Every Mac user has wondered how they can increase their productivity. Our selection of programs for macOS can help with this.
Let's divide the selected applications into 4 conditional sections: productivity, technology, working with text, entertainment.
Productivity
AirMail
AirMail- it's fast mail client, supporting many accounts. Like any modern email client, it supports Gmail, Yahoo!, iCloud, Microsoft Exchange, Outlook. AirMail allows you to install a large number of plugins for additional functionality. Also, the undeniable advantages of this program include a built-in system for blocking unwanted messages.
Price:$10, downloadable from .
Alfred
Alfred– this is launching applications using the keyboard, a multi-platform search shell. This program has simply amazing performance. It allows you to search through files and the Internet. Alfred is capable of performing some system actions, such as emptying the trash, rebooting, and so on.
Price: free, can be downloaded.
F.Lux
F.Lux is essentially similar to the Night Shift technology on iOS. Night time color scheme iPhone screens and the iPad will warm up, protecting your eyes from excess stress, and return to its normal position in the morning.
Many studies have shown that exposure to bright blue light in the evening can make it harder to fall asleep. Night mode will use time and geolocation data from your device to determine the time of sunset in your area.
Price: free, can be downloaded.
Simplemind
SimpleMind is a small application for creating mental maps. Creating mental maps is a fairly common method of structuring data and is very often used when working on complex projects and in the educational field.
Price:$30, downloadable from .
Spamsieve
Spamsieve connects to most email clients, analyzes the email received by the user and learns according to his habits. This program is used to combat spam on Mac. Spamsieve does not delete messages, it only flags them in the client Email, so the user will never lose any of the messages he needs. The program learns new ways to protect against spam right as it works, tracking all the techniques of spammers.
Price: 30 dollars, yes trial version for 30 days, you can download .
Spectacle
Spectacle Allows you to move and resize windows using simple keyboard shortcuts. You can split the screen into 2 or 4 parts by placing the browser in the upper left corner, text editor in the upper right corner, and so on.
Price: free, can be downloaded.
The Unarchiver
The Unarchiver is an excellent replacement for the built-in macOS Backup Utility application. It supports most existing formats, including the legacy ARJ.
Price: free, can be downloaded from .
Technologies
Dash
Dash is a document browser and code snippet manager. It comes with over 150 built-in API documents that can be downloaded and viewed offline.
Price: 25 dollars, yes free version with restrictions, you can download .
Github Desktop
Github Desktop is an application that allows you to manage Github databases. It provides a more readable user interface than when working through a terminal.
Price: free, can be downloaded.
iTerm 2
iTerm 2 is a comprehensive multi-window terminal for macOS. One of the best analogues of the built-in Terminal application. iTerm 2 supports rich profile configuration and complex window division.
Price: free, can be downloaded.
Textmate 2
TextMate 2 is a text editor that provides an intelligent set of keyboard shortcuts and a powerful set of plugins that make it suitable for almost any task. Used to edit code or text, and can even act as a task manager.
Price: free, can be downloaded.
Work with text
Ulysses III
Ulysses III- This professional editor text that allows you to fully concentrate on your work. Except comfortable work with text and its parts, Ulysses boasts full Markdown support for formatting, as well as export to TXT formats, RTF and PDF. In the first case, the text can be saved with HTML, Markdows or plain text markup, RTF supports export to Pages formats and Doc.
Another cool feature of Ulysses is the ability to flexibly customize the color scheme. Almost every interface element can be recolored to suit your taste. It is possible to synchronize documents via iCloud.
Price:$40, 14-day trial available, downloadable from .
Pixelmator
Pixelator is a photo editor, just like Adobe Photoshop. It provides the features you expect from it: layers, filters, different shapes, smart selection, photo editing, and more.
Mac computers are known for having a good starting set of software that allows you to solve many problems right out of the box.
Time does not stand still, new types of data, services, processes and tasks appear, which means it is necessary to supplement the basic set of applications with third-party programs.
Here's what you should pay attention to first.
1. VLC Player
All Mac computers come with a pre-installed application QuickTime. This player is designed to play proprietary and officially supported Apple formats. It cannot handle common AVI or MKV.
Even the most die-hard Apple fans sooner or later face the need to watch videos in an unsupported format. Instead of all kinds of converters and decoders, it’s easier to have an omnivorous player.
