LaunchManager
Launchd jobs
Browse User Agents, System Agents, and System Daemons from the sidebar. Create jobs with a guided form or edit plist fields directly. Load, start, and stop from the list — system-level changes prompt for admin approval when needed.
LaunchManager Help
Getting started with background service management — launchd, ports, Docker, and Login Items on your Mac.
Guides by topic
Deep dives for common Mac background-service questions.
Quick start
Four steps to take control of your launchd jobs.
- Pick a scope: User Agents, System Agents, or System Daemons.
- Click + to create a job, or the pencil to edit.
- Use row actions to load, start, or stop.
- Expand a row to see details and logs.
Topics
Services (TCP listeners)
Open Services in the sidebar to scan local TCP listeners (refreshes every 3 seconds). Docker containers show name, image, and Compose project. Rename any row to a custom label — it persists across restarts. Stop Docker containers with docker stop instead of killing proxy processes.
Scheduling
When creating or editing a job, set interval, calendar, run-at-load, or keep-alive options in the same form. This covers most everyday scheduling without a separate tool.
Login Items
Use the Login Items view to see which apps are configured to open at login, alongside the launchd jobs you manage.
Troubleshooting
- Broken or empty plists appear inline in the list — delete them with one click.
- If Docker actions fail, ensure Docker Desktop or Colima is running. The app searches common install paths and falls back to your PATH.
- Loaded jobs keep running after you quit LaunchManager — only setup and control happen in the app.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about LaunchManager.
What is LaunchManager?
A native macOS app to manage LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons, scan local TCP services, and control Docker containers — all from a GUI instead of hand-editing plists or running lsof.
Do jobs keep running after I quit the app?
Yes. launchd runs loaded jobs. LaunchManager is only for setup and control.
Can I manage system-level jobs?
Yes, with admin approval when needed.
What do I need to run it?
macOS 14+, via Homebrew, DMG, or build from source.