KeepingYouAwake

KeepingYouAwake is an open-source desktop app that prevents a Mac from entering sleep mode. It functions as a menu bar utility for macOS version 10.13 and newer, allowing users to keep their system awake for a predefined duration or indefinitely while the application is active. This utility is particularly useful for users who need to maintain system activity during long downloads, software renders, or presentations without manually altering the global energy saver settings in System Preferences.

The software is available for installation via Homebrew Cask using the command brew install --cask keepingyouawake. It is designed as a lightweight tool that resides in the macOS menu bar, providing quick access to sleep prevention toggles. The application is written in Objective-C and is intended for users who prefer a graphical interface over using the terminal for basic system automation tasks.

Key features

• Prevents macOS from entering sleep mode
• Operates as a small utility in the menu bar
• Supports a predefined duration for staying awake
• Allows for indefinite activation
• Wraps the native Apple caffeinate command line tool
• Compatible with macOS 10.13 and newer
• MIT licensed source code

The application acts as a graphical wrapper for the caffeinate command line utility, which is included by default in all current versions of macOS. By leveraging this official Apple tool, the software ensures it interacts with the system in a manner consistent with native power management. Because it relies on this underlying tool, it follows specific system limitations regarding hardware. It prevents sleep on desktop Macs and portable Macs with an open lid, but it does not prevent sleep on MacBooks with a closed lid due to thermal considerations and macOS restrictions.

KeepingYouAwake serves as a lightweight utility for macOS users seeking a simple, open-source way to manage system wakefulness.