If there ’s one thingmacOSis know for , it ’s a thriving ecosystem of singular , in high spirits - quality apps . Whether you ’re looking for something to boost your productivity , increase your security , edit your photos and videos , or dive into the humans ofAI chatbots , you ’re bound to discover some great options , either in the App Store or elsewhere on the web .
Best Mac apps to change your interface
Alfred
call back of Alfred as Spotlight with a dash of Siri . It ’s an applications programme catapult , but it can do a raft more than just that . With Alfred , you’re able to quickly execute computing , execute web searches , and find discussion definitions , among many other functions .
It ’s a Mac app that fills the gap between Siri and your public eye search by allowing you to automate tasks and perform forward-looking social function that , frankly , Siri should be capable to manage on its own . Version 4 improves the workflow Lord , introduce rich textual matter snip , and more .
Amphetamine
Always a pet , Amphetamine keeps your figurer from blend in into sleep mode , startle the screensaver , or performing the auto - dim function . It ’s ideal for Mac exploiter who want to learn current , picture , or any other activity in which they do n’t touch the keyboard or mouse for an extended menstruum .
Note that Amphetamine no longer works witholder versions of macOSbefore Yosemite .
Bartender 4
barkeep 4 is an app made for when you ’re utilizing too many apps . Put just , it lets you choose which apps appear in the computer menu saloon and rearrange their stead to your liking . It ’s a subtle shaft that ’s specifically project with governance in mind , and as such , it lease you well systematize various aspects of your interface .
you’re able to also search for specific items or move them into the optional Bartender Bar if you ’re in dire indigence of additional blank space . The latest variant add livelihood for M1 machine , a ready reveal to show / veil apps , and the power to adjust the icon size . you could opt a four - week free test before purchasing .
Magnet
It ’s not always easy to view multiple windows side by side , but Magnet give you tons of choice . The app is made for the multitasking Mac user inside all of us and presents a quick mode to stage your desktop .
With Magnet , you could drop back and snap window to the edges and corners of your screen , which will then lock into place . It ’s a wonderful tool , complete with predefined keyboard shortcut if you want to simulate content from one app to another .
Noir
Ever switch on Dark Mode to pasture your Mac recent at night , only to get your oculus blasted by a burnished white website that does n’t have its own dark interpretation ? We ’ve all been there , but there ’s no need to sustain bleeding retinas in silence . rather , get Noir .
This clever little app forces websites to use a non-white color scheme if you have Dark Mode enable . If they do n’t have one of their own , Noir reskins the web site with a darken , tasteful new look that fits in perfectly with each internet site ’s own style . It ’s customizable , too , and you may take which theme Noir uses from a reach of options — or create your own . you’re able to even plant website - specific rules .
If you use Safari , Noir is the perfect companion for late - dark browse ( or if you just make love using Dark Mode during the Clarence Day ) . At $ 4 , it ’s an rank steal .
SoundSource
Handlingaudio problems in macOSis a middling basic affair , and for the most part you ’re just limited to turn the volume up or down . But not with SoundSource . This handy app throw you far more restraint over how sound work on your computer , letting you mute reasoned upshot but send everything else to your earpiece , for instance , or routing music from Spotify to your talker while outputting audio recording from Safari through your earphones .
It ’s extremely flexible and give you granular command over where your audio goes and how flash it is when it ’s played . And it forge for stimulant too , cause it a useful way to keep on top of your microphone audio frequency .
Unclutter
Unclutter is a simple piece of package that suits its name . This Mac app is accessible with a quick swipe from the top of your screen and functions as a convenient lieu for storing quick notes , recent files , and clipboard information . you’re able to access it elsewhere , which makes it handy for pasting images into e-mail , for example , or moving a folder to a raw location .
late updates also allow for a low-cal or dark theme and include an choice for trail cards on top of other desktop windows . Files and bank bill even automatically synchronise across your devices via Dropbox , a suitable addition that total to the app ’s lasting appeal .
The best Mac apps for productivity
BetterTouchTool
BetterTouchTool is one of the most complete productiveness tools you ’ll ever get hold on a Mac . Its list of capabilities is so wide - ranging that you ’ll always be surprised at what it can do , make it an fantabulous option whether you desire some power tools to overhaul your Mac or a dewy-eyed tweak that Apple does n’t yet let you do .
you may use it to tile your app windows , assign new functions to your shiner , make keyboard macros and shortcuts , add custom functionality to your Mac ’s pass , transfer the path the macOS user interface works , and so much more . If you require to automatise a project or repress annoyances in your Mac ’s operating system of rules , it ’s the right tool for the job .
ChatGPT
ChatGPT has surged to monumental popularity since it launched in 2022 , and most people know they can use it in their vane browser app . But it ’s also uncommitted as a Mac app , and this version brings some distinct advantages over the web browser edition . For one thing , you’re able to memorialise sound recording and use that as a command prompt . For another , you could tip it images from your Photos library , your webcam , or get it to directly take a screenshot .
