Onyx Mac Free

05-10-2021 by

The reasons for purchasing cleaning software are multiple.

  1. Does Onyx create any problem with OS X? I have recently installed the app and run it a few times. However, I have heard that the maintenance tasks done by Onyx are the same as done by the Mac OS on its own. My questions are: is it worth allowing an app to occupy the scarce hard disk space, if its utility is trivial.
  2. OnyX 2.9.9 OnyX is one of the best free utilities for maintenance, personalization and optimization of your MacOS.Not only that it is capable to run countless miscellaneous tasks of system maintenance, but it enables you to easily find and tweak many hidden parameters of Dock, Dashboard, Safari, Expose, Disk Utility and Finder.

Onyx Mac free download - WinZip Mac, Technitium MAC Address Changer, Mac Video Downloader, and many more programs. Since OnyX is a free app and is mainly developed by a single person with the help of others from around the world, it doesn't have a dedicated customer service. Still, if you encounter a problem or anomaly, a misspelling or bad translation, or you have any suggestions for OnyX enhancements then you are free to contact the developer via email.

People who were using Macs for a long time remember the times when their computers didn’t work correctly in some cases, and they want to run maintenance scripts designed to fix those flaws.

People who don’t have enough space on their drives are looking for ways to clean unnecessary junk and claim the space it took. When there is a demand, there is a supply.

There is a great number of cleaning apps, both free andpaid. Among them, OnyX from Titan Software has the longest history (started in2003) and a very high reputation.

OnyX is a freeware utility for macOS developed by French software developer Joël Barrière. Users use the tool for maintenance and optimization and as a central control panel for configuration.

How to Install OnyX

On its main page, the Titan Software, the maker of OnyX and Deeper apps, warns users to download app versions for specific OS versions.

While most other apps usually forward compatible, the developer chose a different approach. Every time Apple comes with a new version of macOS (former OS/X), the developer releases a new version of their apps.

So, the first thing you need to know is the OS you arerunning on your computer. The easiest way to do is the following:

  • Click on Apple icon in the menu bar (top left corner of the screen)
  • In the drop-down menu click About This Mac menu option
  • The first line in the pop-up screen is the name of the current OS.
  • Now, when you know which OS is on the computer, go to the official site. Find the version of the app for your operating system and download it.

Note:only download the app from the french web site. There were cases when hackers infected the software with malware (see below) and placed it on other Mac software download sites.

Find the OnyX dmg file in the Downloads folder with the Finder and double click on the file.

Now, all you need to do is to drag the app to theApplications folder.

Like all other cleaning apps, OnyX requires Full Access tothe disk. Follow the instructions provided by the app and give access. Thisstep is safe.

OnyX Features

The app consists of four main groups. Let’s review each one.

Maintenance

The Maintenance group consists of several subgroups oftasks. Most of the tasks aimed to clean various things on Macs.

Verifying subgroup

The task in this subgroup can verify the structure of thefile system. Honestly, if you are having issues and suspect the problems withthe drive integrity, I’d suggest using the First Aid option in the built-inDisk Utility app.

It is also possible to delete local Time Machine snapshotsfrom this view, but I don’t see a good reason for it. macOS maintains snapshotswithout any problems.

Rebuilding subgroup

The LaunchServices rebuilding task is useful when the user installed and deleted a lot of apps. When the app gets deleted incorrectly (by moving to Trash), the file association still remains. Big nox for mac.

If you run this task, then all files will lose their associations with apps. So, the next time you double click on .docx file, the system will ask which app you want to use by default. And it will keep asking until all file extensions have corresponding default apps associated.

How useful this feature? I am not sure. If you have files associated with deleted apps, you can always change association in the Finder.

Spotlight index rebuilding may be useful when you often cannot find files on the disk. Once in a while, the Spotlight Search index can get out of sync, and in this case, it needs to be rebuilt. However, I have never needed to do it on any of my five Macs at home.

Rebuilding mailboxes in the Mail app can be useful if you are a Mail power user. If you are using the Mail app extensively, and you noticed that Mail is taking a lot of space and it became slower than rebuilding mailboxes is a good solution.