VLC has long been considered the best in this category on macOS. It handles multi-channel audio, can switch tracks and subtitles, and also supports control from the proprietary Apple remote control Remote.
2. Audio Hijack
Out of the box, macOS doesn't provide a convenient way to monitor and record system sounds. The user is forced to look for third-party utilities for this.
This program allows you to manage system sounds, record audio signals from instant messengers or dialers, and separate sounds into different devices.
3.BetterTouchTool
A useful utility for fine-tuning the keyboard, mouse, touchpad and other input sources on Mac. You can create all kinds of rules and settings for specific applications. BetterTouchTool understands all mice, keyboards, remotes and media controllers.
The program can quickly arrange windows of other applications in the desired areas of the screen, this useful Apple chip will not copy from Windows in any way.
In addition, you can overclock the cursor as much as possible by setting the sensitivity to extreme levels, or add a couple of useful keyboard shortcuts.
4. The Unarchiver
The simplest and most convenient application for working with archives on Mac. Minimum settings with all necessary features available.
The program rightfully takes pride of place in the top free applications Mac App Store and is almost the only Must Have program from the Apple application store.
5. Little Snitch
Advanced Manager network connections will help you solve several problems on your Mac computer at once.
The utility can quickly deny access to the network for everyone installed programs and services. When you connect for the first time, you will be asked to create a rule for one-time or permanent access.
This will quickly pacify programs that work well offline. This will reduce the load on the network, the Mac will use the connection less often and use battery power more economically.
6. FilePane
A lightweight utility that creates a small menu for working with files different types. The program menu appears as you drag objects, allowing you to quickly copy or change data, send or save files.
You can get used to FilePane within a few hours of work, and then you start to wildly save time on routine operations.
7. CloudMounter
The program will be appreciated by owners of several accounts in different cloud storage Oh.
CloudMounter can work with data for various network protocols without full synchronization on the computer. The utility connects storage in the form of external drives and downloads only the necessary data to the Mac.
This way you can get rid of multiple cloud storage clients and save valuable space on a small SSD drive.
8. DaisyDisk
The application will quickly tell you where the free space on your computer went. All drives and directories will be displayed in the form of a visual diagram.
The utility will color-code data types and allow you to delete everything except system or protected files.
So, in a couple of minutes, you can remember that precious space is being consumed by a long-completed project in Final Cut or a 4K movie downloaded last month.
Cleaning space with DaisyDisk is a pleasure, no automatic actions or dubious algorithms - only manual removal really unnecessary files.
This is a traditional article where I talk about all the applications installed on my personal Mac. This year, 58 applications made the list.
This is a traditional article where I talk about all the applications installed on my Mac and MacBook. This year, 58 programs were included in the list: 11 were removed, 16 were added. I marked my favorite apps with a heart ❤️, and new ones with an apple 🍏.
The main source of good software for me is still the Setapp service. It's kind of like an alternative App Store, where for $9.99 per month you get access to 100+ positions, most of which are not in the Apple store.
Perhaps for the “old people” who already have all this software, a subscription does not make much sense. But for beginners this is a real find: we bought new mac, installed Setapp and now you have a hundred applications from different categories. In addition, Setapp eliminates the hassle of updating and storing personal licenses.
For this occasion, I divided the selection of my software into 3 sections:
- Applications from Setapp;
- applications from the App Store;
- and applications that have to be downloaded from official websites.
This set of software suits me, but not the fact that it will suit you. At the same time, other people's lists are always inspiring. I am sure you will find something useful for yourself here.
1. Subscription apps from Setapp
Archiver - archiver
Bartender hides unnecessary icons from the menubar 🍏 BetterTouchTool - customize your keyboard and mouse
❤️ CleanMyMac X - cleaning and keeping your Mac in a “fresh” state
Elmedia Player - video player
Flume - Instagram client
CPU load by thread. iStat Menus ❤️ KeyKey - keyboard trainer
❤️ Yoink - file buffer
❤️ DaisyDisk
Things is the friendliest planner I've ever seen. Beautiful and without in-app purchases and subscriptions 1Blocker - ad blocker
❤️ iA Writer - text editor
Alfred helps you launch apps, keep clipboard history, and automate routines❤️ Arq - backups for Mac
Arq does every hour backups my laptop directly to Dropbox 🍏 Carbon Copy Cloner - disk cloning
❤️ Sketch - vector editor
Buy for $99 per year
Vector editor for Mac. I draw in it new design for the KeyKey keyboard trainer, I do all the illustrations for this blog. Without Sketch it’s like having no hands.
