Stash

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Stash is a macOS utility application (menu bar app) that provides a system-wide, context-aware control layer. It integrates hidden user interface elements—like sliders, dials, and docks—at the screen's edges and corners, which are activated by mouse or trackpad proximity.
2. Core Value Proposition: Stash exists to declutter the macOS desktop and streamline workflow efficiency by placing essential controls and app shortcuts within immediate reach but out of sight. Its primary value is in reducing context-switching and mouse travel distance for common system adjustments and application launching, thereby enhancing productivity and maintaining a minimalist, focused workspace.

Main Features

1. Edge Sliders: These are invisible vertical control strips mapped to the left or right edges of the primary display. Using cursor proximity detection, they activate to reveal tactile sliders for adjusting system parameters like volume, display brightness, and macOS appearance mode (Light/Dark/Auto). The technology relies on low-level macOS accessibility and event tap APIs to intercept cursor movement and overlay a native-feeling slider interface.
2. Corner Dials: This feature assigns interactive dial controls to the four corners of the screen. When the cursor hovers in a configured corner, a radial dial UI appears, allowing for precise adjustment of volume, brightness, keyboard backlight intensity, and audio output selection. It utilizes similar cursor tracking as the Edge Sliders but implements a rotary control metaphor, often with haptic feedback via the Force Touch trackpad.
3. Hidden Dock & App Launcher: An expandable dock that resides off-screen, typically aligned with the user's main macOS Dock. On cursor hover at the screen edge, it slides into view, presenting a user-configured set of pinned applications (up to 8). A secondary gesture or click expands this into a full App Launcher grid. This is managed through a dedicated configuration panel and uses macOS APIs for application launching and window management.
4. App Profiles (Contextual Awareness): A rules-based automation system that dynamically changes Stash's configuration based on the foreground application. For example, when Adobe Photoshop is active, the Edge Sliders can automatically switch to control brush size or opacity, and the Hidden Dock can show design-related apps. This is achieved by monitoring the active application bundle identifier via macOS NSWorkspace notifications.
5. Stash Deck (iPhone Companion): A standalone iOS application that functions as a wireless remote control for the Mac app. It connects via local Wi-Fi or Bluetooth using a custom protocol, mirroring the Mac's context. It provides touch-based widgets (e.g., Spotify transport, Timer), an app launcher to "throw" apps to the Mac, and the Creative Pro module, which delivers application-specific tool palettes, precision sliders, and color pickers for creative software like Adobe Creative Suite and Blender.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Disorganized and cluttered digital workspace. Traditional docks and menu bar items consume valuable screen real estate and can create visual noise, distracting from the primary task.
2. Pain Point: Inefficient system control access. Adjusting volume, brightness, or switching audio outputs typically requires multiple clicks or keyboard shortcuts, breaking workflow concentration.
3. Target Audience: Productivity-focused Mac power users who value keyboard shortcuts and streamlined workflows; Creative professionals (graphic designers, video editors, 3D artists) who need quick access to tool parameters and app switching; Minimalists who prefer a clean, uncluttered desktop aesthetic.
4. Use Cases: Quickly adjusting brightness during day/night cycles without fumbling for keys; seamlessly switching audio between headphones and speakers during calls; launching a secondary app while in full-screen mode on a laptop; having precise brush controls on an iPhone while using a graphics tablet on the Mac.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike traditional macOS dock replacements or standalone macro utilities, Stash is non-destructive and additive. It does not replace the system Dock or require disabling native features. Its edge-based, proximity-activated design is distinct from launchers like Alfred (keyboard-driven) or uBar (dock replacement).
2. Key Innovation: The integration of context-aware App Profiles with a bi-modal control system (direct screen-edge and remote iPhone access). This creates a unified, adaptive control layer that responds to the user's current software environment, a feature largely absent in other utility apps. The Creative Pro module specifically bridges the gap between mobile touch controls and desktop creative software in a professionally relevant way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Stash for Mac work with multiple monitors? Yes, Stash's Edge Sliders and Corner Dials are configurable per-display. You can assign different controls to the edges and corners of each connected monitor, providing granular control in multi-monitor setups.
2. What are the system requirements for Stash, and is it compatible with macOS Sequoia or Sonoma? Stash requires macOS 15 (Tahoe) or later. It is built using modern macOS frameworks and is not compatible with older versions like Sonoma (macOS 14) or Ventura. Users must upgrade their operating system to run the latest version of Stash.
3. How does the Stash Deck iPhone app connect to and communicate with the Mac? Stash Deck establishes a secure, peer-to-peer connection over your local Wi-Fi network. It uses Bonjour for discovery and a custom encrypted protocol for communication, ensuring low latency for controls and not requiring data to leave your local network.
4. Can I use Stash's lifetime license on both my personal and work Mac? Yes, the lifetime license (and the monthly subscription) is valid for use on up to 3 Macs simultaneously. This is designed to cover a user's personal desktop, laptop, and work machine, with settings synced via iCloud.
5. How does Stash impact system performance or battery life on a MacBook? Stash is designed as a lightweight menu bar agent. When idle, it consumes minimal CPU resources. The most active components are the cursor monitors for edges/corners, which are highly optimized. There is no significant impact on battery life under normal use.