However, it is better to go directly to the Mail app, and in the menu, choose Mailbox -> Rebuild menu option. The result will be the same.

Rebuilding disk positions on the desktop is a funny option.It resets the disk positions from the Mac memory. I don’t know why anyone wouldneed this.

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And finally, it is possible to rebuild dyld’s and XPS cache.If you don’t know what they mean and when they should be rebuilt, then don’trun them. I don’t.

Cleaning subgroup

This is probably the most sought after feature. It allowscleaning some junk from the disk and freeing some space. There are checkboxesto enable when cleaning System, Applications, Internet, and Log Messages. Thereis also the Options tab where one can further fine-tune and select which filegroups could be cleaned.

Generally, cache and log files are safe to delete. When the cache is deleted, the system may experience a temporary slowness while the new cache gets created.

How useful is the cache cleaning? As I mentioned, the cache will be recreated anyway, and in most cases, the space recovered after cleaning will be reclaimed by the new cache. So, in the grand scheme, the cleaning cache is useless.

The only time it makes sense when applications have trouble clearing their caches. So, I think cleaning it twice a year is more than enough.

Misc. options subgroup

This subgroup includes tasks that do not belong to subgroupsdescribed previously.

Maintenance scripts include daily, weekly, and monthly jobs that can also be accessed from the Utilities->Scripts section. There were times when macOS was periodically failing to run them, causing the logs to grow large and take too much space.

Those issues were fixed a long time ago, and if your Mac has the latest OS version running, then do not worry about running them manually.

Junk items task will clear files left from some malware and potentially unwanted applications. It’s interesting that OnyX still categorizes MacKeeper as PUP (potentially unwanted application) similar to some other antivirus apps. However, keep in mind that OnyX is not an antimalware program.

Cleaning Trash may not be a much-needed function. The only time this function is useful when emptying Trash cannot be done from the Finder because of system privileges.

In this case, OnyX could be a real help. It performs a secure delete (overwrites file contents three times, so the file cannot be restored later).

Deleting Fonts cache and Recent items will not provide anymeaningful space increase on the disk.

Utilities

The Utilities group provides easy access to severalfunctions on Mac in one place.

Just like its counterpart in the Maintenance group, the File System check task in Utilities will verify the structure of the file system after locking the entire drive.

During the process, you will not be able to do anything for a long time. So, be careful when invoking this function.

In the Time Machine subgroup, one can delete localsnapshots. However, I have doubts about the usefulness of doing so, since localsnapshots should automatically be dropped after 24 hours.

Manuals subgroup contains a list of UNIX commands with their descriptions. Those descriptions can be obtained when running commands with “–help” attribute in the Terminal.

The Applications subgroup provides shortcuts to some sectionin System Preferences.

Files

Use functions in the Files group to run various operationson files, folders, or disks.

Visibility subgroup

By default, macOS hides system files and folders on the disk. Usually, they have a dot as the first character in their names. In order to show/hide hidden files, use Command + Shift + dot (.) key combination.

To use this feature and hide the file, all you need to do is to change the file name and add a dot. For instance, when changing “NewFile.txt” to “.NewFile.txt” macOS will warn that the file will become hidden.

The Visibility subgroup does what I just described from UI.

Secure deleting

OnyX provides ways to delete files, folders, and Trash securely. When a user deletes a file, the contents of the files remain on the disk. Very often, the file can be recovered by using special tools.

In case of very sensitive information, use Erasing or Trash subgroups and use the Secure Delete option. In this case, the app will overwrite the disk sectors with random data three times to prevent the data from being recovered.

Other subgroups

Other subgroups in the Files group are very niche andaddress some rare problems. Read more about them in the documentation, but I amnot sure if 99% of users would ever need them.

