Quick overview — Padlock for Dashboard
Padlock is a compact Dashboard widget that lets you secure your Mac in seconds. With a simple interaction it either locks the screen or can put the computer to sleep, helping conserve battery and rest the display. It’s intentionally minimal, designed for users who want a fast way to prevent others from accessing their machine.
Core capabilities
- Send the Mac into sleep mode to save power and pause activity.
- Lock the screen immediately with a double-click for quick privacy.
- Offer multiple finish options so the widget matches your Dashboard style.
- Include an info/control icon in the lower-right corner, which can be triggered accidentally if you’re not careful.
Available finishes
- Violet
- Blue
- Red
- Green
- Black
Important precautions
Padlock’s simplicity is convenient, but it also means a careless click can lock your computer unexpectedly. Because the widget relies on your macOS account password to regain access, make sure you remember it before testing the lock feature. Pay special attention around the info icon at the bottom-right of the widget to avoid unintentional activation.
Alternative to consider
If you want something with more features or different behavior, try CheatSheet (free) as another option.
Bottom line
Padlock is a straightforward, no-frills way to secure your Mac from the Dashboard. It’s handy for quick privacy or power-saving, as long as you’re mindful of the control layout and have your password available.
Technical
- Mac
- Free