Apple Music’s MiniPlayer is a convenient tool for controlling playback without needing to open the full application. However, by default, the MiniPlayer does not stay on top of other windows, which can be frustrating if you frequently switch between apps.
Understanding the Apple Music MiniPlayer
The Apple Music MiniPlayer is a compact version of the Apple Music app that allows you to control playback, view the currently playing track, and access basic controls like play, pause, and skip. It is designed to be lightweight and unobtrusive, but its default behavior of being hidden behind other windows can limit its usefulness.
To make the MiniPlayer more functional, you can adjust its settings or use third-party tools to ensure it stays on top of all other windows. This customization can significantly enhance your workflow, especially if you frequently use Apple Music while working on other tasks.
Using System Settings to Keep MiniPlayer on Top
Unfortunately, macOS does not natively support keeping the Apple Music MiniPlayer on top of all windows. However, you can use a workaround by enabling the “Always on Top” feature for the MiniPlayer. Here’s how:
- Open the Apple Music app on your Mac.
- Click on the Window menu in the top menu bar.
- Select MiniPlayer to open the MiniPlayer window.
- Right-click on the MiniPlayer window and select “Keep on Top” if the option is available. Note that this option may not be available in all versions of macOS.
If the “Keep on Top” option is not available, you will need to use a third-party application to achieve this functionality.
Using Third-Party Apps for Advanced Window Management
Third-party applications like Afloat or Hammerspoon can help you keep the Apple Music MiniPlayer on top of all windows. These tools offer advanced window management features that macOS lacks natively.
Afloat is a lightweight utility that allows you to set any window to stay on top. To use Afloat:
- Download and install Afloat from a trusted source.
- Open the Apple Music app and activate the MiniPlayer.
- Right-click on the MiniPlayer window and select “Afloat” from the context menu.
- Choose “Keep Afloat” to make the MiniPlayer stay on top of all windows.
Hammerspoon is a more advanced tool that allows you to script window management behaviors. To use Hammerspoon:
- Install Hammerspoon from its official website.
- Create a custom Lua script to target the Apple Music MiniPlayer window and set it to stay on top.
- Reload the Hammerspoon configuration to apply the script.
These third-party tools provide a more flexible and powerful way to manage your windows, including the Apple Music MiniPlayer.
Potential Limitations and Workarounds
While third-party applications offer a solution, they may come with certain limitations. For example, Afloat may not be compatible with the latest versions of macOS, and Hammerspoon requires some scripting knowledge. Additionally, these tools may not work seamlessly with every update of macOS or Apple Music.
If you encounter compatibility issues, consider checking for updates to the third-party tools or exploring alternative applications. Some users have also reported success with using BetterTouchTool, another advanced customization tool for macOS.
Best Practices for Using MiniPlayer on Top
To ensure the best experience when using the Apple Music MiniPlayer on top of all windows, follow these best practices:
- Keep your macOS and Apple Music app updated to the latest versions to avoid compatibility issues.
- Regularly check for updates to any third-party tools you are using.
- If using Hammerspoon, back up your scripts to avoid losing custom configurations.
- Test the MiniPlayer’s behavior after any system or app updates to ensure it continues to function as expected.
By following these steps and best practices, you can enjoy a more seamless and efficient experience with the Apple Music MiniPlayer on your Mac.