Jiggler

Jiggler is a compact macOS utility designed to keep your Mac awake by periodically moving the mouse pointer, helping you avoid unwanted sleep or screensaver interruptions during longer stretches of inactivity.

This is best suited for anyone who occasionally needs their Mac to stay awake for a specific task, but would rather not keep adjusting sleep and screensaver settings back and forth.

A straightforward way to keep your Mac awake

Jiggler’s core idea is simple: instead of changing system settings, it simulates activity by nudging the mouse from time to time, keeping the machine alert while a job runs. For quick, temporary “stay awake” needs, that focused approach is easy to appreciate.

Smarter triggers than constant cursor movement

While it can keep things active by moving the mouse periodically, Jiggler can also be set to hold off unless your Mac has been idle for a while, which helps it stay out of the way while you work.

Beyond idle-only behavior, Jiggler includes configuration options that let it run only in certain situations, such as when the Mac is busy working, when an unburned disc is inserted, when iTunes is playing, or when a particular app is running. That conditional control makes the tool feel more intentional than a simple always-on jiggler.

Quick access from the menu bar

Jiggler is implemented as a menu bar status item, so it does not need to sit in the Dock and can be enabled or disabled as your needs change. This fits the app’s utility nature: it stays close at hand without demanding attention.

Freeware, open source, and relatively quiet on change

Jiggler is freeware and also available as open source under the GNU General Public License.

At the same time, the project notes that it is not under active development, even though contributions are welcome. If you prefer software that is evolving quickly, that context may affect how comfortable you feel relying on it long-term.