Rename your Mac desktops for free
macOS has no way to rename Desktop 1, 2 and 3. Spacepal adds one. Names, icons and the menu bar indicator keep working for free after the trial ends, with no account and no card.
What stays free and what is paid
| First 14 days | After the trial, free | With a $9.99 license | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Names, icons and colours | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Current Space in the menu bar | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Overview with a live preview of every Space | Yes | No | Yes |
| Names inside Mission Control | Yes | No | Yes |
See the FAQ for the rest of what the trial covers and the pricing for the license.
How to do it
- Download Spacepal and open it. It lives in the menu bar.
- Right-click the menu bar item and give the current desktop a name.
- Pick an icon and a colour if you want them.
Your desktops stay the normal macOS ones. Quit Spacepal and everything works as before. System Integrity Protection stays on.
Why it is free
A name in the menu bar is useful by itself, and it is the fastest way to find out whether you want the rest. If you do, the overview and Mission Control names are a one-time purchase.
Written by Dan Bayer, developer of Spacepal. Last updated 2026-11-01.