# NotchStar > NotchStar turns the MacBook notch into a quiet, native control center: clipboard history, file shelf with AirDrop, now playing, calendar, timers and more. NotchStar is a native macOS app (macOS 14 or later, Apple silicon and Intel). Status: released (version 1.0.0), $4 one-time with a 7-day free trial. It has no account and no analytics. A Windows version is planned with no date. ## Tools - [Clipboard](https://notchstar.com/features/clipboard/): Searchable history of text, links, images and files. - [File Shelf](https://notchstar.com/features/file-shelf/): Park files in the notch and AirDrop them in one drop. - [Now Playing](https://notchstar.com/features/now-playing/): Artwork and controls for whatever is playing. - [Calendar & Reminders](https://notchstar.com/features/calendar-reminders/): Your next events and due reminders at a glance. - [Timers](https://notchstar.com/features/timers/): Timer, stopwatch and Pomodoro with session tracking. - [Teleprompter](https://notchstar.com/features/teleprompter/): Scrolling script right under your camera. - [Mirror](https://notchstar.com/features/mirror/): A quick look at yourself before a call. - [System Stats](https://notchstar.com/features/system-stats/): CPU, memory, disk, battery and network, live. - [Disk](https://notchstar.com/features/disk/): Free space, big folders, duplicates, app leftovers and cleanup. Everything goes to the Trash. - [Quick Notes](https://notchstar.com/features/quick-notes/): A scratchpad that is always one hover away. ## Comparisons (sourced and dated) - [NotchStar vs Alcove](https://notchstar.com/vs/alcove/): Alcove aims for a Dynamic Island feel with live activities and lock screen widgets; NotchStar is a toolbox of everyday utilities and does not do live activities. - [NotchStar vs Boring Notch](https://notchstar.com/vs/boring-notch/): Boring Notch is free and open source with a strong music and AirDrop focus; NotchStar is a paid app with more utility tools, such as clipboard history, timers and a teleprompter. - [NotchStar vs MacNotch](https://notchstar.com/vs/macnotch/): MacNotch is the broader app, with widgets, device batteries, file actions and profiles, sold through Setapp; NotchStar is smaller, native feeling and sold as a $4 once purchase. - [NotchStar vs OmniNotch](https://notchstar.com/vs/omninotch/): OmniNotch ships more tools today, including on device AI chat and live revenue tracking; NotchStar is narrower and focused on a native, restrained experience. ## Guides - [A file shelf for Mac: stop stacking files on the Desktop](https://notchstar.com/guides/airdrop-shelf-for-mac/): A file shelf is a temporary holding area for drag and drop. Learn the workflow, why it beats the Desktop, and how an AirDrop zone speeds up sharing. - [A privacy checklist for any Mac notch app](https://notchstar.com/guides/notch-app-privacy-checklist/): Seven checks to make before you install a notch app: permissions, notarization, network use, data storage and what to do if something looks off. - [Dynamic Island for Mac: what it is and what you can get](https://notchstar.com/guides/dynamic-island-for-mac/): The Mac has no Dynamic Island, but notch apps can imitate one. See what live activities are, which apps do it and what to expect. - [How notch apps read what is playing, after macOS 15.4](https://notchstar.com/guides/how-notch-apps-read-now-playing/): Why showing the current song got harder in macOS 15.4, how open source adapters work around it, and the tradeoffs. Tested, with real findings. - [How to run a Pomodoro timer on your Mac](https://notchstar.com/guides/pomodoro-timer-on-mac/): The Pomodoro technique in practice: block lengths, breaks, what to do when you get interrupted, and how to run it from the Mac notch. - [Mac clipboard history in the notch: how to use it well](https://notchstar.com/guides/mac-clipboard-history-in-the-notch/): Why a clipboard history helps, how to search it, what it should never record, and how NotchStar's notch version handles privacy. - [Mac menu bar icons hidden by the notch: how to fix it](https://notchstar.com/guides/mac-menu-bar-icons-hidden-by-notch/): Menu bar icons can disappear behind the notch when the bar fills up. Here are practical fixes, from removing icons to scaling an app below the camera. - [Notch apps for Macs without a notch](https://notchstar.com/guides/notch-apps-for-macs-without-a-notch/): Do notch apps work on iMac, Mac mini or older MacBooks? Yes, often as a floating pill. Here is what to expect and how NotchStar handles it. - [The best Mac notch apps in 2026, compared fairly](https://notchstar.com/guides/best-mac-notch-apps/): A fair look at the main Mac notch apps in 2026: Boring Notch, Alcove, MacNotch, OmniNotch and NotchStar, with prices and who each one suits. - [The MacBook notch explained](https://notchstar.com/guides/macbook-notch-explained/): What the notch is, which MacBooks have it, why menu bar icons disappear behind it, and the options for working around or making use of it. - [Using a teleprompter on your Mac for calls and video](https://notchstar.com/guides/teleprompter-on-mac/): How to read a script on camera without looking like you are reading: placement, pacing, writing for the ear and a notch based setup. - [What is a notch app? A plain English guide](https://notchstar.com/guides/what-is-a-notch-app/): A notch app turns the dead space around the MacBook notch into a tiny control center. Here is how they work, what they do and what to watch for. ## Other - [Pricing](https://notchstar.com/pricing/) - [FAQ](https://notchstar.com/faq/) - [Roadmap](https://notchstar.com/roadmap/) - [Privacy](https://notchstar.com/privacy/)