EdgeBar
Control volume and brightness from your trackpad edges.
About EdgeBar
EdgeBar is a macOS utility that turns the edges of a MacBook trackpad (or Magic Trackpad/Mouse) into volume and brightness sliders, adding quick mute, media controls and fine‑step adjustments. It runs from the menu bar, requires macOS 13 or later, and costs a one‑time $9 early-bird purchase. It targets Mac users who want tactile, edge‑based control without altering normal gestures.
EdgeBar is a macOS utility that turns the edges of a MacBook trackpad (or Magic Trackpad/Mouse) into volume and brightness sliders, adding quick mute, media controls and fine‑step adjustments. It runs from the menu bar, requires macOS 13 or later, and costs a one‑time $9 purchase. It targets Mac users who want tactile, edge‑based control without altering normal gestures.
Overview
Who is it for?
Mac users who want quick, tactile volume and brightness adjustments directly from the trackpad.
Features
- Volume control on right edge
- Brightness control on left edge
- Haptic feedback during slides
- Quick mute via double‑tap corner
- Media strip for play/skip on bottom edge
- Fine‑step adjustment with Shift‑Option
Use cases
- Productivity
- Productivity Optimization
- Slide right edge to raise or lower system volume
- Slide left edge to increase or decrease screen brightness
- Double‑tap top‑right corner to mute or unmute audio
- Swipe bottom edge to play, pause or skip tracks in supported media apps
- You can change volume, adjust brightness, mute quickly, control playback in music apps, and make precise quarter‑step changes, all from the trackpad while keeping normal gestures intact.
Details
- Pricing
- One-time Payment
- Platforms
- MacOS
- Categories
- Menu Bar Apps
- Built with
- Cloudflare
- Launched
- Last updated
More details
Comparisons
Provides native edge sliders, unlike BetterTouchTool, which requires custom gestures
Offers built‑in haptic ticks on Magic Trackpad, a feature many trackpad utilities lack
Functions as a dedicated volume/brightness tool, whereas generic mouse/trackpad apps do not focus on these controls
Integrations
Media strip works with any app that responds to standard play/skip keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Music, Spotify, YouTube)
Brightness adjustments affect the main display, including the built‑in MacBook screen and Apple displays
Corner Action can launch Shortcuts for custom actions
Supports Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad as input devices
Pros
Uses haptic feedback for a native feel
Works on built‑in trackpad, Magic Trackpad and optional Magic Mouse
Menu‑bar only interface keeps Dock clean and uses minimal CPU
One‑finger edge slide does not interfere with normal gestures or scrolling
Cursor freeze option keeps pointer steady while adjusting
Fine‑control mode allows quarter‑step changes for precise volume/brightness
Lifetime license provides free updates within the 1.x series
Limitations
Cannot change brightness on most third‑party external monitors.
What is EdgeBar?
EdgeBar is a macOS app that maps the left, right and bottom edges of a trackpad to system volume, screen brightness and media controls, letting you adjust these settings with simple finger slides.
What are its key features?
It offers right‑edge volume control, left‑edge brightness control, haptic feedback, quick mute via corner double‑tap, a media strip for play/skip on the bottom edge, and fine‑step adjustments when you hold Shift‑Option.
How does it compare to alternatives?
Unlike generic gesture tools such as BetterTouchTool, EdgeBar provides built‑in edge sliders and haptic ticks, focusing specifically on volume and brightness rather than a broad set of custom actions.
What integrations and ecosystem support does it offer?
The media strip works with any app that accepts play/skip keyboard shortcuts, brightness changes affect the main display (including Apple monitors), Corner Action can trigger Shortcuts, and it supports Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse as input devices.
What are its pros?
It delivers native‑feeling haptic feedback, runs from the menu bar with low CPU use, does not interfere with scrolling or clicking, includes cursor freeze, offers fine‑control steps, and provides a lifetime license with free updates.
Limitations
Cannot change brightness on most third‑party external monitors.
Alternatives
Resources
FAQ about EdgeBar
Will EdgeBar interfere with scrolling or clicking?
No. Only a one-finger slide that starts exactly on the trackpad edge is recognized, so normal scrolling, clicking and gestures work as usual.
Which Macs, trackpads and screens does EdgeBar work with?
EdgeBar works with any Mac running macOS 13 or later. It supports the built-in MacBook trackpad, Magic Trackpad, and optionally, the Magic Mouse. However, most third-party monitors cannot be adjusted for brightness.
Why does EdgeBar need Accessibility (Device Control and Data Access) permission?
macOS requires this permission for an app to change system volume, brightness, or keep the cursor still. EdgeBar only uses this permission to detect when you type and apply the adjustments, without reading keystrokes or screen content.
How do I move my license to a new Mac?
To move your license to a new Mac, deactivate the current Mac from EdgeBar's menu or the online manage page, then enter the same license key on the new machine to activate it there.
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