HiddenMe 4+

So, it hides icons. That works just fine. The pro version works with multiple desktops, also works fine.

The implementation probably needs some work or explanation. I'm not a developer, but I'm reminded of John Siracusa talking about his app SwitchGlass (which is awesome btw), and the implementation of grabbing the desktop background for use in the app Preferences window. One of the options was to use Quartz Display Services which can grab an image of your desktop background, but it requires screen recording to do so. It's a messy implementation and the easy way out and without proper notification, causes freak outs and 1-star reviews. I haven't done a deep dive to see if it's sending data out, but it's something worth considering.

So, I assume the developer is using screen recording to grab the current desktop backgorund and then display that image on top of everything, hiding your icons. I'm willing to give the developer the benefit of the doubt, but this is conjecture because as a non-developer, this is how I would do this.

I think the developer needs to respond to this and listen to the Accidental Tech Podcast episode 356 starting at 1:32:17, John Siracusa describes this exact problem.

Functionally, this is one of the few solutions for hiding desktop icons during a Zoom call but the app has two problems.. First, the menubar icon doesn't change to white when in dark mode or whenever a darker desktop picture background picture is selected. This really stands out and coule be so easily fixed if the developer wanted to fix it.

The second problem is a completely non-responsive developer. I've sent two emails about this problem and never received a reply.

Thanks to HiddenMe, I now have a clean desktop anytime I want. To see my folders, I simply click on the HiddenMe icon in the menu bar and everthing reappears on my desktop. Very functional and easy to use. I have encountered a problem though: When I have the stuff on my desktop hidden (that is, when HiddenMe is active), my wallpaper refuses to change, and it begins to tamper with the wallpaper on my other desktops. Maybe there’s a way around it, but I'd caution anybody who likes to use the "change picture” option (in System Preferences>Desktop & Screen Saver) to skip this app. As long as I do’t have the "change picture" option selected, however, HiddenMe works fine.