Keep the MacBook Pro logo lit with the lid closed
The glowing logo faces the room when your MacBook Pro is closed, but closing the lid normally puts the Mac to sleep and the logo goes dark. Backglow can keep it going. It's free.
How to turn it on
- Download Backglow and open it from your menu bar.
- Open Backglow's Settings.
- Turn on Keep glowing when closed, then choose Turn On.
- Close the lid. Your mode keeps running, and the keyboard stays dark.
How long it stays lit
With an external display: for as long as the lid is closed.
Without one: your Mac stays awake for up to 30 minutes, then it sleeps until you open the lid. It sleeps sooner if the battery is low or it gets hot.
Don't use this with your Mac in a bag. A closed Mac that's still awake can get warm.
Questions
Which modes work with the lid closed?
The mode you've chosen keeps running. Music and Agents need Pro.
Does it use more battery?
Yes, because your Mac stays awake instead of sleeping. I haven't measured how much yet, so I won't give you a number.
Is it on by default?
No. It's off until you turn it on, and Backglow explains the limits first.
Which Macs does it work on?
Only the new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display, the one with the glowing logo.