Dashboard KickStart for Mac

Used Dashboard KickStart for Mac?

Dashboard KickStart Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

Dashboard KickStart is a free application designed for Mac users to enrich their desktop experience. This program allows users to customize their dashboard with engaging screensavers and wallpapers, providing a dynamic visual experience. It offers an intuitive interface that makes it easy to select and apply various themes, ensuring that personalization is accessible to all users.

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In addition to its aesthetic features, Dashboard KickStart includes options for adjusting settings and preferences, enabling users to tailor their screensaver and wallpaper choices to suit their style. The application supports a range of resolutions and formats, ensuring compatibility with different Mac displays. Overall, it serves as a useful tool for anyone looking to enhance their desktop environment.

Dashboard KickStart for Mac

Used Dashboard KickStart for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: January 4, 2014

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 3.3

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System

Mac OS X
OS X 10.8
OS X 10.9

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 704

Downloads Last Week: 0

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User Reviews

3.5/5

2 User Votes

Cancels out Spotlight Menu...
musicworks1_dotmacJanuary 24, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I was looking forward to using this, and after installing it, it does what it advertises--gives the Dashboard a "kick start" so that you have no delay in using your widgets in OS X Tiger. However, after using it for a day, i discovered that I could not access Spotlight either by clicking on the menu or by using the Cmd-spacebar shortcut. I could access the features by using the Spotlight field at the top of Finder windows. I tried removing the com.apple.spotlight.plist file to the desktop to see if that was corrupt, but no change. After some sleuthing, I realized that Dashboard KickStart was the last thing installed before the problem showed up. I opened the app, turned off the start-up at login option, quit the application and re-started the machine--the problem with Spotlight was gone. Alas, I'll have to wait until that conflict is dealt with before trying again. A great product with this one flaw. I'm sorry to have to write this--can't recommend it right now.
Does exactly what it needs to do
Caesar.MacOctober 2, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />This application is just what I needed - because the Dashboard loads slow and the first time I use it it actually slows me down instead of helping me work faster. to neilio: the name might be almost the same, but this application does NOT do excactly the same: the main difference is that it also starts the Dashboard as soon as your Dock is killed. This is important for me, because there are still a lot of installers that do this. Also, it sets itself as a Login-item if you want to.

Developer’s Description

By Colourful Apps

Auto startup Dashboard at login.

With Dashboard KickStart, you'll always have the Dashboard ready to use the first time you want. Without it you'll have to wait for a complete Dashboard start-up sequence as soon as you are ready use it for a first time, making its quick accessibility rather useless. This application runs in the background and reacts to the starting or re-starting of the Dock and waking from sleep mode. When that happens it initiates the starting of the Dashboard.