Parameters

The Parameters group is designed to be all in oneconfiguration panel. For instance, from here, users can change:

  • The default number of Recent items from 10 to another number
  • Saving screenshots from PNG to another format, e.g., JPEG
  • Remove Restart and Shut Down menus from the Apple menu bar
  • Change the hover effect on Dock icons
  • Set the lock screen message

While it may be fun to customize the way Mac operates, it ispossible to mess up the system with modifications completely. Fortunately,there is the Restore Defaults button, which supposed to rollback all parameterchanges.

Info

And finally, there is the Info group, which provides usefulinformation about Mac hardware and software.

How to Use OnyX For Mac

The first function I used with OnyX was supposed to make the least impact on my Mac. I wanted to clear Recent Items.

In the Maintenance tab, I unchecked all boxes except Misc. options -> Recent items.

Then I clicked on Run Tasks.

OnyX displayed to warnings: The computer needs to restart,and OnyX will quit all applications.

In both cases, I hit the Continue button.

Onyx Mac Free

The app quickly ran the script and rebooted my Mac. However, my laptop didn’t start. Instead, I’ve got dreaded Folder with Question Mark on the screen.

Fortunately, I knew how to solve the issue.

I rebooted my Mac again and held the Option key, and thenclicked on my Machintosh drive to start.

So, if you wonder how to use OnyX, let me state two rulesyou need to follow:

  1. Before making any changes, ALWAYS take a Time Machine backup. OnyX is a very powerful app that can do a lot of damage if used incorrectly. It’s a low-level tool, and it’s like a “rope long enough to shoot yourself in the foot.”
  2. Read the help about the function before invoking it.

Is OnyX for Mac Safe?

There are two parts to answer this question.

  • Is OnyX malware or not?
  • Is using OnyX can destroy the system?

The answer to the first question is yes; OnyX is safe to download and install. However, download from the official site only: https://www.titanium-software.fr/en/OnyX.html.

Never download software from sites such as MacUpdate, which often bundle Mac software with Adware. And sometimes, it may get even worse.

According to Malwarebytes, the OnyX download media from MacUpdate was bundled with malware. This malware turned Apple computers to bitcoin miner, so instead of doing what you want your computer would be busy with mining bitcoins for someone which resulted in the computer being unusable for the owner.

The answer to the second question is it depends. OnyX app comes with a lot of options that could completely destroy the macOS.

In the hands of someone who doesn’t know UNIX on the expert level, the tool is very dangerous. And in most cases, the novice users may have to reinstall the OS in order to go back to the normal state.

OnyX vs. CleanMyMac

How To Download Onyx Mac Free

Comparing OnyX and CleanMyMac is like comparing apples and oranges. The apps provide mostly different functionality.

The only intersection is the Cleaning part. Both apps allow for cleaning fonts, caches, and logs.

In this area, CleanMyMac X does a better job by displaying more granular information without overwhelming users with low-level information. Also, explanations in CleanMyMac X when to invoke certain tasks are much clear compared to OnyX.

Bottom line:If you are looking for cleaning software, go with CleanMyMac. Users with expert knowledge of macOS would be better with OnyX.

How to Uninstall OnyX correctly

Do not remove OnyX by moving the app to Trash. When the app starts, it creates a number of files in various folders, which will stay there forever in this case.

If you have CleanMyMac X, then use it to uninstall OnyX. Otherwise, download the AppCleaner and use it to delete any app on Mac.

OnyX for Mac Review: Takeaway

Pros

  • The main plus of OnyX is its price: it’s free, unlike other similar applications. However, the developer appreciates donations.
  • Also, the program has been created and maintained since 2003. So it is stable and mostly bug-free.

Cons

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  • Since OnyX provides access to a lot of low-level functions, it is expected the users must be above-average when it comes to the macOS knowledge.
  • It is possible to mess up the system completely, so taking backups before making any changes is highly suggested.
  • The app contains a set of scripts and tasks which were needed in older versions of Macs. Many of them became obsolete in newer macOS versions.

