Tuck
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Considering an Ice alternative?

If Ice shows a blank layout or stopped revealing icons after a macOS update, this page helps you decide whether Tuck is a better fit.

Updated

Short answer. Reports on a tracker describe particular builds and setups. They are not a failure rate. Tuck needs macOS 26, has no importer, and its first build is launching soon. Switch only if the signs below match your Mac.

Signs it may be time to look

  • Menu Bar Layout is blank, white, or stuck, with the message “Unable to display menu bar items”.
  • Hidden icons do not come back after you update macOS.
  • Stable builds that predate your macOS version.

Try the built-in controls first

macOS already lets you choose which items appear in the menu bar, and you can Command-drag an item to reorder it. If that covers your needs, you can skip third-party apps. A manager helps when you want hidden sections, search or a separate bar.

Where Tuck fits, and where it does not

Tuck fits if

  • You are on macOS 26 and Ice shows a blank or stuck layout.
  • You want a build that targets macOS 26 by design.

Stay with Ice if

  • Ice already works on your Mac and macOS version.
  • You run a macOS version older than 26, which Tuck does not support.
  • You prefer the original project.

Switch without losing your layout

Tuck cannot read Ice’s settings, so the switch is manual. Keep a screenshot of your existing layout to guide the change.

  1. Reveal every icon Ice hides, then take a screenshot of the full menu bar.
  2. Write down the reveal method you use (click, hover or hotkey) and any hotkeys.
  3. Install Tuck when the first build is out, and grant Accessibility.
  4. Turn off Ice’s hiding and launch at login, then quit it. Keep it installed for now.
  5. Open Layout in Tuck’s Settings and drag icons into Visible, Hidden and Always-Hidden to match your screenshot.
  6. Check each icon, then test after sleep and restart. Keep your original screenshot; profile export is planned for Pro.

How to roll back

Quit Tuck and open Ice again. Nothing in Tuck deletes a menu bar item: a missing icon is usually sitting in the Hidden or Always-Hidden section, and Option-click on the Tuck icon shows the Always-Hidden section. Delete Tuck only after Ice looks right again.

Compare the details

See the dated side-by-side table for Tuck vs Ice, the Tuck feature list and the macOS 27 status page (support is in development).

Questions people ask

Can I import my Bartender or Ice layout?

There is no importer for other apps. Importing and exporting Tuck profiles is planned for Pro. Write down your old layout, then recreate it in Tuck by dragging items into Visible, Hidden and Always-Hidden.

Which macOS versions does Tuck support?

Tuck requires macOS 26. It does not support macOS 14 or 15. Support for macOS 27 is in development and is covered on its own page.

Will Tuck keep my icon order after a macOS update?

Tuck saves the order of your items, but no app can promise it survives every macOS or app update. Keep a screenshot of your layout before you update macOS, and check the changelog for compatibility notes.