AP Grapher for Mac

Used AP Grapher for Mac?

AP Grapher Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

AP Grapher is a dedicated tool for Mac users to search and display available wireless networks. This free application provides users with both list and graph views, allowing for a detailed examination of wireless connections in the vicinity. The scanner window lists all detected networks, providing crucial information such as signal strength, noise levels, and the last contact time. Users can filter out inactive and secure networks to focus on viable connections, with the program highlighting the strongest option in green.

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The grapher feature presents an intuitive graphical representation of the raw quality, signal, and noise of detected networks. This visual analysis aids users in assessing the stability and strength of their connections. However, it is important to note that AP Grapher may consume a considerable amount of system memory, and users of MacBook Pros with 802.11n cards may encounter compatibility issues.

AP Grapher for Mac

Used AP Grapher for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: November 2, 2007

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 1.2.1

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System

Mac OS X 10.5
Mac OS X 10.4
Mac OS X

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 4,852

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4/5

19 User Votes

Good idea but very buggy
swishboneashJune 26, 2011
Pros
Graphing ability is a good idea. Not too many programs do that for Macs.
Cons
Does not like other program running or running in a multi-tasking environment. All data is lost. Very touchy and can't predict when program crashes.
Summary
Good idea but leaves a lot to be desired as a useful and reliable tool. Would like to see some numbers in the vertical scale and time intervals in the horizontal scale. Ability to save scan as a CSV file with time intervals would be useful while running in the background. Scan save only saves current value.Some basic bugs and stability issues should be fixed before I contribute.
Doesn't work with Snow Leopard.
kearnser1July 30, 2010
Pros
Nothing good to say.
Cons
Graphs don't work with Snow Leopard.
Summary
Quite buggy
rsdfwdsaJuly 3, 2009
Pros
It is useful to show relative data.
Cons
Very unstable - continually crashes after running for a while with 10.5.6 and 7. Sometimes graph is blank even after restart, and graph SSID is blank. Doesn't recognize its own connection even though the scanner table is updating. Needs SNR in chart.
Summary
This app needs more stability - it won't stay up for more than 5-15 minutes. It is likely to crash during the time you are moving the computer or positioning the router antenna so that all of your graph history is lost. To be truly useful for more than a relative check, it needs to have the graph labeled and the SNR and TX rate reported in the chart. The graph vertical scale doesn't appear to be logarithmic, a standard for such work, and the TX rate is just a straight line at the top of the graph. Sometimes all graph lines are drawn at the bottom and the reported SSID is null even though the scanner chart is being updated. When this happens, clicking on "Check for Updates" reports that there is no internet connection even though there is. This app was a good idea very poorly executed, and needs considerable work to be reliable and useful.
Useful tool for finding a reliable wireless connection
mdwychoffSeptember 15, 2008
Pros
View all the wireless resources out there and then select the best signal for a reliable AirPort connection. Also displays the security type and MAC address for each wireless connection, as well as signal strength and availability.
Cons
The AP Grapher doesn't display signal strength information until I visit the Preferences page from AP Scanner. Seems like a bug, but it may be some setting I tweaked accidentally.
Summary
Gives far more useful information than the four 'bar' AirPort signal strength meter on OS X. I've used it in hotels when traveling and around my community to find a good (authorized!) connection from among the dozens available. I've let it 'roam' while traveling interstate highways (and using the Mac for GPS), just to see what's out there, and it's amazing!
great app - works perfectly as of OS 10.4.7.
Graphite AddictAugust 20, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />This is a very easy to use app that shows airports signal strength perfectly and simply. I love it when I'm looking around for a wireless network and am trying to determine whether the network I'm connected to has enough strength to be reliable. This app is free, which is a plus too. AND it works perfectly on my 10.4.7 powerbook even though it has not been updated for a while. Bravo!
would be even nicer..
rays_temp1May 26, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />if it could display the percentage in the menu bar this would be a killer app.. as it stands, this is a severe beating - bravo!
would be even nicer..
rays_temp1May 26, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />if it could display the percentage in the menu bar this would be a killer app.. as it stands, this is a severe beating - bravo!
Other Sniffers...
Andreas..May 24, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br /><br>One of those the previous poster mentions is not free Ã¢?? it is betaware Ã¢?? and is several MB big. The other does indeed show what AP Grapher does Ã¢?? if you can spot it amongst all the other "info" Ã¢?? and it's ugly and poorly displayed. <br><br>AP Grapher tells me the state of my AirPort connection instantly and very visibly, very neatly and accurately. I suggest ignoring that strange previous poster and downloading this excellent product. If you don't like it you can immediately trash it Ã¢?? but I don't think you will. <br><br><i>Andreas </i><br><br>
Big deal! All the Free sniffers and stumblers do...
websterphreakyMay 23, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
...this and MORE!<br />This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />MacStumbler, KisMac, etc. ALL did this a LONG time ago and a heck of a lot more!
Excellent!
AliasSirhcMay 6, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Wow, I wish I had this about a month ago when I was setting up my house for wireless. It's so cool, i can put my hand in front of the antenna on my powerbook and see the signal drop!

Developer’s Description

Evaluate and create a graph of your wireless base stations signal strength.

AP Grapher is a freeware program for Mac OS X which searches for nearby wireless (WiFi, Airport) access points and graphs the signal strength as a function of time for the base station you are currently connected to. Although the program has a stumbler like mode, its not a true a stumbler in the classic sense since it only finds visible networks.

AP Grapher is intended to help you find the best access point to connect to and optimally position your base station and or computer to achieve the best possible signal strength.