Relaunch HexDrop
Menu bar apps can get “stuck” after permission changes. Quit HexDrop and launch it again.
Permissions note →Fast fixes
Try these three steps first — they solve most support requests.
Enable Screen Recording
Needed for Live Loupe. Without it, HexDrop falls back to the system color picker.
docs#permissions →Fix shortcut conflicts
Another app may be using the same key combo. Reset the shortcut in Settings.
docs#shortcuts →FAQs
Only the questions that come up the most. Everything else lives in the User Guide.
I don't see the HexDrop icon in the menu bar. (Usually it's in the overflow area)
macOS can hide menu bar icons in the overflow area. Click the » or ›› at the edge of the menu bar to reveal hidden icons — HexDrop may be there. You can drag it back into the main menu bar once you find it.
If HexDrop still isn't visible, open Applications and launch it again (or restart your Mac).
Live Loupe isn't showing — I just get the system color picker. (Screen Recording permission)
That's expected when Screen Recording isn't granted. HexDrop falls back to the built-in macOS color picker so you can still work.
- Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording
- Enable HexDrop
- Quit and relaunch HexDrop
After that, Live Loupe should appear during a pick.
My shortcut (like ⌘⇧E) doesn't work. (Conflict or disabled)
Two common causes:
- Shortcut is disabled in Settings → Shortcuts.
- Another app is using it (Raycast / Alfred / BetterTouchTool / etc.).
Fix: open Settings → Shortcuts, click the shortcut field, and press a new combo. If you're unsure, hit Reset to go back to the default.
I picked a color — why didn't it copy to clipboard? (Most often: permissions change + relaunch)
HexDrop normally copies automatically after you click to capture. If clipboard copy doesn't happen:
- Quit + relaunch HexDrop (especially after changing permissions).
- Try copying from History (select a color and press
Enteror⌘C). - Check if a clipboard manager is interfering (temporary test: quit it and try again).
How do I enable/disable specific formats? (Formats popover + Copy All)
Go to Settings → Formats and toggle formats on/off. Disabled formats won't appear in the Formats view and won't be included in Copy All.
Tip: the "Developer formats" section only appears when at least one dev format is enabled.
What permissions does HexDrop need? (And why)
HexDrop asks for only what it needs:
- Screen Recording — enables Live Loupe (magnified cursor preview). Without it, HexDrop still works using the system color picker.
- Accessibility — helps with click-to-capture and ESC handling in Live Loupe mode.
All permissions are managed in System Settings → Privacy & Security.
I bought on the App Store — how do I restore purchases? (Apple ID)
App Store purchases are tied to your Apple ID. If you're on a new Mac, install HexDrop again from the App Store using the same Apple ID. If you're signed into the wrong account, switch Apple IDs in the App Store and try again.
Does HexDrop upload my colors anywhere? (Privacy)
HexDrop is designed to be lightweight and local-first. Your color history lives on your Mac.
Need human help?
- Include your macOS version
- Include your HexDrop version
- Note whether Live Loupe mode is active
Contact
If the FAQs didn't solve it, send a message. (Wire this to Formspree, a server endpoint, etc.)
Questions about the app?
Browse the documentation, check the quick guide, or reach out via support. HexDrop launches at $7.99, one time.