Today's dealsDesktop
Camouflage
Camouflage
4.1

4.5

Get from App Store
HomeSystem UtilitiesDesktopCamouflage
Camouflage free download for Mac

Camouflage4.1

30 December 2014

Hides clutter on your Desktop.

Developer website
  • Camouflage for Mac - review, screenshots
  • Camouflage for Mac - review, screenshots
  • Camouflage for Mac - review, screenshots
  • Camouflage for Mac - review, screenshots
  • Camouflage for Mac - review, screenshots

Overview

Camouflage is a quick and effective way to hide Desktop clutter. Do you have way too many items on your desktop? Do you hate cleaning up that mess? Camouflage is the right utility for you. It hides all the icons and leaves nothing but the pure wallpaper

Key Features:
  • perfect system-integration: change your wallpaper and Camouflage will show the change instantly.
  • works with multiple monitors: attach new monitors and the icons will instantly be hidden.
  • drag-and-drop: drag files on the desktop and they will be copied onto your real desktop.
  • Finder integration: click the desktop and Finder will be activated and opens or selects a separate desktop window. (You can disable this with the Popup Desktop option of the menu. To still open a window, press the option-key while clicking the desktop)
  • ability to show and hide the icons (available in status item menu)
  • works with desktop managers
  • ability to 'click through' Camouflage to get the normal Desktop-Context menu (Use with caution, you may select a file and don't notice it. You may only want to use that feature if you are using FinderPop)

What's new in Camouflage

Version 4.1:
Fixed:
  • A bug that made the icons inaccessible after they were revealed again
  • Some crashes

Join over 500,000 subscribers.

Subscribe for our newsletter with best Mac offers from MacUpdate.

How would you rate Camouflage app?

