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LaunchControl
LaunchControl
4.6
0.0
LaunchControl free download for Mac

LaunchControl

Version 2.5.3

Create, manage, and debug launchd services.

4.6
Based on 69 user ratesRead reviews & comments
$21.00
One-Time Purchase
Buy Now

LaunchControl overview

LaunchControl is a launchd(8) frontend allowing you to manage and debug system and user services on your Mac. All documented features of launchd(8) are supported. It reports potential problems even before a job is started and makes sure you always create valid configurations.

Features:
  • Sophisticated interface - With LaunchControl you see all services and their respective status at a glance. Invalid services are highlighted and a problem description is provided. You can enable or disable services with a single click. The same goes for loading, unloading and ad-hoc starting. Long list of jobs may be filtered. You find what you are looking for in an instant. But LaunchControl is not just another .plist editor. It provides a dedicated interface for every single launchd(8) configuration key. The interface is adaptive. It displays only information that is relevant for the selected job.
  • Absolute freedom - While the default editing mode in LaunchControl supports all documented features of launchd(8), you may sometimes need to use unofficial features. Switch to 'Expert Mode' and you're set. Both modes are fully synchronized. Changes in one editor will instantly show up in the other one.
  • Everything you need - LaunchControl provides everything you need to create, edit, remove or debug launch services. It even includes a log viewer, so you don't have to fire up Console.app and build custom queries.
  • Discover what's possible - launchd(8) currently supports some 36+ documented keys. LaunchControl makes it easy to discover them. Every key in the palette panel is annotated, so you don't have to consult the man page. Search them by category, name or description. Once found, drag an item from the palette section to the configuration section to add this key.

What’s new in version 2.5.3

Updated on Feb 01 2024

Fixed:
  • Gracefully handle log files not containing UTF8 data (Thanks, Troy!)
  • Removing Custom Job from job list without deleting the job definition does not work (Thanks, Jon!)
  • Job notes not deleted when job is deleted
  • QuickFix view does not show proper icon for messages of category Info
  • Log viewer does not detect if file is deleted when file lives in a path containing symlinks
Improved:
  • Proper error reporting when trying to import job definition with invalid format
  • In case the QuickFix view shows errors all lesser messages are hidden
  • Separate error message/quick fix when StandardOutPath/StandardErrorPath is set to an empty string
  • Messages in QuickFix view are now sorted by category: Warning>Info
  • False warning about attempted shell programming when using & and ? in a URL (Thanks, Chris!)

Information

License

Shareware

Size

5.3 MB

Downloads

67122

App requirements

  • Intel 64
  • Apple Silicon
  • macOS 11 or later
Try our new feature and write a detailed review about LaunchControl. All reviews will be posted soon.

What customer like

Regular updates
Price
Support

What needs improvements

Design

LaunchControl qualities

Value
5.0
Ease of use
5.0
Features
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Customer support
5.0

