Like many Mac users, I’ve accumulated years worth of files, folders, and screenshots scattered across my desktop. While I know I should organize them into proper folders, the desktop has become my default dumping ground for anything I’m actively working on. The visual clutter bothers me, especially during screen recordings or when sharing my screen during video calls with international colleagues.
Hide Icons solves this problem with an approach I hadn’t considered before. Instead of forcing me to clean up or move my desktop files elsewhere, it simply overlays a blank background that conceals everything underneath. Your files remain exactly where they are, fully accessible through Finder or any application, but visually they disappear. A quick hotkey toggle brings everything back when you need it.
I’ve been using Hide Icons on my Mac Mini M4 for the past few weeks, and it’s proven particularly useful for my remote work setup. When I’m recording tutorial videos or presenting to my international team, I can hide my messy desktop instantly without disrupting my workflow. The app uses a customizable keyboard shortcut that I’ve set to Command + Shift + H, making the toggle feel natural and quick.
The app goes beyond simple icon hiding. You can customize individual desktops with different images or solid colors, which works well if you run multiple desktop spaces like I do. There’s also an option to hide or customize the menu bar appearance, though I haven’t found that necessary for my needs. The app supports multi-monitor setups and automatically handles displays when they’re added or removed, something I appreciate when switching between my desk setup and working from just the laptop.
Hide Icons runs efficiently with minimal system impact. On macOS 13 or newer, it integrates with Dark Mode and adapts its interface accordingly. The app is completely free with no in-app purchases or advertisements, which is refreshing for this type of utility. Developer Gregory Parker has made the source code available on GitHub for those interested in reviewing the implementation.
For comparison, macOS does include a built-in “Use Stacks” feature that automatically organizes desktop items, but that actually moves your files around. Apps like Spotless ($5.99) offer automated desktop cleaning with rules, though that’s solving a different problem. Hide Icons is specifically for those who want the visual benefit of a clean desktop without changing their actual file organization.
The app requires macOS 10.13 or later and weighs in at just 11.7 MB. Setup takes less than a minute, and the keyboard shortcut configuration is straightforward through System Settings. For anyone who presents their screen regularly or simply wants a cleaner visual workspace without committing to permanent organization, Hide Icons provides a practical solution. It does one thing well and doesn’t overcomplicate the task.
