Unlocking Enhanced Productivity: The Best MenuTools Alternatives
MenuTools is a simple program designed to extend the basic functionality of the Windows system menu, offering features like process priority management, window transparency, 'always on top' capabilities, and minimizing to the tray. While effective, users often seek MenuTools alternatives for a variety of reasons, including a desire for more advanced features, different user interfaces, or broader platform compatibility. This article explores top alternatives that can help you regain and even enhance your desktop control.
Top MenuTools Alternatives
If you're looking to replicate or improve upon the functionalities offered by MenuTools, the following applications provide robust solutions for managing your windows, enhancing transparency, and keeping essential applications accessible.
eXtra Buttons
eXtra Buttons is an excellent MenuTools alternative that allows you to add up to 10 additional buttons to the title bar of each window. These buttons offer functionalities like minimizing to the tray, keeping a window on top, and sending it to specific desktops. It's available for Free on Windows and integrates well with Windows Explorer, featuring the ability to pin specified windows on top of all others.
DeskPins
DeskPins is a straightforward and lightweight MenuTools alternative that can make any application topmost, ensuring it stays above all other windows. You simply grab a pin from the DeskPins icon in the system notification area and click on the desired window. It's a Free, Open Source solution for Windows that includes support for Hotkeys and functions as a Windows Explorer extension for keeping windows on top.
FileBox eXtender
FileBox eXtender enhances Windows by adding several advanced functions to the standard Open File and Save File dialog boxes, which can be a valuable extension for MenuTools users. This Free, Open Source Windows application focuses on providing extensions for file management, making it easier to navigate and save files.
DM2
DM2 offers several Windows enhancements that can significantly aid everyday work, similar to MenuTools. One of its most popular features is minimizing windows to floating icons. As a Free, Open Source application available for Windows and PortableApps.com, its portability makes it a flexible choice for users on the go.
GhostWin
GhostWin provides a robust transparency feature, allowing you to make any window slightly or completely transparent, and it automatically adjusts the transparency level of windows being moved or sized. This Free Windows application offers a graphical user interface (GUI) for fine-tuning window transparency, making it a strong MenuTools alternative for visual customization.
Afloat
For Mac users seeking a MenuTools-like experience, Afloat allows you to keep windows afloat (on top of others), pin windows to the desktop, move windows from anywhere (not just the title bar), and even turn a window into an interface overlay. It is a Free, Open Source solution for Mac and SIMBL, focusing on interface overlay and keeping windows on top.
WindowTop
WindowTop offers an easy way to set any window on top. By moving the mouse to the top area of the window, a small button appears, giving you the 'SET TOP' option. This Freemium, Open Source application for Windows includes features like Desktop Environment enhancements, the ability to make windows transparent, a Night mode/Dark Theme, and a user-friendly interface, making it a versatile MenuTools alternative.
Stick-It!
Stick-It! provides a simple way to keep windows 'Always on top' by double-clicking its systray icon and then left-clicking the title of the desired window. A cool feature is that windows shake when set to stay on top. This Free, Open Source, and Portable Windows application is a great MenuTools alternative for its simplicity and direct 'on top' functionality.
Chameleon Window Manager
Chameleon Window Manager allows you to control your program windows using customizable buttons added to their title bars, much like MenuTools. It includes an 'Always on Top' feature and is a Freemium application available for Windows, acting as a Windows Explorer extension. Its customizability makes it a powerful option for users seeking fine-grained control.
Whether you prioritize transparency, 'always on top' functionality, or advanced window management, there's a MenuTools alternative to suit your specific needs. Explore these options to find the best fit for your workflow and enhance your desktop experience.