Write your thoughts in our old-fashioned comment

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0.0

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  • Comments

  • User Ratings

Doctor_Macintosh
Doctor_Macintosh
May 15 2023
2.3.1
5.0
May 15 2023
5.0
Version: 2.3.1
Thank you very much for this great app and the EXCELLENT support.
Aargl
Aargl
Feb 28 2023
2.3
4.0
Feb 28 2023
4.0
Version: 2.3
As they say on their website: "Starting with macOS Big Sur the system volume is sealed and it is no longer possible for any process to modify its contents. This affects LaunchControl's ability to modify system agents and daemons." Unfortunately, this reduces A LOT the interest of this app... But still you can manage User and Global agents and Daemon installed by third parties.
persecutor
persecutor
Jan 17 2020
1.50
5.0
Jan 17 2020
5.0
Version: 1.50
Worth every penny. For everyone who isn't oblivious by nature, this is a sure thing on an Apple OS. Educate yourself to this. Expand your horizons, and learn to focus on things that matter in a given environment.
Brandondrew
Brandondrew
Nov 27 2019
1.49
4.0
Nov 27 2019
4.0
Version: 1.49
This is a really essential app for anyone who experiments with new software on their Mac. So much software installs extra auto-launching crap that you don't want and don't need, and LaunchControl makes it much easier to find it, inspect it, and disable or remove it. I would gladly give it 5 stars except that LaunchControl also installs its own auto-launch "helper" but without any explanation of why it is needed. It is commiting the same 'crime' that it helps us guard against. Why???? If there is a legitimate need for this items, PLEASE TELL US!
WordWeaver
WordWeaver
Oct 15 2019
1.48.2
5.0
Oct 15 2019
5.0
Version: 1.48.2
I've been using this app since at least early 2017, and possibly earlier than that. I can't remember now. At the time, I had zero to very little experience with LaunchAgents and launchd/cron, and I found myself needing to write a cron job/plist file for my web server. I found some online tutorials, but I still just couldn't quite get the hang of it. Then I discovered this app and bought it right away, choosing it over its competitor, Lingon. Even for someone with no experience, such as myself, this app is fairly easy to use. The developer has done an excellent job of making everything easy to understand in the right-hand side of the app. With this app, I don't need to worry about whether or not my launchd/cron jobs are running or not. Occasionally I'll launch it just to make sure, such as after updating my web server software, but other than that, it just does its thing, and I am happy. So thank you developer. Job well done!
luckman212
luckman212
Mar 26 2019
1.45.2
5.0
Mar 26 2019
5.0
Version: 1.45.2
This is the most thorough, professional way to manage your LaunchAgents/Daemons. I've tried other tools as well as manually managing them via Finder/Terminal and this is hands down the right way to do it. App has had a steady stream of updates keeping it current with the latest OS releases. Makes it a snap to troubleshoot or add new agents. Indispensable tool, can't recommend enough!
persecutor
persecutor
Jan 26 2019
1.45
5.0
Jan 26 2019
5.0
Version: 1.45
Great tool, just what I wanted.
Mcr
Mcr
Oct 9 2018
1.43.5
5.0
Oct 9 2018
5.0
Version: 1.43.5
Long time paid user; just realized I had never posted a star review, so I am now addressing that long outstanding oversight. This app has helped me track down errant processes, junk left over from unused/uninstalled apps, and better insight into what some apps are doing under the hood.
Aargl
Aargl
Jun 24 2018
1.40.1
4.0
Jun 24 2018
4.0
Version: 1.40.1
Can any one explain what is the difference between launchd and launchd(8)? Probably a stupid question for those who know, but I couldn't find the explanation nowhere... ;-) And in general, what does that mean when a Terminal command is referred to with a digit like that?
Lylehm
