[Update] One Switch Mac app: Practical functions with just a few clicks

Prevent the Mac from sleeping, switch between light and dark macOS mode and many other settings on the Apple computer can be made via the system settings. But clicking through there again and again is not much fun in the long run. Memorizing shortcuts is also tedious. Fortunately, there is the Mac app One switch, which brings practical functions of the system to the menu bar, where they are always just two clicks away. Details about One Switch, the download of the app and more can be found in this small post.

One Switch - Use Mac functions with two clicks

Activate or deactivate dark mode with a virtual switch or switch on night shift, play music and adjust the screen resolution? You can do this with the One Switch Mac app. Like so many programs for the Apple computer that access system settings, they are not available in the Mac App Store, but on the Internet, on the website of the developer "Fireball" (see below). The software is also available in the app collection SetApp. In addition to prefabricated switches, it offers the option of making your own settings to individualize the functions.

Of course, there is also a terminal command or your own system setting on the Mac for many functions, but you will hardly reach your goal as quickly as with One Switch. I find the quick switch very practical and I don't want to miss the app on my MacBook Pro anymore.

Which functions does One Switch offer in detail?

If you are looking for a small overview of the One Switch shortcuts, you will find it here. I'll just list all the options with a brief explanation:

1. Hide desktop icons: Hide all icons on the desk.
2. Dark mode: Turns the MacOS Dark Mode 
3. Keep awake: Prevents the Mac from going to sleep. For that I had earlier Caffeine or Theine.
4. Screen saver: Activates the screen saver.
5. Headphones Connect: Connects directly to the AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones without having to go through the Bluetooth menu. You can choose the headphones.
6. Do Not Disturb: Turn on the Mac's Do Not Disturb mode. Perfect if you want to work distraction-free.
7. NightShift: Activates the screen display with the warmer color temperature (works with all monitors).
8. True Tone: Activates the True Tone function, in which the color temperature is adjusted to the ambient light (only works if the iMac (Pro) or MacBook (Pro) display is used. This function is not supported on monitors from other manufacturers.
9. PlayMusic: Starts the music streaming service of your choice and plays music.
10. Show hidden files: Shows hidden files and folders that macOS normally makes invisible to the user.
11. Screen Sleep: Sends the display to sleep (to save power and protect the display).
12. Screen Resolution: Provides a quick way to change the resolution.
13. Screen clean: Sets the display to dark and prevents keystrokes in order to be able to clean the keyboard and screen.
14. LockKeyboard: Prevents keystrokes.
15. Lock Screen: Immediately sends the Mac to the lock screen and asks for the user password to unlock it.

One Switch Download in three versions

The free trial version, which you can use for 7 days, can be found on the Developer website. There are also purchase options there; for example, a one-device license for $ 4,99 or a two-device license for $ 7,99.

The  SetApp You get One Switch along with other full program versions for the Apple Mac at the general subscription price. This is often worthwhile starting with one or two applications from the portfolio, which now offers a considerable selection.

What do you think of it or was One Switch already able to convince you in the free trial version? Feel free to leave a comment with your tips for quickly executing system settings!

Update 18.02.2020/XNUMX/XNUMX: My experience with One Switch

I have been using the app for a few months with the set app subscription and most often use the function to hide all the files from the desktop, as well as the function to quickly pair the AirPods. But also the option to quickly activate Night Shift or to show hidden files is not uncommon.

I can warmly recommend the small app, as it hardly takes up any space, runs stably in the background and offers really practical shortcuts to important functions.

Jen Kleinholz( Founder & Sir Apfelot )

Jens has been running the blog since 2012. He acts as Sir Apfelot for his readers and helps them with technical problems. In his spare time he rides electric unicycles, takes photos (preferably with the iPhone, of course), climbs around in the Hessian mountains or hikes with the family. His articles deal with Apple products, news from the world of drones or solutions to current bugs.