You can resize and customize its appearance as well.
Using Übersicht, you can add multiple widgets to your desktop and arrange them as per your preference. It’s a flexible and user-friendly solution to keep widgets accessible without the need to open the Notification Center.
Pros:
1. Customizable and offers a wide range of widget options.
2. Easy to navigate and manage widgets on the desktop.
3. Provides a workaround to keep widgets accessible at all times.
Cons:
1. Requires installing a third-party app.
2. Some widgets may require basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for customization.
3. Compatibility may vary depending on the macOS version.
Method 2: Using Stickies
While Stickies is primarily a note-taking app, it can also be used as a workaround to keep widgets on the desktop. Stickies allows you to create small, resizable windows that can display any information you need. Here’s how you can use Stickies to keep widgets on your Mac desktop:
1. Open the Stickies app from the Applications folder or by using Spotlight search.
2. Create a new sticky note by clicking on the File menu and selecting "New Note" or by pressing Command + N.
3. Drag the edges of the sticky note to resize it according to your desired widget size.
4. Configure the sticky note by adding text, images, or any other content you want to display as a widget.
5. Repeat the process to create additional sticky note widgets.
Stickies provide a simple and built-in solution to keep widgets visible on your Mac desktop. You can arrange and organize them as per your preference, making it easier to access the information you need.
Pros:
1. Built-in and readily available on all Mac devices.
2. Easy to create, resize, and customize sticky note widgets.
3. No need to install any additional apps or third-party software.
Cons:
1. Limited functionality compared to dedicated widget apps.
2. Stickies may take up desktop space, especially if you add multiple widgets.
3. Stickies may not be as visually appealing or customizable as other dedicated widget solutions.
Method 3: Using GeekTool
GeekTool is another popular option for keeping widgets on the desktop. It allows you to display various types of information, such as calendars, weather updates, system stats, and more, directly on your desktop. Here’s how you can use GeekTool to keep widgets visible:
1. Download and install GeekTool from the official website.
2. Launch GeekTool and click on the "+" button to add a new Geeklet.
3. Select the desired Geeklet type, such as a shell, image, or text.
4. Configure the Geeklet settings to display the information you want, such as a weather forecast or a calendar.
5. Drag and position the Geeklet on your desktop. You can customize its appearance and size as well.
GeekTool provides a powerful and versatile solution for creating and displaying custom widgets on your Mac desktop. It requires some technical knowledge to configure and customize the Geeklets, but it offers endless possibilities for personalization.
Pros:
1. Highly customizable and versatile.
2. Offers a wide range of Geeklet types to display different information.
3. Supports complex scripting and automation for advanced users.
Cons:
1. Requires some technical knowledge to set up and configure Geeklets.
2. May not be as user-friendly for beginners.
3. Compatibility may vary depending on the macOS version.
Method 4: Using BetterSnapTool
BetterSnapTool is primarily a window management tool that allows you to organize and resize windows on your Mac. However, it can also be used to keep widgets on the desktop by creating a widget window that stays in the foreground. Here’s how you can use BetterSnapTool for this purpose:
1. Download and install BetterSnapTool from the official website.
2. Launch BetterSnapTool and go to the "Window Snapping" tab in the preferences.
3. Enable the "Stay on top" option.
4. Create a new widget by opening any application that supports widgets, like the Calendar or Calculator.
5. Use BetterSnapTool to resize and position the widget window to your desired location on the desktop.
By using BetterSnapTool, you can create dedicated widget windows that stay on top of other applications. This allows for quick access to the widgets without having to switch between different screens or applications.
Pros:
1. Integrates seamlessly with macOS window management.
2. Allows for precise resizing and positioning of widget windows.
3. Works with any application that supports widgets.
Cons:
1. Primarily designed for window management, so widget functionality may be limited.
2. Requires some familiarity with BetterSnapTool’s features and settings.
3. Compatibility may vary depending on the macOS version.
What to Do If You Can’t Keep Widgets on the Desktop
If none of the above methods work or you encounter difficulties in keeping widgets on your Mac desktop, there are a few fixes you can try:
1. Restart your Mac: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches that may be preventing widgets from staying on the desktop.
2. Update macOS: Ensure that you are running the latest version of macOS on your Mac. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can address any widget-related issues.
3. Reset Notification Center: Go to System Preferences > Notifications, and click on "Reset Banner Alerts." This will reset the Notification Center and may help in resolving any conflicts that prevent widgets from staying on the desktop.
Bonus Tips:
1. Use Hot Corners: macOS allows you to set up hot corners, which are specific mouse cursor movements that trigger predefined actions. You can assign a hot corner to show the Desktop, making it easier to access and view widgets.
2. Try Dashboard: Although Dashboard is no longer the default widget platform on macOS, it is still available. You can enable Dashboard from System Preferences > Mission Control and access widgets through dedicated Dashboard screens.
3. Explore Widget Apps: Besides the methods mentioned above, there are numerous widget apps available on the Mac App Store. Explore these apps to find a solution that suits your needs and preferences.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I customize the appearance of the widgets?
A: Yes, depending on the method and app you choose, you can customize the appearance of the widgets. For instance, Übersicht allows you to create custom widgets using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Q2: Will keeping widgets on the desktop affect my Mac’s performance?
A: In general, keeping widgets on the desktop should not significantly impact your Mac’s performance. However, certain resource-intensive widgets or apps may consume system resources and affect performance to some extent.
Q3: Can I use multiple methods simultaneously to keep widgets on the desktop?
A: Yes, you can use multiple methods simultaneously to keep different types of widgets on your Mac desktop. For example, you can use Übersicht for custom widgets and Stickies for simple note-based widgets.
Q4: Are there any security concerns related to using third-party widget apps?
A: It’s always important to exercise caution when installing and using third-party apps. Ensure that you download apps from trusted sources and keep your system up-to-date with security patches and updates.
Q5: Do widgets stay on the desktop after restarting my Mac?
A: It depends on the method you choose. Some methods, like Übersicht and Stickies, will keep the widgets on the desktop even after restarting your Mac. However, others, like GeekTool, may require you to relaunch the app or configure the settings after a restart.
Final Thoughts
Keeping widgets on the desktop can greatly enhance your Mac experience by providing quick access to frequently used information and tools. Although macOS restricts widgets to the Notification Center by default, there are various methods to bypass this limitation and keep widgets on the desktop.
In this blog post, we explored four different methods to achieve this goal: using third-party apps like Übersicht, leveraging the Stickies app, utilizing GeekTool, and using BetterSnapTool for window management. Each method has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Additionally, we provided some potential fixes if you encounter difficulties in keeping widgets on the desktop and offered bonus tips to further enhance your widget experience on a Mac. Remember to exercise caution when installing third-party apps and keep your system updated to ensure a secure and optimized Mac desktop.
With the right method and customization, you can transform your Mac desktop into a personalized and productive workspace, tailored to your unique needs. Happy widgetizing!