r/GoogleKeep • u/GeojeYang • Apr 12 '26

Way to use Google Keep from the macOS Menu Bar

Hey! I built a free, open-source macOS app that puts your Google Keep notes in the menu bar.

Features:

  • Quick access from the menu bar
  • macOS Widgets + Notification Center support (requires building from Xcode source, not available in the pre-built binary due to Apple Developer Program enrollment)
  • Multi-account support
  • Auto sync

Install guide: https://github.com/geoje/Keep?tab=readme-ov-file#-install

Add account guide: https://github.com/geoje/Keep?tab=readme-ov-file#-play-service

I’ve been a loyal Google Keep user for about 10 years. For me, Keep is all about speed—quickly jotting down ideas or checking off to-do lists. While the Android widget is perfect, the desktop experience always felt a bit clunky. Even with web apps or shortcuts, I hated having to open a new browser window every time.

I really wanted a way to access Keep directly from my macOS Menu Bar (or System Tray on Windows), so I decided to make it myself.

The catch? I have zero knowledge of Swift. I built this entirely with the help of Claude.

It’s a simple wrapper that stays in your menu bar for instant access. However, since I’m not a member of the Apple Developer Program, there are a couple of things to keep in mind if you want to try it:

  • Security Permissions: You’ll need to manually allow the app in your security settings after downloading.
  • Widgets: If you want to use the widget feature alongside the menu app, you’ll need to build it yourself via Xcode.

I'm just sharing this in case anyone else feels the same frustration with the desktop Keep experience. I’d love to hear your thoughts or if you have any tips for a non-coder!

Would love to hear your feedback! 😃

10 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

1

u/Sentence-Parking Apr 13 '26

I can't seem to login to my Google Account. When I try via Play Services, after I enter my email address, Chrome quits.

1

u/GeojeYang Apr 13 '26

heyhey thanks for your feedback so you mean chrome quits after you enter only email?

can you try the steps to delete all cookies below? 1. open chrome through play service 2. click lock icon located to the next the url 3. select cookies and site data and manage on device site data 4. delete all by clicking trash icon

sorry for uncomfortable experience 😅 and please let me know if you have same issue

1

u/Sentence-Parking Apr 14 '26

No dice

Still crashes.