QuietscreenmacOS app

Your Desktop files, behind a backdrop.

Quietscreen is a macOS menu bar app. Choose Hide Desktop from the menu bar and it covers the Desktop on each display with the backdrop you chose, so the files on it are out of sight. The files stay where they are and Finder's settings are left unchanged.

Coming Soon

FUNCTION

What it does

Hide and Show from the MenuChoose Hide Desktop from the menu bar icon and the backdrop fades over the Desktop in 0.5 seconds. App windows stay usable on top, and clicking the backdrop does not select the files under it. While the Desktop is hidden, the icon carries a dot in its lower right.

Choose the BackdropPick one of six gradients (Night, Dusk, Ocean, Forest, Dawn and Mist) or a wallpaper that came with your Mac. Choosing another while the Desktop is hidden swaps it in place.

Cover the Menu Bar TooTurn on Hide Menu Bar Too and the menu bar is covered with the same backdrop while the Desktop is hidden. Move the pointer to the top of the screen to show it.

Remembers It Was HiddenQuit with the Desktop hidden and it starts hidden the next time. Turn on Open at login (off by default) and it is hidden as soon as you log in. A display you connect has its Desktop covered too.

What it needs

Operating system: macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later.
Permissions: None. It works as soon as it is installed.
Price: One-time purchase, no subscription.