ctrlhqThe ultimate Mac notch app
The father of all notch apps.
Music players, file trays and widget rows were the start. ctrlhq is what a notch app looks like when it's built to run the whole workday.
One-time purchase, lifetime updates
Already bought? Download
- 31
- tools in the notch
- 1
- app to install
- ~12 MB
- native download
- $24.99
- once, no subscription
The first wave of notch apps turned a cutout into a media player or a file tray. That was a fun trick, and it proved people wanted the notch to do something.
ctrlhq takes the idea all the way. It's a notch app with a to-do list, a time tracker, a clipboard manager, a file shelf, a screen recorder, a meeting note-taker, a teleprompter and a disk cleaner, plus the music controls and calendar you'd expect. If you want one notch app to rule the rest, this is the one we built.
How it stacks up against single-purpose notch apps
Different apps are built for different days. Here's how ctrlhq's approach differs.
Built for work, not just for show
Tasks, a running timer and time reports are the foundation, so the notch earns its place every hour.
Media and files are covered too
Now playing with lyrics, a file shelf with AirDrop and image conversion, and a calendar are all in the notch.
Goes beyond the notch
Screen recording, meeting notes, disk cleanup, an app uninstaller and display controls usually mean separate apps.
Priced like a utility
One payment, no subscription, lifetime updates.
Every tool in the notch
Time tracking
- Time trackingYour tasks and the running timer live in the notch, so you never forget to start or stop.
- Power tool⌘⇧Space from any app. Type a task, a sum, a file name, a reminder or an app, press Return, and you're back where you were.
- Idle detectionNo more phantom hours from a timer left running over lunch.
- Time reportsBy category and by task, for today, the last 7 or the last 30 days, with a timeline of your day.
- Focus timerStart a focus session on your top task. ctrlhq tracks the time and calls the break.
In the notch
- RemindersHealth presets and reminders you write yourself, counted in time you're actually at your Mac.
- AffirmationsPaste your affirmations and ctrlhq brings one up under the notch every so often. A gentle line, then it's gone.
- BrainsprintFive one-minute brain games that pop up under your notch when you choose. Quick math, word guess, memory and focus.
- ScratchpadRich-text notes that save as you type. For phone numbers, snippets and half-formed thoughts.
- Clipboard historySearchable clipboard history for text and images. ⌘⇧V opens it in any app.
- File shelfDrop files on the notch to hold them. Move them to a pinned folder, drag them out, or AirDrop them in one move.
- Image converterConvert to WebP, AVIF, HEIC, JPEG, PNG or TIFF and watch the file size change as you move the slider.
- Notch signA scrolling dot-matrix sign under your notch. ON AIR, In a meeting, or anything you like.
- Now playingBig artwork, controls, a scrubber and volume for Apple Music and Spotify, plus synced lyrics you can keep under the notch.
- BackdropMix ambient sounds to work to. They start with your timer, step aside for music and calls, and Nook joins in.
- Keep awakeKeep your Mac awake through a long download, a render or a talk. ⌃⌥K toggles it.
Calls & video
- Screen recordingRecord a screen or one window with your face in a bubble, your mic and your Mac's audio.
- Meeting notesctrlhq notices a call and offers to take notes. Transcribed on-device, with a summary and action items.
- Quick snapYour camera in the notch, a shutter with a self-timer, and a ring light: bright white around the notch that lights your face.
- TeleprompterYour notes scroll right under the camera, so you never glance away mid-sentence.
Your Mac
- Screen timeApp usage for today and the last 7 days, plus your battery's health.
- AI usage limitsClaude Code and Codex plan limits side by side: the 5-hour window, the weekly cap and when each resets, for every account you use.
- Display brightnessA slider for each display, including external monitors. Contrast and speaker volume too, where the monitor supports them.
- Disk cleanupOne scan shows what's safe to clear, what's worth a look, and the biggest files and folders on your Mac.
- Duplicate finderEvery match is a full SHA-256, never a guess from a name. Keep the first copy and stage the rest in one click.
- App uninstallerUninstall an app and everything it left behind, see what it did all day, update it, and stop it starting at login.
- App LockMessages, Photos, your bank. Locked apps stay hidden until you unlock them.
- TelegramConnect your own Telegram bot to add a task or flash a message on the notch — or, if your Mac goes missing, snap a photo and its location.
- Batman hoursctrlhq notices, Nook puts on a mask, and it counts separately. No judgement.
- Nook the catNook naps when you're idle, types when you do, and cheers when you finish something.
- Keyboard shortcutsGlobal shortcuts for everything you do often. They work in any app and can all be rebound.
Questions
What is the best notch app for Mac?
It depends on the job. If you mainly want music controls and a file tray, a media-focused notch app fits. If you want the notch to run tasks, time tracking, recording, meeting notes and cleanup too, ctrlhq is built for that.
How is ctrlhq different from other notch apps?
Most notch apps focus on one area such as media, files or widgets. ctrlhq covers those basics and adds productivity and Mac utility tools, all in one app. See the side-by-side pages for NotchNook, Boring Notch and Alcove.
Do I still need other apps?
Often not. ctrlhq can replace a separate clipboard manager, time tracker, screen recorder, disk cleaner and more, though you can keep any of them you prefer.
Which Macs does it support?
macOS 26 Tahoe or later, on Apple silicon and Intel. Macs without a notch get a drawn notch at the top of the screen.
Put the whole toolbox in your notch.
$24.99 once, no subscription.
One-time purchase, lifetime updates
Already bought? Download
macOS 26 Tahoe or later · Apple silicon & Intel