Open the island
Move your pointer over the island at the top of the display, or press Control + Option + Space. The pin keeps it open. Use the gear button for settings.
Media and lyrics
The Mac App Store edition supports Apple Music and Spotify. Start playback in either app and allow Automation access for that player in Halo’s Permissions & privacy screen. Apple TV and browser playback are not supported in this edition.
Lyrics are optional. Enable “Fetch lyrics from LRCLIB” in Settings. Availability and synchronization depend on the track and the provider. You can adjust timing in the lyrics view. If a request fails, wait before trying again.
Files and clipboard
Drop files onto the island or add them from the Files tab. Dragging out copies files; removing an item from the shelf does not delete the original. Files moved, deleted or stored on a disconnected drive may need to be added again.
Clipboard history is off by default. When enabled, it keeps recent text and images in memory and clears on display sleep or when turned off. Restoring an item makes it available for your next paste.
Timers and screenshots
In Shortcuts, choose a timer preset or drag and scroll the hour, minute and second controls. The Screenshot button briefly hides the island and copies one display image to your clipboard. Halo does not continuously record your screen or system audio.
Permissions and compatibility
Halo requires macOS 14 or later and supports Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. It adapts to displays with or without a notch. In Settings, choose the display and whether to hide the island in fullscreen apps.
Automation is used for player controls, Bluetooth for paired audio devices, and Screen Recording for the Screenshot button. You can review or revoke permissions in macOS System Settings. Features without permission remain unavailable.
Report an issue
Include your macOS version, Halo version, display setup, the steps that caused the issue and what you expected to happen. You can review a diagnostic report from Halo’s Settings and choose whether to attach it. Do not send passwords or private clipboard contents.