Notchly is a macOS app that repurposes the MacBook's notch into a multifunctional productivity hub with 13 features including music controls, clipboard history, and focus timer.
What is Notchly?
Notchly is a macOS utility that turns the hardware notch on MacBook Pro (2021+) and MacBook Air (2022+) into an interactive control center. It takes no input beyond hover gestures and provides instant access to tools like music playback, clipboard management, screen recording, and a teleprompter. The app runs on macOS 14 Sonoma or later and is developed by a solo creator (@probiex007).
Key Features
- Music Controls — Control Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music playback from the notch, with album art, track info, and progress bar.
- Clipboard History — Access and search your clipboard history; Free version stores 5 items, Pro stores 60 items. Pin important entries.
- Focus Timer — Built-in Pomodoro timer with presets (10, 25, 50 minutes and custom) and a live activity pill on the notch when running.
- File Shelf — Drag files to the notch for temporary storage; persists across sessions, ideal for moving files between apps.
- Screen Recording — Record full screen or region with smart cursor zoom; Pro includes recording with zoom.
- Studio: Screenshot, Record & Camera — Capture screenshots (full screen, region, window), record screen, or launch face cam overlay from one tab.
- NotchPrompt — Invisible teleprompter that wraps around the camera notch, auto-scrolling a script while maintaining eye contact during recordings.
- Session Manager — Save and restore desktop sessions; all running apps captured and minimized, restorable with one click.
Who is it for?
- MacBook Pro and Air users (2021+ models) — Anyone who wants to make productive use of the notch area instead of ignoring it.
- Productivity enthusiasts — Users who frequently multitask and need quick access to clipboard history, timers, and file transfers without extra windows.
- Content creators — Those who record screen, use a teleprompter, or need a camera overlay for videos, all accessible from the notch.
Use cases
- Quick music control during work — Hover the notch to play/pause, skip tracks, or change volume without switching apps.
- Clipboard management for frequent copy-pasters — Access a 60-item history in Pro, pin frequently used snippets, and paste with a single click.
- Pomodoro focus sessions — Start a 25-minute focus timer from the notch, see remaining time in the notch pill, and track completed sessions.
- Drag-and-drop file staging — Temporarily hold files in the notch while navigating between finder windows or apps, then drop them where needed.
How does Notchly work?
After downloading the DMG from the website, drag Notchly to Applications and launch it. The app runs in the menu bar; hover over the notch to expand the interface. Core features work immediately without an account. Pro features unlock by entering a license key in Settings > Account.
Pricing
Notchly offers a Free tier with 5-item clipboard, basic focus timer, file shelf, music controls, and calendar. Pro costs a one-time $15 and includes 60-item clipboard, screen recording, session manager, teleprompter, todos, command shortcuts, and more, covering 2 devices per license. No subscription required.
FAQ
Is Notchly free?
Yes, the base version is free forever. It includes essential features like music controls, file shelf, and a 5-item clipboard. Pro unlocks advanced tools for a one-time payment.
Which Macs are supported?
Notchly works on all Macs running macOS 14 Sonoma or later — MacBook Pro 14" and 16" (2021+) and MacBook Air (2022+).
How do I activate Pro?
After purchasing, you receive a license key by email. Open Notchly, hover the notch, go to Settings > Account > Enter Key, and paste the key. Pro unlocks instantly.
Is Pro a subscription?
No, Pro is a one-time purchase of $15 for lifetime access, including all future updates. Up to 2 devices per license.
