HoldFocus
Stop apps from stealing your keyboard focus
Download Free Trial Buy License — $14.9914-day free trial with full functionality. One-time purchase. macOS only.
Instant Focus Restoration
When a background app steals focus while you're typing, HoldFocus detects it instantly and restores your focus to the correct app.
Keystroke Buffering
Keystrokes typed during a focus theft are captured and replayed to the correct app. Nothing lands in the wrong window — not even passwords.
Smart Detection
Distinguishes your intentional app switches (clicks, Cmd-Tab) from programmatic focus theft by background apps like JAMF, Logitech Hub, and auto-updaters.
Configurable Whitelist
Allow specific apps to take focus when needed. Add apps via Settings or directly from the block notification.
Lightweight Menu Bar App
Lives in your menu bar. No Dock icon, no clutter. Uses minimal CPU and memory while protecting your focus.
No Telemetry. No Cloud. No Subscriptions.
HoldFocus runs entirely on your Mac. No data leaves your device.
One-time purchase with free updates via Sparkle.
Requirements
macOS 26 (Tahoe) or later. Apple Silicon only. Requires Accessibility and Input Monitoring permissions in System Settings.