Lylehm
Mar 24 2018
1.39
5.0
Mar 24 2018
5.0
Version: 1.39
If you've ever typed launchctl at the command line, you will be amazed by this tool. This is the quintessential launchd GUI. Even if you once setup a CRON job in the early '90s you'll appreciate the depth of LaunchControl. Every time I have to interact with launchd, I find something new and helpful. This is sublime software that's worth every penny. Today I needed to move a plist from global daemons to global agents. I moved them in the Finder and LaunchControl notified me that permissions needed repair for the agent to run. Boom, there was a simple 'fix' button! Time saved - life better. Thanks!
MichaelHaeusler
MichaelHaeusler
Dec 20 2017
1.37
5.0
Dec 20 2017
5.0
Version: 1.37
In my view this is the best software for managing launch agents & daemons. Updates with new features, great support, etc. Buy a license, it's worth it. And also check out BackupLoupe from the same developer, a really great Time Machine browser.
Nontroppo
Nontroppo
Nov 2 2017
1.35.1
5.0
Nov 2 2017
5.0
Version: 1.35.1
This is still one of the most essential tools for managing an installation of macOS. Lots of programs install launchd agents / daemons, and being able to easily manage them really gives you a lot of control (hence the very practical name of this app)! And of course writing your own agents is so well handled by the great flexibility of the GUI. I enjoy using the command line, but honestly for some things like launchd, a GUI just makes the experience so much better!
SickTeddyBear
SickTeddyBear
Oct 17 2017
1.35.1
0.0
Oct 17 2017
0.0
Version: 1.35.1
Am I the only person who has noticed that the Soma-Zone web site is a disaster, it doesn't render properly in any browser and it's certificate is expired or misconfigured? The site looks as if it has been compromised or abandoned, even if that's not actually the case. Anyone know what is going on? I'm not asking that they spend unnecessary time making the site fancy, but at least make it look legitimate and secure.
robfol
robfol
Oct 2 2017
1.34
5.0
Oct 2 2017
5.0
Version: 1.34
IF YOU HAVEN'T PAID THE $10 License it's time to cough up and support the developer !!!!!! Great little app, simple and just does the job. Dymo printer app kept putting icons in the menu bar with no way to disable them, LC allowed me to stop that process. Today the latest version of Tidal decided it needed to auto-launch on boot without my permission and nothing in Login items! VERY bad behaviour. LC let me disable the process. Essential app for any medium to advanced OSX user.
Stonebits
Stonebits
Aug 2 2017
1.32.4
5.0
Aug 2 2017
5.0
Version: 1.32.4
Very clean, very obvious to use and it catches the "stupid errors" for which launched won't even give you a warning, e.g., not specifying bash when trying to run a shell script. I spent a good hour trying to debug this, prior to trying LaunchControl. I then tried LaunchControl and it said "you are trying to run a script without specifying an interpreter" Problem solved.
Aargl
Aargl
Jul 31 2017
1.32.4
4.0
Jul 31 2017
4.0
Version: 1.32.4
Beware: Version 1.32.4 brings a new bug in OS 10.9 at least, making it unusable. Version 1.32.3 is ok.
TheScottMan
TheScottMan
Apr 5 2017
1.30
5.0
Apr 5 2017
5.0
Version: 1.30
excellent
George6
George6
Apr 3 2017
1.30
0.0
Apr 3 2017
0.0
Version: 1.30
on yosemite 1.3.0 crashes when changing to global agents. otherwise an excellent tool!
-=gt=-
-=gt=-
Mar 25 2017
1.29
5.0
Mar 25 2017
5.0
Version: 1.29