46 Reviews of Camouflage

5
incrzr
14 May 2010
Version: 1.25

Most helpful

This is great, thanks a lot! One thing: while Camouflage hides the Desktop, alt-click on it to hide apps doesn't work.
(3)
4
Matthk
10 February 2016
Version: 4.1
Essential!
(0)
5
Mousee
26 November 2014
Version: 4.0
I love the app as it really allows one to avoid distraction from what's on the desktop while working. It also helps preserving the screen by not burning in those icons that are staying in the same position for ever.The only problem I had since upgrading to Mavericks (and now Yosemite) was that right clicking on the hidden desktop was not bringing the FinderPop menu anymore. That's has been fixed so thanks a lot for providing an upgrade to that great little app.
(1)
braunnizo
26 November 2014
Version: 4.0
Is there a way to get this app for free? Or maybe for 99¢ or $1.99?
(0)
Show comments (2)
3
AmberE2864
08 December 2013
Version: 3.0.2
Is there a way to use this app and still be able to view my desktops in spaces?
(0)
1
Robert-Poland
28 November 2013
Version: 3.0.2
After using this app for years, today I am shutting it off. In Mavericks (OS 9) with Mission Control the desk icons are continually disappearing.
(1)
4
AshBP
22 September 2012
Version: 2.2.1
Ah. This just makes me feel good. Like a breath of fresh air. I wish the house clutter cleaned up this easily!! Thanks, developer, for keeping this little utility going... :-)
(0)
OrOs
12 October 2011
Version: 2.1.1
Earthdesk does not work with Camouflage? Is there any plan to fix this?
(0)
Show comments (2)
1
Mr-Leo
25 August 2011
Version: 2.1
The test of the developer of this software is indeed negligent. On the last version 2.1, Shortcut key cannot be defined.
(0)
Show comments (6)
Mousee
24 August 2011
Version: 2.1
Version 2.1 has improved from the previous release (FinderPop now works fine when selecting the "Ignore mouse events..." option) but I still can't use another Wallpaper picture than the original grey one. You can choose another picture in preferences, but the Hide Icons command still shows the grey screen. Removing v2.1 and everything added by it, then going back to v 1.25 solved that problem. Mac OS X 10.7.1 here.
(0)
Show comments (6)
exilederek
19 August 2011
Version: 2.1
The current update of Camouflage isn't working. After downloading the update from the Mac App Store and trying to launch it, it fails with the following error: “Camouflage.app” is damaged and can’t be opened. Delete “Camouflage.app” and download it again from the App Store. I've tried deleting and re-downloading the update, but I still get the same error.
(3)
Show comments (2)
incrzr
13 July 2011
Version: 2.0.1
Version 2.0.1 flashes shortly to blue here when switching. V 1.25 doesn't. And please don't forget the alt-click for hiding single apps. Thanks.
(0)
Show comment (1)
0.5
Mr-Leo
11 July 2011
Version: 2.0.1
"ignore mouse events....." doesn't behave as explained.
(3)
Show comment (1)
4.5
Zephyris
08 June 2011
Version: 1.25
This is a great app, simple, easy and effective. Thanks to the developer for the awesome price: free!
(2)
Show comments (6)
4
0legus
12 April 2011
Version: 1.25
Best!
(0)
4.5
le-macinfo
22 February 2011
Version: 1.25
Great little helper to hide icons on a cluttered desktop. A feature that set's it apart similar tools is a shortcut (mouse click on the desktop) to show your desktop content inside a new Finder window. To round it off I would suggest the following additions: - make the menu bar item optional (the show/hide state info appears not that important to me, altough some might be other opinion) - make a "alt-click" on the desktop hiding the frontmost app's windows like in normal finder operation BTW: DesktopSweeper (APE module) has those 2 features, but doesn't work in Snow Leopard anymore.
(2)
cemil-alyanak
09 December 2010
Version: 1.25
Problem with the second monitor using EarthDesk. Earthdesk disappears and is replaced by another desktop (not even the one selected in the systems preference for that monitor).
(0)
5
incrzr
14 May 2010
Version: 1.25
This is great, thanks a lot! One thing: while Camouflage hides the Desktop, alt-click on it to hide apps doesn't work.
(3)
5
Lvdoc
11 April 2010
Version: 1.25
This is still the best in its league as far as I'm concerned: 1. Works well with Snow Leopard 2. Provides a fast way to open a new Finder window (just double-click the desktop or set it for single click) 3. Nice developer support 4. FREE! (although donating is a nice thing to do)
(1)
Cocoanut
09 January 2010
Version: 1.25
This works well for me I just wish it had an option for automatically hiding background applications and a menubar button to toggle that feature. Otherwise nicely done.
(1)
MADSCI3NCE
18 September 2009
Version: 1.25
Love this app for when I need to record a screencast at work. Unfortunately under Snow Leopard it just turns the background to black instead of using your selected background image. It could be worse, I guess ... 10.6 could have killed the app all together.
(0)
Show comment (1)
karsten-1
04 August 2009
Version: 1.25
this feature has been in Camouflage since a long time. You can show and hide the files from the menubar or from the context-menu when the desktop is hidden. You can even assign a hotkey to switch icons on and off.
(0)
gcoghill
03 June 2009
Version: 1.25
Cool app, but needs a toggle on/off setting instead of just launch/quit.
(0)
JohnnyFave
08 February 2009
Version: 1.24
New upgrade to 1.24 includes a pitch for other products. This little app works well to reduce the clutter on the desktop (when desired). Very easy to switch on/off.
(0)
5
Easer
10 November 2008
Version: 1.22
I used to use DeskShade, but it was starting to offer more bells and whistles than I wanted. So I tried Camouflage several months ago and have been totally pleased. And the developer was very open to new ideas and very communicative. (I had requested the PathFinder option that was implemented in this version.) I plan to make a donation next payday; I would otherwise pay for something like this. (I had to pay for DeskShade, and it's not as good.)
(1)
5
Mtcobra
10 November 2008
Version: 1.22
Observation and Review: You launch the program, and everything from your desktop disappears except the Dock and the menu bar on top of your screen. Double-click anywhere on the desktop, and a window appears that has all the files that was on the desktop before. Close the screen, and a clean desktop. Double-click and the window's back. The one icon that's not "listed" on the desktop window is the HD icon itself. Not needed - you're looking at what it opens if you click on it already. When I first tried it, my desktop changed to an Apple desktop, but I was quickly able to change it back to what I wanted. In addition, the menu icon that's added at the top of your screen's menu bar allows direct access to the desktop/screen savor preferences as well as display preferences. I like this! I like this a lot!
