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A menu bar task list with no Dock icon or window. Supports priority levels, due dates with overdue indicators, drag-to-reorder, inline editing, and completion sounds. Free, open source, and Apple Silicon-only.

Memo provides a minimal task management experience entirely within the menu bar. There is no Dock icon and no application window—the full interface is a dropdown from the menu bar, keeping the desktop and taskbar uncluttered.

Tasks support four priority levels (Low, Medium, High, Critical) with color coding for visual scanning. Due dates can be assigned, and overdue tasks are flagged with visual indicators. Task ordering is adjustable via drag-and-drop. Inline editing allows renaming tasks without opening a separate form. When a task is marked complete, a sound effect plays as optional feedback. Completed tasks can be configured to stay in place, move to the bottom, or be hidden.

A completion counter in the menu bar icon shows progress at a glance. The app launches at login and updates automatically via Sparkle. All data is stored locally.

System requirements

  • macOS 27 Golden Gate or later
  • Apple Silicon only (no Intel support)
  • Available via GitHub Releases or buildable from source with Xcode 26+

Limitations

  • Requires macOS 27 Golden Gate; excludes all current Mac users on earlier versions
  • Apple Silicon only
  • No cloud sync or cross-device access
  • No recurring tasks, subtasks, or project grouping

Alternatives

  • Things 3 ($49.99): Full-featured task management with project structure
  • Reminders (Free, built-in): macOS-integrated task list with iCloud sync
  • Focused Work (paid): Pomodoro-linked task management in the menu bar

Suitable for users on Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 27 who want a no-frills, distraction-free task list accessible only from the menu bar.

FAQ

What does Memo do?+

Memo is a to-do list that lives entirely in the menu bar. There is no Dock icon or app window—tasks are managed through the menu bar dropdown.

Is Memo free?+

Yes. Memo is free and open source under the MIT license.

Does Memo sync across devices?+

No. Memo stores task data locally on the Mac with no cloud sync.

What macOS version does Memo require?+

Memo requires macOS 27 Golden Gate or later and Apple Silicon. It is not available on Intel Macs or earlier macOS versions.

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