Fantastic program and EXCELLENT support! I've learned so much about how launchd works in OS X. Specifically, I'm finally able to understand all the details about agents and daemons, and the .plist files that trigger them through launchd. I have to mention that I had a specific situation with one of my .plists, and within minutes of emailing support@soma-zone.com Robby responded with a custom screenshot movie walking me through the Launch Control interface with the exact solution to my issue! WHAT GREAT SUPPORT!!! All of the currently installed services on your Mac are listed in the left column of the main display, along with their status. You can tell at a glance what's running, and which services have problems. When you build your .plist, Launch Control debugs it for you and tells you what you need to fix, even linking you directly to the log output in the console. This is SO much easier and faster than writing your .plist by hand and trying to figure out what you did wrong. The graphic interface is really well thought out, and hovering your mouse over each of the many supplied keys reveals a tooltip that describes it in detail. This is the finest launchd .plist program available, and deserves recognition and widespread use and support among the Mac OS X community!
jonathan-j5-cook
jonathan-j5-cook
Mar 1 2017
1.29
5.0
Mar 1 2017
5.0
Version: 1.29
Excellent application for viewing and managing properties, settings and status of all of your launchctl/launchd items. The only thing missing from this application is a description of what each of the agents and daemons are there for, but you can hardly fault the developers, given that the agents and daemons installed out-of-the-box in macOS are not all documented.
Baba86
Baba86
Jan 2 2024
2.5.2
5.0
Jan 2 2024
5.0
Version: 2.5.2
Doctor_Macintosh
Doctor_Macintosh
May 15 2023
2.3.1
5.0
May 15 2023
5.0
Version: 2.3.1
Aargl
Aargl
Feb 28 2023
2.3
4.0
Feb 28 2023
4.0
Version: 2.3
asterizk
asterizk
Jan 7 2023
2.0.4
5.0
Jan 7 2023
5.0
Version: 2.0.4
LKN G-Man
LKN G-Man
Oct 22 2021
1.52.3
5.0
Oct 22 2021
5.0
Version: 1.52.3
orbannatalie
orbannatalie
Jun 2 2021
1.52.2
3.0
Jun 2 2021
3.0
Version: 1.52.2
persecutor
persecutor
Jan 17 2020
5.0
Jan 17 2020
5.0
Version: null
Brandondrew
Brandondrew
Nov 27 2019
4.0
Nov 27 2019
4.0
Version: null
WordWeaver
WordWeaver
Oct 15 2019
5.0
Oct 15 2019
5.0
Version: null
luckman212
luckman212
Mar 26 2019
5.0
Mar 26 2019
5.0
Version: null
davew-1
davew-1
Jan 24 2019
3.5
Jan 24 2019
3.5
Version: null
Mcr
Mcr
Oct 9 2018
5.0
Oct 9 2018
5.0
Version: null
Lylehm
Lylehm
Mar 24 2018
5.0
Mar 24 2018
5.0
Version: null
Ervins Strauhmanis
Ervins Strauhmanis
Jan 8 2018
5.0
Jan 8 2018
5.0
Version: null
MichaelHaeusler
MichaelHaeusler
Dec 20 2017
5.0
Dec 20 2017
5.0
Version: null
Ncdude
Ncdude
Nov 26 2017
0.5
Nov 26 2017
0.5
Version: null
Nontroppo
Nontroppo
Nov 2 2017
5.0
Nov 2 2017
5.0
Version: null
robfol
robfol
Oct 2 2017
5.0
Oct 2 2017
5.0
Version: null
Stonebits
Stonebits
Aug 2 2017
5.0
Aug 2 2017
5.0
Version: null
TheScottMan
TheScottMan
Apr 5 2017
5.0
Apr 5 2017
5.0
Version: null
-=gt=-
-=gt=-
Mar 25 2017
5.0
Mar 25 2017
5.0
Version: null
jonathan-j5-cook
jonathan-j5-cook
Mar 1 2017
5.0
Mar 1 2017
5.0
Version: null
lindamjohn
lindamjohn
Jan 29 2017
5.0
Jan 29 2017
5.0
Version: null
willie-2
willie-2
Nov 8 2016
5.0
Nov 8 2016
5.0
Version: null
ecdltf
ecdltf
Oct 11 2016
5.0
Oct 11 2016
5.0
Version: null
patriciogomez89
patriciogomez89
Jul 15 2016
4.5
Jul 15 2016
4.5
Version: null
glen-mcallister
glen-mcallister
Jun 10 2016
4.0
Jun 10 2016
4.0
Version: null
Radus
Radus
Mar 31 2016
5.0
Mar 31 2016
5.0
Version: null
rubendepedro
rubendepedro
Feb 20 2016
5.0
Feb 20 2016
5.0
Version: null
kurz-james
kurz-james
Feb 1 2016
4.0
Feb 1 2016
4.0
Version: null
xylsplitz
xylsplitz
Nov 8 2015
1.0
Nov 8 2015
1.0
Version: null
Mrk
Mrk
Nov 3 2015
5.0
Nov 3 2015
5.0
Version: null
fwilkinson
fwilkinson
Nov 2 2015
3.0
Nov 2 2015
3.0
Version: null
Guest
Guest
Oct 16 2015
5.0
Oct 16 2015
5.0
Version: null
Madmacmad
Madmacmad
Aug 25 2015
5.0
Aug 25 2015
5.0
Version: null
PRjohnson
PRjohnson
Aug 15 2015
5.0
Aug 15 2015
5.0
Version: null
Mondele
Mondele
Jul 10 2015
5.0
Jul 10 2015
5.0
Version: null
R1000m
R1000m
Jun 14 2015
5.0
Jun 14 2015
5.0
Version: null
Donmontalvo
Donmontalvo
Jun 2 2015
5.0
Jun 2 2015
5.0
Version: null
Filou53
Filou53
Mar 11 2015
4.5
Mar 11 2015
4.5
Version: null
$21.00
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