(1)
Mitch-de
09 November 2008
Version: 1.22
"Camouflage opens a Finder window whenever you double-click on the Desktop" Did not work for me, OSX 10.5.5, Intel. Nothing happens if i DC on the desktop!
(0)
Show comment (1)
5
Mactoe
16 April 2008
Version: 1.21
EXCELLENT... I was looking for something like this.. to simply hide the desktop without hiding my other windows. Being a developer I use virtual windows (certainly NOT the utterly lame Apple Spaces) to manage my work so in any given window I WANT to see all the open window. However, try as I may I can never seem to keep my desktop clean and the clutter is MOST annoying when I'm working. I love the fact with a double click on the desktop using Camouflage I get a window of it's contents. The only suggestion I'd make... allow a single click to the desktop to reveal it... the interface assumption that deliberately clicking it implies I want access to it directly. My donation is in the making. It's small things like this that make a developer's life better... or a writer's... or, well... anyone using the computer in any creative way.
(0)
karsten-1
14 February 2008
Version: 1.21
Sorry for the inconveniences, i just uploaded the file again. it should work now.
(0)
Mac-Mail
14 February 2008
Version: 1.21
Same here. Can't mount!
(0)
Pissnaround
14 February 2008
Version: 1.21
can't mount the image file
(0)
Dana-Sutton
14 February 2008
Version: 1.21
At least for me, there's a problem. The DMG downloads and mounts, but the app. icon isn't visible and if I click on the window the Finder crashes.
(0)
nostrodumbass
09 February 2008
Version: 1.20
Camouflage is really sweet! However, I'm experiencing one conflict. When I've got the app Path Finder open, Camouflage doesn't work. If I've enabled Camouflage to hide desktop icons and then open Path Finder, my hidden desktop icons then appear. And when I close Path Finder, the icons then become hidden once again. It seems that Path Finder completely overrides Camouflage. Very strange, indeed! Can anyone else duplicate this anomaly?
(0)
Show comments (5)
5
Koodough
08 January 2008
Version: 1.19
Great App. I use it all the time. I love the improvment from the last version with its new icon and smooth icon hiding effect. Thx for the App.
(0)
5
Dmarcoot
26 December 2007
Version: 1.18
Love this program. Thank you for bring clicking on desktop to activate finder, which most people have forgotten was the largest, most intuitive gui element of the finder in OS 9.
(0)
Show comment (1)
Fvdg
25 December 2007
Version: 1.18
>this would be great if it left the hard drive icons alone.. Second that! (Deskshade also has the option to only hide a second display.)
(0)
Show comment (1)
Yelleko
12 December 2007
Version: 1.16
For two days not I have been trying to download this program. However, the file refuses to mount. Any suggestions on what I can do to overcome this obstacle? Thank you. (OS X 10.3.9)
(0)
Show comment (1)
Neterhet
10 December 2007
Version: 1.16
this would be great if it left the hard drive icons alone..
(0)
Show comment (1)
5
Dmarcoot
09 December 2007
Version: 1.15
Great app. appreciate the one click on desktop to bring up finder OS 9 style!
(0)
5
Dana-Sutton
06 November 2007
Version: 1.14
Works great for me. As far as I'm concerned, this is a winner.
(0)
Jedik
27 December 2006
Version: 1.8
Hmmm, click through does not work, I will keep using 1.6...
(0)
Show comment (1)
Rpitcairn
15 December 2006
Version: 1.6
Well today I found the files missing from my desktop. They were in a (named) folder within the Documents folder. I have no idea how they could have gotten there. I did not move them (unless some wierd mouse motion did it without my awareness). Is it possible that files could be moved like that? It gets more strange. I am going to try Camouflage again since I found them and will let you know if anything like this happens again. If it was my error, I apologize ahead of time.
(0)
Show comments (4)
5
Macinshroom
14 December 2006
Version: 1.6
I tried several applications for the same propose of Camouflage before, but there is no other one that can do that same with such a high efficiency, it takes very little ram and opens really fast at startup (if you select it to open of course), without giving any time to the finder to display my messy icons. Its very well integrated with system preferences desktop picture changing, and its very useful that you can drag files over camouflage and they are copied to the real desktop, i'm really satisfied with this great app, thanks a lot to the developer.
(0)
1
Rpitcairn
13 December 2006
Version: 1.5
I have used this from prior versions until now. The earlier version caused problems in that the computer would freeze up and I could not quit programs. Had to restart. It looked that was fixed with the present version so I tried it again. Now I have permanently lost all the files that were on my desktop. They just disappeared (which of course is what Camouflage does) but even when I quit C. and restart, files not visible. I ran Disk Warrior but that did not cure it. So...looks dangerous to me.
(0)
Show comments (6)
hced
11 December 2006
Version: 1.5
I wish there was an option to let it permanently show the Macintosh HD and other volume icons on the desktop. Also, clicking on the desktop makes the screen "blink" for a millisecond or so. It's not a big deal, but it feels odd. Otherwise, it's a good idea and it has great potential! But again, if I can't still see my HD icons + preferably other icons that I have set to "Always Show", it's not useful for me.
(0)
Show comment (1)
3.75
ianianianian
04 December 2006
Version: 1.4
While a lovely application, it appears to have some rather significant RAM leaks. Every time that I hide the icons on my desktop, the ram usage increases - it doesn't take long to get its ram usage up to 240 MB - if I had more ram, (or less other programs open) I could get it harder. If not for the rather insane ram usage, this program would be on my list of must-haves. Needless to say, this is an issue that should probably get taken care of.
(0)
Show comments (2)
Mousee
22 October 2006
Version: 1.1
Nice idea and it seems to work fine, but there is a big problem: although it seems you are in the Finder, you are not really there anymore, and Control-Click does not work within Camouflage. I use that key combination (or its alternate right-click) all the time, especially because of FinderPop. So that means I cannot use Camouflage.
(0)
Show comments (8)

