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ProcessSpy

Advanced process monitor for Mac

ProcessSpy - Product Image

What is ProcessSpy?

ProcessSpy is a native macOS process explorer that gives power users and developers deep visibility into system activity. Unlike Activity Monitor, it shows per-process CPU QoS breakdown, memory footprint with peak tracking, and real-time disk I/O and memory pressure rates.

The app features a hierarchical tree view that rolls up child processes and XPC services, with aggregate CPU, memory, and thread totals. A menu bar dashboard keeps essential stats accessible without disrupting workflow, while JavaScript filters and regex search help you find exactly what you're looking for.

ProcessSpy remembers finished processes and lets you review their command‑line arguments, environment variables, and digital signatures. Historical graphs for CPU, memory, and threads can be exported to CSV for analysis. Core monitoring is free; advanced inspection features require a one‑time license.

How to use ProcessSpy

  1. 1

    Download and install ProcessSpy from the official site (Apple-notarized DMG).

  2. 2

    Launch the app and grant necessary permissions for process monitoring.

  3. 3

    Browse the process list; click any process to see detailed metrics.

  4. 4

    Use the search bar with regex or multi-property filters to find specific processes.

  5. 5

    Access the menu bar dashboard for a real-time overview without leaving your workflow.

Key features

Per-process CPU QoS breakdown and memory footprint history

Disk I/O and memory pressure monitoring per second

Aggregate totals in hierarchical tree view for complex apps

Multi-property regex quick-search and JavaScript-based filters

Menu bar dashboard with real-time system health tracking

Use cases

  • Developers distinguishing between multiple Java instances by full command-line info.
  • System administrators tracking memory pressure and disk I/O across server processes.
  • Power users investigating app notarization and digital signatures for security.
  • Troubleshooting performance spikes with historical CPU/memory graphs and CSV export.
  • Understanding complex app hierarchies (e.g., XPC services) in a tree view with aggregate totals.

Best for

DevelopersMac power usersSystem administratorsSecurity researchersDevOps engineers

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Frequently asked questions about ProcessSpy

Common questions to help you decide if ProcessSpy is right for you.

Yes, ProcessSpy is Apple-notarized and distributed as a signed .app inside a .dmg. It is safe to use on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

ProcessSpy is designed for macOS 14 and newer. Older versions are not supported.

ProcessSpy offers a fully functional free version with core monitoring features. Advanced capabilities require a one-time license purchase.

ProcessSpy is designed to be lightweight and efficient, using minimal CPU and memory. It won't slow down your Mac during monitoring.

No, ProcessSpy runs entirely locally on your Mac. It does not collect, transmit, or store any process data remotely.

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