I make illustrations for an article in Sketch Sublime Text - text editor for programmers
Download for free
Text editor for programmers. I often use it to layout articles and edit theme files for this blog. I've been using the trial version for two years now. It seems to be eternal.
🍏 ScreenFlow - recording screencasts
Buy for $129
Program for recording screencasts. I switched to it from iShowU, since it records better from iPhone and iPad. I bought it recently and in the hope that I will start recording more screencasts :)
My relationship with Windows ended in 2012, when I bought my first MacBook. macOS (then OS X) was pretty annoying the first couple of weeks of acquaintance. I had to google basic things like how to switch the language, how to completely remove applications and much more.
After learning the basic principles of how the system works, I came to understand why the operating system is good - I forever forgot about installing drivers, antiviruses, a bunch of security updates and the rest of the headaches that I never wanted to think about. MacBook solved this automatically. But not all.
I had to solve some common problems myself, and for this I needed special software. I don’t know if this speaks about quality and quantity good apps for desktop operating systems, but in the first month I found so many useful programs on a MacBook, which I haven’t found on Windows for many years. Some have already been removed and forgotten, but certain gentleman's set formed..
So, I’m telling you about the best applications on macOS. For convenience, I will divide it into three sections: the desired minimum, useful utilities and everything that does not fit into the first two sections.
Desirable minimum
The coolest combine harvester for cleaning your computer. Scans and finds system junk, cache, old and large files, cleans the recycle bin, completely removes programs and much more. There is a convenient widget for the menu bar, where in one click you can empty the trash or RAM, and also shows the battery charge.
The first app I installed, but second on this list. Logics? She's gone. By default, macOS only works fully with media on file system FAT, which has a nasty write limitation - the file must be no more than 4 GB. NTFS doesn't have this, but Apple only allows such partitions to be read, not written. The problem is solved by the invisible utility Tuxera NTFS - install it once and forget it forever. Bonus: formatting disks in NTFS. There is an alternative in the form of Paragon NTFS.
Demon paid application for managing external and internal drives. Shows brief statistics on memory capacity and allows you to safely remove media. But most importantly: it removes system residual debris. It happens that after macOS, a flash drive connected to Windows will be occupied by invisible files - these are what the program removes.
Simply the best cross-platform media player. Free.
Torrent client. Compact, free and ad-free. Allows you to download files even if some have already been deleted.
Useful utilities
Clipboard manager. I tried a lot of similar programs and settled on this one. A pleasant interface that does not stand out from the general style of the system played a decisive role. Paste performs one simple task: it stores the history of what was copied for later access. There is a search. If you often have to use the “cmd+c” combination at work, then you must install it.
A small utility for saving computer RAM and battery. It sets an inactivity timer for any application. For example, if I don't use iTunes for five minutes, it will automatically close.
A chic window manager in Windows style. Allows you to change and dock windows for convenient organization of your workspace. It works extremely simply: use the cursor to drag the window to the desired corner of the screen and you’re done. I use it all the time. There is an alternative called BetterSnapTool.
Includes any HTML5 video from Safari in Picture-in-Picture mode. Verified on YouTube and Twitch. Works.
A neat timer for the menu bar. You need to pull the icon down and measure the required number of minutes. Useful if you constantly work at the computer.
Screenshot app. Usually standard macOS combinations are enough, but in MonoSnap you can immediately make notes, upload to the cloud and receive a link to the clipboard.
A powerful utility that brings a popup menu of commands from iOS. It works system-wide and depending on where the text is highlighted, the application offers different commands. The list of such commands is customizable and the developer has a whole section with extensions for this, which is constantly updated. You can create a reminder, translate text, find it on a map, and much more in one click. A lot of popular applications are supported.
Almost every software has its own icon in the status bar. In some cases it can be hidden, but in most cases it is not. Bartender will come to the rescue. It frees up space on the menu bar and makes your Mac look a little neater. You can choose which applications to hide, customize shortcuts and the icon of the application itself.
