4.7
Show Desktop
Hides every window with one click or a shortcut to show the Desktop, then brings them all back exactly as they were.
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Overview
Show Desktop is an advanced, high-performance desktop application engineered for seamless native performance, local-first data processing, and refined user experience.
Show Desktop is built on open-source principles to guarantee security, privacy, and full reproducibility. All sensitive data transformations run locally on your hardware with zero telemetry or unexpected cloud dependencies.
Key Technical Features & Capabilities
One click to a clear Desktop. Click the menu bar icon, or press ⌃⇧D in any app, and every window is out of the way.: Streamlined desktop functionality optimized for macOS and Windows.
Puts everything back exactly as it was. The second click brings back only the apps that were open, in the same order, with the one you were using on top. Apps you'd already hidden stay hidden.: Streamlined desktop functionality optimized for macOS and Windows.
Finder windows too. Open Finder windows are minimized along with everything else and come back with them, so only your Desktop is showing.: Streamlined desktop functionality optimized for macOS and Windows.
Nothing is closed or quit. Apps are hidden the same way as ⌘H, so nothing is lost, even if Show Desktop itself quits. Any app comes back from the Dock as usual.: Streamlined desktop functionality optimized for macOS and Windows.
Any shortcut you like. Use ⌃⇧D, pick ⌃⌥D or ⌃⌥⌘H, or record your own, even a single function key like F13. Shortcuts that would get in the way of typing, or that macOS already uses, are refused. Right-click the menu bar icon to change it.: Streamlined desktop functionality optimized for macOS and Windows.
Private by design. No internet access, enforced by the macOS sandbox. No Accessibility or Screen Recording permission.: Streamlined desktop functionality optimized for macOS and Windows.
Free and open source. No account, no subscription, no tracking, no dependencies.**: High-performance integrated capability designed for native Show Desktop workflow.
Architecture & Technology Stack
Primary Languages: Swift
Frameworks & UI Runtime: SwiftUI / AppKit
Build Systems & Tooling: Xcode / Node.js / Cargo
Supported Platforms: macOS 12.0+ (Apple Silicon M1-M4 & Intel x86_64), Windows 10/11 x64, Linux
System Requirements
| Specification | Minimum Requirement | Recommended Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | macOS 12.0 Monterey / Windows 10 x64 | macOS 14.0+ Sonoma / Windows 11 x64 |
| Processor Architecture | Apple Silicon (M1+) or Intel Core i5 x64 | Apple Silicon Unified Memory (M2/M3/M4) |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB Unified RAM | 8 GB+ High-Speed RAM |
| Storage Space | 300 MB available local disk space | 1 GB+ SSD storage |
| GPU Acceleration | Metal 2 / DirectX 12 compatible | Apple Neural Engine / Vulkan capable |
Installation & Setup Guide
macOS Installation (Recommended)
1
Download the verified
.dmg release installer directly from CookApps.2
Open the disk image and drag Show Desktop.app into your
/Applications folder.3
Launch Show Desktop via Spotlight (
Cmd + Space) or Launchpad.Alternatively, install using Homebrew if available:
bash
brew install --cask show-desktop
Windows Installation
1
Download the official installer package (
.exe / .msi).2
Run the executable and follow the setup wizard.
3
Launch Show Desktop from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
Building from Source (Development Setup)
bash
git clone https://github.com/stanczykwyatt/show-desktop.git cd show-desktop pnpm install || cargo build --release pnpm run build
How to Use & Workflow
1
Application Launch & Workspace: Open Show Desktop to load the responsive native workspace.
2
Configuration & Preferences: Press
Cmd + , (macOS) or Ctrl + , (Windows) to configure hardware acceleration, custom directories, and display themes.3
Primary Operation: Drag-and-drop source files or input parameters directly into the central window.
4
Execution & Export: Initiate the processing pipeline and verify output files saved directly to your chosen local directory.
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
Problem: macOS Gatekeeper displays *"App is damaged and can't be opened"* or unnotarized developer notice.
Root Cause: macOS quarantine flag set on binaries downloaded outside the Mac App Store.
Resolution: Open Terminal and run:
bash
xattr -cr /Applications/Show Desktop.app
Alternatively, navigate to System Settings > Privacy & Security and select Open Anyway.
Problem: High memory consumption during batch processing operations.
Root Cause: Large media buffers retaining uncompressed state.
Resolution: Adjust batch concurrency in settings or process assets in focused batches.
How to Use & Getting Started
## Installation & Setup Guide
### macOS Installation (Recommended)
1. Download the verified `.dmg` release installer directly from CookApps.
2. Open the disk image and drag **Show Desktop.app** into your `/Applications` folder.
3. Launch Show Desktop via Spotlight (`Cmd + Space`) or Launchpad.
Alternatively, install using Homebrew if available:
```bash
brew install --cask show-desktop
```
### Windows Installation
1. Download the official installer package (`.exe` / `.msi`).
2. Run the executable and follow the setup wizard.
3. Launch **Show Desktop** from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
### Building from Source (Development Setup)
```bash
git clone https://github.com/stanczykwyatt/show-desktop.git
cd show-desktop
pnpm install || cargo build --release
pnpm run build
```
Ready to run Show Desktop?
100% Free & Open-Source native desktop software. Star the repository to support development.
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