LaunchManager
Services scanner
Scan local TCP listeners every 3 seconds. Docker-aware, with smart labels and persistent custom names.
macOS 14+
Swift 5.10
MIT License
Open Source
Manage every background service
on your Mac
LaunchManager is the control center for macOS background services — startup items, launchd jobs, network ports, and Docker containers — without editing XML or digging through lsof.
LaunchAgents
LaunchDaemons
Login Items
Background Services
Network Ports
Scheduled Tasks
Docker Containers
From "why is port 3000 in use?" to "where is this LaunchAgent?" — see what's running, control services, and fix conflicts in one native app. Free and open source.
Guides by topic
Practical answers for startup apps, launchd, ports, and Docker on macOS.
Startup Manager
Find and control apps that launch at login or boot.
launchd Manager
Browse, edit, and control LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons.
Port Manager
See what's listening, find port conflicts, and free blocked ports.
Docker Ports
Map container ports to localhost and stop conflicts with dev servers.
An operations console for your Mac
Unlike single-purpose tools, LaunchManager combines launchd management, port scanning, and Docker awareness in one window.
Browse all scopes
User Agents, System Agents, and System Daemons in one sidebar.
Create & edit jobs
Form-based editing for program path, arguments, and plist fields.
Load, start, stop
Control jobs from the list. Admin prompt when system scope needs it.
Log viewer
File logs and system log output, without leaving the app.
Login Items
Review apps set to open at login alongside your launchd jobs.
Schedule jobs when you need them
launchd can run jobs on a timer or at login. LaunchManager lets you set those options in the same form — no separate scheduler app required for basic use.
Intervals
Run a script every N seconds.
Calendar
Run at a set time, like a simple cron job.
At login / keep alive
Start on boot or restart if a process exits.
For most users, this covers everyday scheduling without a paid launchd GUI.
Get LaunchManager
macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Homebrew
Fast updates via tap. Best for developers already on Homebrew.
brew tap Sean10000/tap
brew trust --cask sean10000/tap/launchmanager
brew install --cask launchmanagerDownload DMG
Grab the latest release, drag to Applications. Right-click → Open on first launch (not notarized).
Download DMGBuild from source
Clone the repo and open in Xcode 16. Build and run with ⌘R.
git clone https://github.com/Sean10000/LaunchManager.git
cd LaunchManager
open LaunchManager.xcodeprojHow it compares
A free option for everyday launchd management. Paid tools add extras like AI or an XML editor.
| Feature | LaunchManager | LaunchControl | Lingon Pro 10 | LaunchD Task Scheduler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free & OSS | ~$33 | $23.99 | $5.00 |
| Browse agents & daemons | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Create & edit (GUI) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interval & calendar scheduling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Run at load / keep alive | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Limited |
| System Agent / Daemon support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (Pro) | Limited |
| Local TCP / port monitoring | ✓ Docker-aware | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Log viewer | File + system log | Advanced | ✓ | ✓ |
| Invalid plist detection | ✓ inline + delete | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| App must stay running | Not required | Not required | Required | Not required |
| AI assistant | ✗ | 7 LLM providers | ✗ | ✗ |
| Open source | MIT | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Power users needing an AI assistant or expert XML editor may prefer LaunchControl.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about LaunchManager.
What is LaunchManager?
A native macOS control center for background services.
Do jobs keep running after I quit the app?
Yes. launchd runs loaded jobs. LaunchManager is only for setup and control.
How is this different from LaunchControl or Lingon?
Those tools focus on launchd. LaunchManager also scans listening ports and shows Login Items in one place — for free.
What do I need to run it?
macOS 14+, via Homebrew, DMG, or build from source.
Support the project
If LaunchManager saved you time, feel free to buy me a coffee. Americano is better. ☕
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