Itchy

For advanced users and developers, Itchy provides the ItchySDK, enabling the creation of entirely new Nook modules beyond the built-in set. Developers add the SDK from GitHub, write a Swift module with import itchy, compile it as a macOS .bundle, and then either import it via Itchy Settings or copy it into the modules folder manually. This SDK is designed to be flexible and self-contained, allowing modules to function as either Nook modules or custom menu/content tabs. The benefits are significant: custom modules can integrate with any internal tool, API, or workflow, and because they are self-hosted, all data stays on the user's Mac, ensuring privacy. This opens up possibilities for enterprise teams to build proprietary notch tools without exposing sensitive information. Furthermore, the community aspect allows publishing modules for other Itchy users, building reputations as macOS utility developers while contributing to the platform's growth. The use of Swift and SwiftUI ensures developers can leverage their existing Apple platform knowledge.

Itchy offers extensive customization options to tailor the notch experience exactly to your preferences. From the settings menu, you can reorder modules, hide or show them individually, and configure their specific behaviors. This means you can keep your most-used modules at the top and temporarily hide distractions during focused work. Additionally, Itchy provides a set of global shortcuts that work from anywhere on your Mac. For example, Control+Option+N creates a new note, Control+Option+V opens the clipboard picker and pastes at the caret, and Control+Option+P toggles play/pause. These shortcuts make it possible to interact with modules without even looking at the notch. Another standout feature is the Screen Sharing Friendly mode, which hides Itchy by default during screen sharing to avoid revealing personal information, but can be toggled on easily when needed. These customization capabilities ensure that each user can craft a notch interface that perfectly fits their workflow and privacy needs.

Itchy operates as a lightweight background utility that integrates seamlessly with macOS. When installed, it takes over the notch area, turning it into an interactive panel. Users can click on the notch to expand it, revealing the enabled Nook modules in a dropdown-style interface. Each module displays its information or controls directly within this panel, allowing for quick interaction without opening separate windows. The modules are managed through a dedicated settings pane where users can enable/disable, reorder, and configure each one. Global shortcuts provide a secondary method of interaction, enabling actions like creating a note or opening the clipboard picker from any application. The app respects system permissions; for instance, Weather and Calendar require location and calendar access, while Media Player needs accessibility permissions for Chromium-based browsers. Overall, Itchy's workflow is designed to be non-disruptive: it stays out of the way until needed, then provides instant access to productivity tools right from the notch.

The versatility of Itchy's modules enables a wide range of real-world applications. For example, a presenter delivering a slide deck can use the Prompter module to read their script directly from the notch, eliminating the need for a second screen or paper notes, resulting in a smoother and more professional presentation. A software developer building a custom module for their team's internal API can integrate real-time status updates into the notch, allowing quick checks without leaving their IDE, which improves development efficiency. In everyday use, a user can glance at the Weather module to decide on an outfit, check the Calendar module for the next meeting, and use the Clipboard History module to paste a previously copied code snippet, all within seconds and without switching apps. These actions collectively reduce the cognitive load of multitasking and keep the user in their flow state. The outcomes are tangible: less time wasted, fewer distractions, and a more organized digital workspace. The global shortcuts further accelerate these tasks, making Itchy an indispensable tool for power users.

Itchy is specifically designed for anyone who owns a MacBook with a notch and values productivity. The primary target audience includes remote workers who need quick access to communication and time management tools, developers who want to extend their workflow with custom modules, and presenters who require a discreet teleprompter. It is also well-suited for enterprise environments where data privacy is critical, as the custom module SDK allows self-hosted solutions that keep sensitive information on the device. The app runs on macOS and is built using Swift and SwiftUI, ensuring native performance and integration. Itchy is completely free to use, with no in-app purchases or limitations—a commitment to community-driven development. By offering 12+ built-in modules and the ability to create unlimited custom ones, Itchy proves that the Mac notch is more than a design quirk: it's a potential command center that can streamline your daily digital habits. With its focus on customization, privacy, and extensibility, Itchy stands out as a must-have utility for modern Mac users.

Updated 2026-03-06