OnyX
OnyX is a popular[2] freeware utility for macOS developed by French developer Joël Barrière that is compatible with both PowerPC and Intel processors. As a multifunctional tool for maintenance and optimization, it can control many basic Unix programs already built into macOS, including setting hidden preferences otherwise modified by using property list editors and the command line.[3]
OnyX running on macOS Sierra | |
Developer(s) | Joël Barrière Titanium Software |
---|---|
Stable release | 3.8.3 (June 4, 2020[1]) [±] |
Preview release | 3.2.8 (July 26, 2017 ) [±] |
Operating system | macOS |
Available in | Multilingual |
Type | Utilities, Maintenance, Optimization |
License | Freeware |
Website | Titanium Software |
Features
- Verify the structure of the file system on the start-up volume
- Repair disk permissions
- Configure certain parameters hidden from the system and from certain applications
- Empty System, User, Internet, Font caches
- Force Empty the Trash
- Rebuild Launch Services, CoreDuet database, XPC Cache...
- Rebuild Spotlight and Mail indexes
Development
Created in 2003 by Joël Barrière, a.k.a. Titanium, the program was originally meant to address its creator's personal needs. Developed using Xcode, Apple's software development environment (Cocoa + AppleScript Studio + Objective-C), OnyX is regularly updated by its author taking into consideration users' suggestions and requests. To do its job, the program uses macOS's standard Unix utilities, allowing their control through a graphical user interface without needing the command line.
Versions
OnyX versions are specific to each version of macOS and are not backward compatible. The program will not work correctly if used with an OS for which it was not designed.
- Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar: OnyX version 1.3.1
- Mac OS X 10.3 Panther: OnyX version 1.5.3
- Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger: OnyX version 1.8.6
- Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard: OnyX version 2.0.6
- Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard: OnyX version 2.4.0
- Mac OS X 10.7 Lion: OnyX version 2.4.8
- OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion: OnyX version 2.7.4
- OS X 10.9 Mavericks: OnyX version 2.8.9
- OS X 10.10 Yosemite: OnyX version 3.0.2
- OS X 10.11 El Capitan: OnyX version 3.1.9
- macOS 10.12 Sierra: OnyX version 3.3.1
- macOS 10.13 High Sierra: OnyX version 3.4.9
- macOS 10.14 Mojave: OnyX version 3.6.8
- macOS 10.15 Catalina: OnyX version 3.8.3
The macOS Catalina (10.15) build is actively maintained. However, all previous versions in support of past operating systems are still available for download from the developer's website.[4]
References
- "OnyX Release Notes". Titanium Software. Retrieved 2019-11-20.
- "OnyX (Mavericks) for Mac". CNET. Retrieved 2015-10-03.
- Loeb, Larry (2005-04-29). "OnyX: Make OS X Spill the Beans". Retrieved 2015-10-03.
- "OnyX download section". Retrieved 2015-10-03.
External links
- Official Site in English
- (in French) Official Site in French
- "OnyX: Maintenance and optimization tool". MacUpdate. 2015-09-22.
- Mark W. Shead (2006-06-16). "OnyX OSX Utility".