How to keep a clean Mac desktop with the Unclutter App
with quick file access, note scratchpad, and clipboard history
Hello Lovely,
I see so many beautiful desktops buried under file chaos. A lovely photo - covered in screenshots, drafts, downloads.
I get it…life moves fast. But clutter steals momentum. And today’s app has you covered.
Introducing Unclutter.
Think of it as a little drawer at the top of your screen. You flick it down, drop a file, jot a note, grab something you copied earlier, and carry on.
Why I use it
➝ Files: a temporary landing zone (basically replaces ‘I’ll just chuck it on my desktop til later).
➝ Notes: quick brain-dumps, ideas, scratch to-dos. Love.
➝ Clipboard: a history of what I’ve copied so I can paste the right thing without re-hunting.
How I use Unclutter (exactly like in the video)
☐ Drag any file to the top ➝ drop it into ‘Files’
☐ Pop the drawer with a quick gesture or shortcut (I use Control + up)
☐ Use ‘Notes’ for a running daily note or a quick to-do list
☐ Skim ‘Clipboard’ to paste something from a few copies back
☐ When a file is finished ➝ delete or file it to its real home
Smart setup (what I recommend)
☐ Launch at login ➝ so the drawer is always ready
☐ Gesture + hotkey ➝ pick one you’ll actually use (I set Control + U)
☐ Storage location ➝ point Unclutter’s Files/Notes to iCloud so they sync across Macs
☐ Clipboard history length ➝ 10 is plenty for me
☐ Appearance ➝ choose what feels calm (I like the light, neutral palette)
Unclutter is available on Setapp (this is my partner link that includes a free trial). If you’re already a Setapp user, it’s likely one tap away. I’ll link both options below.
“White space makes room for the idea.”
Question:
Would you be embarrassed if someone saw your desktop today?
: )
Let me know in the comments below.
xx
Kim
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