OnyX is a well-known program that has been helping Mac users since Jaguar (OS 10.2 X). It’s a utility software that offers comprehensive maintenance for your Mac. This straightforward maintenance and optimization tool for OS X is great for streamlining your machine. OnyX OS X Cleaner is a multifunctional utility that can verify your Mac’s startup disk, run a variety of maintenance and cleaning tasks, and configure parameters in Finder, Dock, Safari, and other apps. It’s handy for deleting caches, removing redundant and excessive files and folders, rebuilding databases and indexes, and making your machine run more smoothly and with added disk space.

Mac OS X Cleaner OnyX Features

Right away OnyX feels like an app for a demanding Mac user who already knows one’s way around macOS. It’s safe to use, but due to rich selection of tools and commands inexperienced users can potentially cause damage to their systems.

Onyx Free Mac Cleaner

Titanium Software’s OnyX is a true Swiss-army knife in the Mac utility world. Its toolkit packages everything from a various system reports generator to cleaning and spotlight reindexing tools. You will notice right away that OnyX puts main emphasis on advanced functionality at cost of good-looking, easy-to-use interface. Bare minimum effort has been put in the way the app looks, which seems alright considering OnyX’s functionality and no price charged for any of it.

OnyX Computer Cleaner Pros

  • Provides Maintenance tools for database rebuilding and running system scripts manually
  • Features all-round cleaning tools for removing cache, secure erasing trash, and managing fonts
  • Allows to set up automated scripts for maintenance, cleaning and rebuilding Mac
  • Bundles a range of additional macOS applications such as Screen Sharing, Network diagnostics and utility, Storage management etc.
  • Displays explicit warning when attempting advanced actions
  • Logs all operations executed within the app
  • Requires no registration prior to use
  • Free to download and use

OnyX Computer Cleaner Cons

  • Challenging to figure out and use
  • Interface needs work

Using OnyX on Mac

After installing OnyX you will need to give it permissions in the System Preferences> Security & Privacy> Accessibility settings.

After allowing the app to control your computer, you will be able to use it to its fullest potential. It is fully safe, as OnyX has proven to be worthy of your trust. The application does a great job of guiding a user through the initial installation process which is a big plus.

While OnyX comes with an extremely high learning curve it is definitely worth it if you are serious about Mac maintenance. Even when only getting a hang of the app, the experience using it smooth. Granted, it takes significantly more time to get around and find what you need, then learn how to use it, but the result pays. The biggest tip to anyone striving to get better at OnyX is to read provided notes and warnings. It will keep you from making ignorant mistakes and give general insight on app’s capabilities.

OnyX’s Pricing

OnyX maintenance and optimization tool is available as a free download from the Titanium Software website. All versions of OnyX are donation-ware (freeware). There is a donation option, but donation is totally optional and the software is free to download, copy, and distribute (as long as no modifications are made prior to sharing or distributing), and free to use forever.

How to Uninstall OnyX

Follow these steps if you need to fully remove OnyX from your Mac:

  • Fully quit OnyX
  • Open Finder and go to Applications
  • Drag and drop OnyX app to Trash
  • In Finder, press Shift+cmd+G and go to ~/Library folder
  • Search for the items that contain OnyX or Titanium in item name in the following location:
    • ~/Library/Logs
    • ~/Library/Preferences
    • /Library/Saved Application State
    • /Library/Application Support
    • /var/folders
  • Select any matching files or folders, and move them to Trash

Empty your Trash bin and restart your Mac to complete the uninstallation process.

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The Bottom Line

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OnyX Computer Cleaner has a variety of tabs inside its app that allow you to make unique customizations to the way your Mac boots up, the way apps work, how screenshots are captured, and more. Tech savvy, experienced Mac users will find lots of ways to eliminate dialog boxes and button presses and truly customize the app. For less experienced users, OnyX is a simple yet powerful maintenance and optimization tool. It’s completely free and helps keep your Mac clean itself and running smoothly. Each action is clearly explained in detail, and the Help Guide offers any additional assistance you might need. OnyX Computer Cleaner lets you set your own checkpoints and parameters including, Dock, iTunes, and Spotlight. It fully cleans your files and system. For the price (free), it’s a great product!

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