The Paradox and Failings of Application Specific Focus in macOS

[BrianBaughn]

Based on my web research this issue seems to be at least four years old.

I set up a Focus mode for a specific application to keep annoying notification banners from appearing when I'm using it.

My workflow often involves switching from that application to the Finder or another application. Now I get more annoying banners than ever as the Focus ON or OFF banner pops up every time I switch.

Additionally, it seems that the Focus mode does NOT block "Notifications from iPhone".

Anyone have an amazing workaround?

 

[M4th]

Sorry if this seems odd, would a mini-browser window using Pipper set to a blank site hide the banner pop-ups?

Silly I know but at least better than sticking blue tape over that part of the screen to block them if Focus won't?

 

[BrianBaughn]

Sorry if this seems odd, would a mini-browser window using Pipper set to a blank site hide the banner pop-ups?

Silly I know but at least better than sticking blue tape over that part of the screen to block them if Focus won't?

That would cover some stuff on the app I'm using. However, I tested it and…as I suspected…the banner comes out over the Pipper window.

I have two displays connected to my Mac Studio. If I could get "Main display" to switch to the other display when I'm using the specific application (without screwing up everything else) I could probably live with the banner on the other screen.

If the Focus thing would stay on while the specific app is running (and not only when it's in front) my question would be moot.

 

[BrianBaughn]

Solved for the Mac by creating shortcuts. One opens the application and turns on the Focus. The other quits the app and turns off Focus. Both now in the Dock instead of the application's actual icon.

I'll still get certain iPhone notifications, though. Sharing the focus with the iPhone would turn them off on the iPhone, I think, and I don't want to do that.