Since Apple introduced the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with an iPhone-style notch, a few months have passed. You must all have formed an opinion on the notch at this point regarding whether you like it or not. Whether you like it or not, the notch is here to stay, and if you have purchased a brand-new MacBook Pro, you will have to learn to live with it. Having said that, there are various cunning ways to hide the notch. We’ve also provided a list of techniques in this article that you can use to cover the notch on your new MacBook Pro.
Hide MacBook Pro Notch (2022)
We have discussed third-party software you can use to get comparable results, as well as Apple’s official method of concealing the MacBook Pro notch. You might be surprised to learn that we have also added a third-party programme that converts the notch in the screen into a functional Touch Bar. You can pick the app based on what you need. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Scale and Use Apps in Full-Screen Mode on MacBook Pro
To ensure continuous access to your favourite Mac apps on the new MacBook Pro, Apple explicitly advises utilising apps in full-screen mode and resizing them. It doesn’t apply to all apps and operates on a per-app basis. You should also be aware that resizing an app won’t make the notch disappear. Instead, it will guarantee that the menu bar and app windows always show below the notch on your Mac. If this feature is turned on, none of the menu choices will have their edges clipped by the notch region. Having stated that, let’s see how it functions:
- Use Apps in Full-Screen on MacBook Pro
Use Apple’s built-in apps in full-screen mode, which is one of the easiest ways to prevent the notch when using them, as advised by Apple. It really is that simple. Simply click on the green icon in the top-left corner of the window to accomplish that. Alternatively, you can use the Control + Cmd + F shortcut on the Mac to maximise the window and fill the entire screen.
- Scale App Window and Menu Bars
1. Locate the app you want to scale and notch in the Finder sidebar by clicking on Apps. Choose the application now and pick Obtain Info from the context menu.
2. To enable it, check the Scale to fit below built-in camera box in the App Info window that now appears.
3. Log off of the App Info pop-up window. Open the app now to ensure that the menu items are visible and that the menu elements do not tuck beneath the notch on the MacBook Pro screen.
It’s important to note that until you stop the scaled programme, all apps that share the same workspace will display below the camera. If this strategy doesn’t appeal to you, you might look into third-party options to actually conceal the notch from the following section.
Third-Party Apps to Hide Notch on the New MacBook Pro
There are third-party ways to conceal or even beautify the MacBook Pro notch, while Apple’s standard method may be sufficient for many users. The following is a list of some of the top apps you may use to hide the notch:
Forehead
Forehead is a clever programme developed by Jordi Bruin that alters your current wallpaper by adding a black bar at the top. The tool also adds rounded edges to your Mac’s screen and gives you the choice of changing the corner radius. Although Forehead is offered without charge, you can choose to purchase it from the downloads page to help the creator.
Download Header (Free)
TopNotch
TopNotch is another free programme that can be used to cover the notch on your 14- or 16-inch MacBook Pro. TopNotch, which was developed by the same group that created Cleanshot for macOS, supports dynamic desktop backgrounds and performs well on multiple displays. With this programme, you can also give your background rounded corners.
Install TopNotch (Free)
Notchmeister
Notchmeister embraces the notch, in contrast to other programmes that try to hide it. You may upgrade your notch with effects using this free app. As strange as it may sound, it’s a cool new method to distinguish your MacBook Pro from the competition. There are five effects available, and those using older MacBook models can experience the notch live with the help of a real replacement notch.
Get Notchmeister from the App Store (Free)
De-Notch-ifier
We have De-Notch-ifier to round up the third-party hide notch apps collection. De-Notch-ifier, according to its creator, is a pre-configured version of their current Boring Old Menu Bar software. It has distinct settings for light and dark mode and supports dynamic wallpapers. It also automatically determines the height of the notch in screen pixels. Support for numerous displays and spaces as well as rounded corners is additionally provided. Be aware that De-Notch-ifier is a premium app, but you may try it out for free for 14 days prior to buying it.
Download De-Notch-ifier (starting at $14.95 for a 14-day trial).
Turn the MacBook Pro Notch into a Touch Bar
Finally, you may use this handy piece of third-party software called BetterTouchTool to maximise the screen space around the notch on your new MacBook Pro. This well-known and long-used Mac utility tool enables you to convert the MacBook Pro’s notched area into a TouchBar-like space. In the space that resembles the Touch Bar next to the notch, you may add helpful shortcuts and widgets. (See below for a screenshot).
For those who don’t know, Apple discontinued the Touch Bar with the introduction of the new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. The new Notch Bar feature in BetterTouchTool allows you to imitate this hardware function, though, if you were one of the users who relied significantly on it (requires at leastmacOS 12 Monterey).
So, you wonder, what else can you add to our top-notch Touch Bar? You can include a weather widget, a music player, brightness and volume controls, shortcuts for particular webpages and folders, and more. In the space adjacent to the notch, there is also an option to keep track of the history of the clipboard.
Download BetterTouchTool (starting at $9.99 for two years after a 45-day free trial).
Creative Ways to Hide the Notch on Your MacBook Pro
You now have more options for dealing with the notch on the most recent MacBook Pro models thanks to the efforts of third-party developers. Like the notch? Use Notchmeister to add some holiday flair. Not really a fan? Use TopNotch to conceal it. You have a choice, and we hope this article has made it easier for you to get used to the notch on your MacBook Pro. You can visit the attached guide to learn how to use SharePlay to share your Mac’s screen during FaceTime in the interim.