| TinkerTool | |
| Operating System: | macOS |
| Released: | December 7, 2010 |
| Latest Release Date: | July 4, 2023 |
| Language: | Multilingual |
| Genre: | Utilities |
| License: | Freeware |
| Latest Release Version: | 9.4 |
TinkerTool is a freeware application for macOS that provides a graphical user interface (GUI) to change settings that are normally hidden, thereby allowing the user to customise the system.[1] It is developed by German developer Marcel Bresink Software-Systeme. Its latest release is version 9.4.[2] [3]
TinkerTool gives users access to hidden system and application settings that Apple has built into macOS, but not integrated into GUI settings menus. Although users can typically access these through Terminal operations, TinkerTool assembles them and provides a GUI similar to Apple’s System Settings application for easier access.
By using Apple’s hidden settings, the application only makes changes that are reversible; it also only affects the account of the user running TinkerTool. Administrative privileges and background processing are not required. The application also can reset all settings to Apple's defaults, or to the state that existed before using the application.
Initially, TinkerTool worked with all versions of macOS. However, over the years, compatibility with particular versions of macOS was spun off into separate applications: TinkerTool Classic, TinkerTool Classic Generation 2, TinkerTool 4, TinkerTool 5, TinkerTool 6, and the current TinkerTool. Support therefore goes back to Mac OS X 10.1 Puma and later.
TinkerTool versions are specific to versions of macOS and are not backward compatible. The program will not work correctly if used with an OS for which it was not designed.[4]
The current build is actively maintained. However, all previous versions in support of past operating systems are still available for download from the developer's website.