All the rest
Mail client. I use it in conjunction with the iOS version. There are a lot of functions, most of which I didn’t even understand. Conveniently, all mailboxes are saved in iCloud. Another option is Spark. It didn’t catch on with me on iOS, and there wasn’t an app on the MacBook to begin with. Now it's out and many people are praising it. Give it a try. It's free, unlike AirMail.
Graphic editor with wide capabilities. It can do a lot of things that Photoshop does, but it takes up much less space. The only negative is that there is no Russian language.
I first bought it on iOS because of the cool widget for the notification center - it fits the entire month. The application combines a calendar and reminders. There is a widget for the menu bar.
Beneath the minimalist design of this calculator lies enormous power. He can count, convert different quantities, currency, temperature and much more. You can write in text (m and meters - the calculator understands both options), use abbreviations (log, sqrt), signs (%, $). There is even a widget for the notification center. In short, a gun! It's also free.
1Password (free, but with a subscription of $2.99/month)
The most famous password manager. You can store logins in it, bank cards, addresses, notes, bank accounts, driver's licenses, passports and more. Available on iOS, Android, Windows with general synchronization. But a little expensive. Recently, a good alternative has appeared - there are far fewer opportunities, but it is free.
One of the best VPN services from the creators of RememBear. Paid, but the rates are humane.
Mac OS is one of the most popular operating systems in the world. It is characterized by stability, ease of use and high level protection against viruses. mac OS comes pre-installed with many system programs, but for comfortable work users download additional ones. Below we will talk about the most useful and popular applications for mac OS, which will make it more functional.
Mac has its own archiver, but it only works with files that were created on this OS. They cannot open data from Windows, Linux, Android. Reads almost all existing archive extensions:
- Zip and 7-zip;
- Tar-GZip and so on.
The benefits of The Unarchiver program are as follows:
- It is freely available, free to use, no activation required.
- When unzipping, it accurately saves file names in both Latin and Cyrillic.
- It is possible to select the folder into which the contents of the archive will be moved when unpacking it.
MacID
MacID - useful utility for those who want to automate password entry. The only limitation is that this program requires an iPhone. You also need to download a similar paid application to it. The version for PC and laptops is free.
MacID works as follows. After installing the program on your computer and smartphone, both devices are synchronized. When you move away from your PC, it will lock. To log in to the system, you need to go to your computer and unlock your iPhone. The Mac will unlock automatically.
With this application you don’t have to constantly remember and enter complex passwords, also take care of the safety of your gadget. You can log into the system with just one click of your finger on your smartphone.
Slack
Slack- best program for mac OS X for business correspondence. In the application you can not only exchange messages, but also create and conduct entire business projects. Its main advantage is integration with cloud services And social networks. For example, Slack allows you to create, edit, and forward Google Docs.
The most interesting features of this utility for Mac include:
- creating an unlimited number of subgroups in one chat;
- uploading data to your own hosting and file sharing;
- search, archive and restore sent messages;
- ability to add built-in plugins and extensions.
VLC Player is an alternative to the standard media player, which has limited functionality and does not support many extensions. VLC Player not only plays most files, but also reads DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and allows video broadcasting.
Features of VLC Player that will simplify your work with audio and video:
- playing videos directly from YouTube;
- converting files from one format to another;
- installing a video as a screensaver on your desktop;
- transcription of audio recordings;
- creating high-quality screenshots while watching a video.
f.lux
Often, using a computer is very harmful to your eyesight. f.lux will help reduce eye strain for Mac users. This utility adapts screen settings depending on the time of day.
Artificial light is warmer than natural light, so the monitor becomes colder in contrast at night. During the day, on the contrary, warm colors return. IN latest version f.lux developers added interesting feature. The system selects settings based not only on time, but also on the user’s individual schedule.
There are two more modes available in the utility:
- Movie Mode - for watching movies and long videos.
- Darkroom - for comfortable computer use in the dark.
A very convenient and functional reader is included in the list of the best applications for mac OS. It works with many services, so after installation you can automatically move your reading feed into one program.
ReadKit has the ability to fine-tune the design: not only choose the general theme, but also the font, size, line spacing, paragraph, and so on. This feature is especially relevant for visually impaired users.
In addition, Ridkit has a convenient filtration system. Files can be sorted by the following parameters:
- content;
- date added;
- Internet link;
- the service from which the content was downloaded;
- read or unread.