More apps

iQuip for MacSemulov for MaciTunes Chameleon for MacHideAllApps for MacMoonCal for MacScreen Sieve for MacKeyboard Cleaner for MacInstantShot! for MacHonniClock for MacNautical Calendar for MacComputer Glasses for MacMagiCal for MacScreenSteps for MacNike+ Tag Builder for MacThink for MacIsolator for Mac
$9.99Buy Now

4.5

App requirements: 
  • Intel 64
  • OS X 10.8.4 or later
Get from App Store

Downloaded & Installed 55,564 times

Similar apps
Isolator
Isolator
Menubar app hides cluttered desktop, helps you concentrate.
Is this app is similar to Isolator? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
0
Upvotes
11
Total score
0
Downvotes
UberMask
UberMask
Hide files and folders.
Is this app is similar to UberMask? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
0
Upvotes
2
Total score
0
Downvotes
Clean Slate
Clean Slate
Quickly clean up your desktop.
Is this app is similar to Clean Slate? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
0
Upvotes
2
Total score
0
Downvotes
Concentrate
Concentrate
Eliminate distractions by blocking Web sites and apps.
Is this app is similar to Concentrate? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
0
Upvotes
1
Total score
0
Downvotes
TidyTop
TidyTop
Archive files on your desktop.
Is this app is similar to TidyTop? Vote to improve the quality of this list.
Vote results
0
Upvotes
1
Total score
0
Downvotes
New and Recently Updated
Duet
Duet
Use your iPad as an external display.
AirDroid
AirDroid
Cloud-based SMS and file management between OS X and Android.
iCollections
iCollections
Organize your desktop icons.
ActiveDock
ActiveDock
Application launcher and alternative, customizable dock.
Desktop Icon Manager
Desktop Icon Manager
Saves/restores icon positions on the desktop.
Boring Old Menu Bar
Boring Old Menu Bar
Catalina menu bar on Big Sur.

Discover New Mac Apps. Save money with MacUpdate Shop & keep your Mac software secure and up-to-date with MacUpdate Desktop.

© 1997-2020 MacUpdate. All rights reserved.