Question 1

What is Notcher?

Accepted Answer

Notcher is a native macOS app that turns the MacBook notch into a Dynamic Island. It adds music controls, a focus timer, a file shelf, local clipboard history, weather, a camera mirror and selected menu bar apps to the area around the camera.

Question 2

Which Macs does Notcher support?

Accepted Answer

macOS 14 or newer on Apple silicon. The provided test build is not a universal binary; Intel can be built from source. On Macs without a physical notch the interface appears centred at the top of the screen.

Question 3

How much does Notcher cost?

Accepted Answer

Nothing. Version 0.8.3 is a free local test build with no account, sign-up, subscription or tracking.

Question 4

Is the test build notarized by Apple?

Accepted Answer

No. Notcher 0.8.3 is locally signed but not notarized by Apple. The DMG format does not change that: macOS may still show a security warning on first launch.

Question 5

How do I install Notcher?

Accepted Answer

Open the DMG, drag Notcher into Applications, eject the DMG.

Question 6

Which permissions does Notcher need?

Accepted Answer

Only for the features you use: menu shortcuts while holding Command need accessibility access; location is optional for weather, otherwise you type a city; the camera is requested only when you explicitly start the camera mirror.

Question 7

Does Notcher read my clipboard or notifications?

Accepted Answer

The clipboard history is opened deliberately with Control+V and managed locally. Optional app hints check only publicly available accessibility labels of selected apps roughly every ten seconds for rising semantic counters. Icon-only badges and Notification Center contents are never read.

Question 8

How long is copied text kept?

Accepted Answer

Permanently and locally on your Mac — until you delete an entry, move it to trash or clear the history including favourites. There is no automatic limit and no expiry.

Question 9

Where do weather and cover art come from?

Accepted Answer

Hourly model forecasts come from MET Norway Locationforecast (CC BY 4.0) when weather is enabled. Rounded coordinates and the connection IP are sent; Apple handles city and reverse lookup. Cover art is fetched on demand for Spotify or Apple Music.

Question 10

Does Notcher send data to a server?

Accepted Answer

Only for features you enable, such as weather or cover art. There is no analytics, no tracking and no user account. Notes, workspaces, clipboard history and shelf stay local.

Question 11

Is the preview on the website real?

Accepted Answer

The browser preview is a faithful simulation with sample data. It never reads your clipboard, camera or files.

Frequently asked questions about Notcher

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Frequently asked questions