Isolator
Ben Willmore
Isolator is a free, lightweight menu bar application for macOS designed to help users concentrate by minimizing distractions. It works by covering up the desktop, icons, and windows of other applications, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. It offers customization options such as background color, transparency, blur, and hotkey activation. **Please note that Isolator is not compatible with macOS Catalina (10.15) and later versions due to the lack of 64-bit application support.**
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Simple and easy to use
- Effective at reducing distractions
- Customizable background options
- Free and lightweight
Top Dislikes
- Not compatible with macOS Catalina and later
- No longer updated or maintained
- Limited features compared to paid alternatives
Popular Comments
MacUpdate User - anonymous-heron-1309
2015-02-10
5.0
MacUpdate User - braunnizo
2014-11-27
5.0
MacUpdate User - GeoffB4577
2017-05-21
Ben I LOVE Isolator. However, I use Dark menu and the icon being as it is is driving me nuts. any way that we can get a white Dark Menu icon?
CNet Editors' Review
2019-10-09
Isolator for Mac is a great way to help keep your focus on your work, no matter what it is you're doing at the moment. It's easy to turn on and off, and even when it's on, you can switch seamlessly between tasks by just selecting a different window.
Reddit User - wetfish-db
2017-07-13
So, my favourite and most useful utility has long since been crippled as its no longer supported. Isolator still has its basic functions... What is crippled is that it also used to apply a blur to the background apps too. That was my single most enjoyable element of this app...
Mac Informer User
2025-01-28
4. Rating. 1 vote. 5 stars. 0. 4 stars. 1.
Detailed Review
Isolator is a free utility application for macOS designed to enhance focus and reduce distractions. Once activated from the menu bar, Isolator dims or obscures the desktop, icons, and windows of all applications except the one currently in use. This creates a more focused working environment, allowing users to concentrate on their primary task. While simple in design, Isolator offers customization options such as adjusting the background tint, opacity, and blur effect. It can be toggled on or off via a menu bar icon or a user-defined hotkey.
Standout Features
- Focus Enhancement: Effectively minimizes distractions by dimming or obscuring background elements.
- Customizable Background: Offers options to customize the background overlay with tints, blur, and transparency.
- Hotkey Activation: Allows for quick and easy toggling of Isolator using a keyboard shortcut.
- Lightweight and Free: A small, unobtrusive application that is free to download and use.
Conclusion
Isolator is a useful tool for users seeking a simple and free solution to improve focus on their Mac. It is particularly beneficial for those who are easily distracted by desktop clutter or background application windows. However, it is important to note that Isolator is not compatible with macOS Catalina (10.15) and later. Users on older macOS versions might find it a helpful utility, but they should be aware that it is no longer actively maintained and may have compatibility issues with future macOS updates even within the supported range (up to macOS Mojave 10.14). For users on newer macOS versions, alternatives like HazeOver or the built-in Single Application Mode might be more suitable.