Fantastical - a calendar with advanced features. It allows:
- Create event reminders. Each of them is marked with a special color to make it easier to navigate.
- Automatically reschedule scheduled events. For example, if you write “meeting tomorrow at 8,” then the next day the information “meeting today at 8” will appear on the calendar. Please note that reminders must be written in English.
- Add a widget for quick notifications so you don’t miss anything important and instantly create new tasks.
Pocket is a new approach to data storage. It stores not files, but entire pages from the browser. Thanks to this, they can be viewed even when there is no Internet connection. Once installed and registered, Pocket creates a widget that you simply click on to archive the page.
Web pages remain as designed. This means that in offline access you will not see a random set of symbols and pictures, but the same thing that you opened earlier.
As you use programs, some data is stored in your computer's memory. Often this happens completely unnecessary information: application cache, setup files and other garbage. It not only clutters the device, but also significantly slows down its operation.
CCleaner can clear unnecessary data. This utility performs the following functions:
- deleting browser cache, bookmarks, downloads and other information;
- uninstalling installed programs;
- setting up applications to start automatically when you log in;
- emptying the trash can.
Except antivirus programs A computer that is constantly connected to the Internet requires additional protection for a secure connection. For Mac, this will be provided by Little Snitch - a simple and functional firewall.
Initially, the system has its own utility installed, but Little Snitch has several advantages over it:
- the ability to block not only incoming but also outgoing connections;
- available fine settings to select applications whose operation will be monitored;
- scanning network traffic to monitor changes in program operation.
Transmission is a version of the torrent tracker for Mac OS. It is distinguished by its laconic design, ease of use and a variety of useful functions. With Transmission you can:
- create torrent files;
- broadcast data download speed;
- control the speed of file distribution;
- automatically delete downloads after they are installed;
- sort torrents into groups.
Bear
Bear is a text editor made in the best traditions of minimalism. You can create both long entries and short notes in it. The program allows you to format the text as needed: arrange paragraphs, lists, headings, and so on. Records are sorted using tags that the user assigns to each document.
An important advantage of Bear is synchronization with mobile version. You can open and edit files simultaneously on your computer and on your smartphone or tablet.
VOX
VOX is a music player that allows you to listen to music online without saving it to your device's memory. It also works with the iTunes data library, so all files can be imported directly from it.
The main advantages of the VOX media player include:
- simple and clear interface in laconic black and white colors;
- support for many music formats, including ALAC, FLAC, OGG;
- fine-tune the sound using the built-in equalizer;
- control applications by swiping rather than pressing buttons.
This email client turns messages into tasks for which notifications are sent. You can connect profiles from two systems to it - Gmail and iCloud.
Immediately upon receipt, messages are sorted by volume and importance, read and unread messages. The application is very convenient for working with drafts - they are automatically saved in the Dropbox cloud.
One of the most convenient features is the ability to delay reading. With its help, you indicate that you saw the letter, but will read it later.
GIMP
There are no quality pre-installed image editors on Mac, so GIMP will fill their role. It retains all the basic functions of Photoshop, but the application is completely free.
GIMP offers the following features:
- Creation graphic images any types (drawings, logos, etc.);
- processing photographs and other images using color correction, filters, cropping and distortion;
- drawing from scratch - brushes are available for this different shapes and thickness, managing layers, their transparency and position, and so on;
- support for scanners and tablets for creating graphics;
- creating animation files and much more.
Paste 2 - clipboard between your Mac and mobile device on iOS. He works in background and allows you to instantly copy a selected object on two gadgets simultaneously.
The buffer storage capacity is unlimited, you can move even heavy files. Selection and copying can be done by anyone in a convenient way: key combination, dragging and so on.
Due to the closure of access to some programs by law, programs that provide a secure and private connection have become popular today. For Mac, Betternet is considered the most popular.
The functionality of the application allows you to:
- download applications that are not available in your local region;
- open web pages that are blocked;
- use public networks safely;
- keep complete anonymity while searching on the Internet.
Conclusion
There are many useful programs available for mac OS. They improve the speed of your PC, make it safer to use, and simplify the creation and editing of files in a wide variety of formats. Most of the utilities are free, but some require a fixed fee to download or pay for the program once a month.
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