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 2.10.4

Fixed

Layout issue when vertically resizing QuickLaunch settings dialog (Thanks, Douglas!)

Improved

Notes are displayed in tooltip of service in service list (Thanks, John!)

4.6

(61 Reviews of LaunchControl)

Comments
User Ratings

jamesthemoor

Dec 10, 2024

2.6.3

5.0

Version: 2.6.3

LaunchControl is the single best, most dependable 3rd party application available for MacOS. I've been a user for about 7 years now, and can't even imagine doing without it.

Doctor_Macintosh

May 15, 2023

2.3.1

Version: 2.3.1

Thank you very much for this great app and the EXCELLENT support.

Aargl

Feb 28, 2023

2.3

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.

stonebox

Jan 17, 2020

1.50

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

Nov 27, 2019

1.49

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!