LaunchControl
LaunchControl
Create, manage, and debug launchd services.
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 2.0.4
Updated on Dec 13 2022
Fixed
- Removing a Custom Service from the service list without deleting it does not update the service list
- Updated help file: Checkboxes in the Enabled column of the service list are either blue or grey (if Disabled key has not been overridden), not grey as stated in the help file (Thanks, Hans-Peter!)
- JobWatch fails to send notifications (Thanks, Simon!)
- LaunchControl opens without a window and File>New Window/File>New Tab do not work (Thanks, Pertti!)
- ⌃-clicking on the header of the services table does now work (Thanks, Mychailo!)
Information
App requirements
- Intel 64
- Apple Silicon
- Mac OS X macOS 11.0 or later
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Jan 17 2020
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.
Nov 27 2019
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!
Oct 15 2019
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!
Mar 26 2019
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!
Oct 9 2018
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.
Jun 24 2018
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?
Mar 24 2018
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!
Dec 20 2017
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.
Nov 2 2017
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!
Oct 17 2017
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.
Oct 2 2017
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.
Aug 2 2017
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.
Jul 31 2017
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.
Apr 3 2017
Version: 1.30
on yosemite 1.3.0 crashes when changing to global agents.
otherwise an excellent tool!
Mar 25 2017
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!
Mar 1 2017
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.
Nov 8 2016
Version: 1.28.2
This is definitely handy and helpful! Strongly recommended.
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