Start 9.0 is here – Complete UI redesign for macOS 26 and many more improvements!

[gkoeder]

After macOS 26 brought significant changes to the user interface, it was time to equip Start with a redesigned user interface as well. Of course, it didn't stop at just a UI redesign, and I'm excited that Start v9.0 was released just a few days ago! 🎉

✨ What's new?

🎨 New User Interface

• New UI Design: The main window and popup menus have been redesigned and consistently follow the macOS user experience
• More Prominent Keyboard Shortcut Display: Shortcuts are now highlighted more clearly in the main window and displayed in the sidebar instead of tag numbers
• Activatable Dock Icon: The dock icon can be activated in the settings if desired

📁 Improved Organization and Navigation

• Grouped Display: Elements are now displayed in a structured way (folders first, then apps, etc.) – especially useful for project-based tags
• Persistent Tag States: Start automatically remembers the expanded/collapsed status of tags
• Quick Launch for Tags: With Control + Return, you can launch all entries of a selected tag at once
• Intelligent Word Search: The search function now finds all entered words in any order instead of searching for the complete entered text

⚡ Additional Improvements

• Completely Redesigned Keyboard Shortcut Overview: Clearer structure and better clarity

🏎️ Performance & Stability

• Comprehensive performance optimizations and bug fixes

You can find more info, screenshots, a quick guide (as well as very comprehensive help for those who want to know all the details) along with a free trial version on the Website of Start: https://start.innovative-bytes.net

The new version makes Start not only more beautiful but also significantly more efficient to use.

Feedback is always very welcome! 🙏