Ambient desktop objects · macOS

Interactive desktop objects for macOS.

Tell transforms audio, network, CPU, shortcuts, and battery into interactive desktop objects that react and animate to your system state

Try it free. Unlock anytime.

Download Tell Explore modules

See it in action

Your desktop, with live objects.

Tell adds interactive desktop objects for audio, network, CPU, shortcuts, and battery - plus Centre Glance for a compact, glanceable view at the centre of your desktop.

Live 3D desktop objects

Centre Glance

Setup

How Tell works

Download and open Tell

Runs from the menu bar so it stays out of the way until needed.

Click the menu bar icon

Your desktop objects appear instantly; drag them where you want.

Enable Floating Mode

Hide the window frame so modules sit directly on the desktop layer.

Customise your modules

Open Settings to assign object styles and map each module’s job.

Always on Top

Pin signals you care about above other application windows.

Transparent desktop layer - not the built-in macOS widget stack.

Modules

Live desktop modules.

What Tell can show - system signals as objects you keep on screen.

Battery

Monitor battery percentage and charging state through live desktop visuals.

Available

Audio

See what's currently playing across Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and browser audio. DMG version supports animated audio device detection when headphones or speakers connect.

Available

Network

Monitor upload, download, ping, and connection state in real time.

Available

CPU

Visualise processor activity through responsive animated objects.

Available

Shortcuts

Create floating desktop launch points for apps, folders, and workflows.

Available

Desktop Clocks

Interactive floating clocks designed for ambient desktop presence.

New

Object library

Swap the look per module.

Each module keeps the same telemetry; collections change the geometry and finish. Tune everything in Tell Settings.

The Lab✓ Available

Retro✓ Available

Minimal✓ Available

Clocks✓ Available

More coming soon

Pricing

$4.99macOS · all modules

One-time purchase.

Free updates included.

No subscription.

Direct Download

Lower-priced DMG version with direct download and emailed license key.

Download Tell Pro DMG

Try it free. Unlock anytime.

Includes a short preview before purchase.

Mac App Store

Apple-hosted version with App Store reinstall support and automatic updates.

Download on the Mac App Store

Lower price direct download. License key sent by email.

Requires macOS 14 or later · Apple Silicon + Intel