With ChatGPT on your Mac , you ’ll have access to the best AI assistant and everything it can do . It ’s useful for conducting research , generating new text , getting advice and help with determination , and a whole lot more . Adding it to your Mac makes that entire physical process easier than ever .
CheatSheet
Keyboard shortcutsare great , but so many different apps apply so many different shortcuts that attempt to call up them all can be an exercise in foiling . Well , no longer , as there ’s a brilliant little app that can fix the problem .
The befittingly constitute CheatSheet is simple . Just adjure its hotkey and up crop up a window listing all the active shortcuts in your app of selection . It ’s smart and only indicate the cutoff for the app you ’re currently using , so there ’s no need to specify the app you need help with . Release the hotkey and the pop - up window disappears . It ’s there when you need it and gone when you do n’t .
Fantastical
Fantastical is the only calendar app you ’ll ever need . A subscription grant you get at to a powerful band of tools as well as a full - screen calendar window that ’s as beautiful as it is practical . The app ’s rightful hallmark , however , is in the path you create reminders ; just typewrite in that you have “ Dinner with Alexa on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ” and ascertain the app schedule it with a reminder .
The free variation is minimal , with the ability to add and delete effect , get the three - day forecast , and a few other feature . For a premium experience , Flexibits render subscriptions for both mortal and menage start at $ 3.33 per calendar month ( when billed annually ) . Premium features include a 10 - mean solar day conditions prognosis , precedency email support , and much more .
Folder Tidy
You might start off intending to keep all your Mac ’s folders neat and organise , but over time , things can go awry — confusing folder epithet , easy file , and things stored in the wrong places are just a few of the problem you could encounter . When you ’re desperately seek for that all - important file , the mental confusion can be concerning .
Folder Tidy place an remnant to all that in the mere style imaginable . In just one dawn it sorts your files into neat subfolders using its own ruleset . If you require more command , you’re able to contribute customs rule to sieve things how you like . you could ignore specific single file , pamphlet , anything with a tag , and much more , and you could also send thing back the style they were with the undo clitoris . or else of spending geezerhood manually sift through your file , just get Folder Tidy to do the hard oeuvre for you .
GoodTask
Apple ’s Reminders app is decent , but not much to write home about . Apple should really take some pointer from GoodTask — it ’s the best Mac reminders app out there .
If you just need to speedily make entry , GoodTask gets out of your way and allow you do that . But it come alive when you set off to use its power characteristic . you may make voguish list found on specify measure , add new admonisher using text snippets that GoodTask intuitively understands , and everything from the calendar aspect to almost every function can be pluck to your liking .
Google Chrome
Chrome ’s rich feature set , extensive ecosystem , and blazing velocity make it a great internet browser for your Mac . Chrome isone of the libertine browsers availablefor Mac , one that also features the ability to mechanically sync all your entropy — bookmarks , open tab , recent searches , and more — across multiple computers and mobile gadget . That , combined with its rich customization and instant search capability , make it worthwhile .
As democratic as Chrome is , however , it ’s one of the weakest for substance abuser privacy protections , so consider that before instal .
Hazel
Hazel is an organization Mac app with a swell plait : You create your own rule for how the app recognizes , sorts , and act all your files or downloads . This allows for incredibly flexible single file direction , whether you want to sort out a particular case of file , add names and tags automatically , or apply other nonindulgent rule sets to every single file , folder , and download on your computer .
It ’s an first-class workplace app , neat for home finances , and generally usable in all sort of scenarios . However , it may take some metre to set up all the rules you desire for single file management , so it ’s more well-disposed for hands - on personal organiser . It costs $ 42 , though you’re able to get a family five - pack for $ 65 .
Keyboard Maestro
If you ’re looking for a way to simplify or extinguish menial tasks in your day - to - solar day workload , then Keyboard Maestro should be on your radio detection and ranging . In center , you may automate a variety of tasks , from waking your Mac at a sealed time to mechanically chess opening and running window in a sequence when you found an app .
It ’s a bit overwhelming at first , especially if you ’re new to automation lineament like this . But if you have experience with Apple ’s Shortcuts app , you could quickly grasp Keyboard Maestro . Best of all , Keyboard Maestro is n’t a subscription - based app — it ’s a one - time leverage of $ 36 , and you might pay to upgrade when new version liberate . The belated adaptation now supports Dark Mode and multiple editor program windows . That all makes Keyboard Maestro a groovy app for productivity - oriented users .
Microsoft 365
Apple already provide aboriginal tool for creating documents , spreadsheet , and presentations . However , if you act on multiple platforms ( including Windows ) , Microsoft 365 may be the unspoilt option . This popular office entourage includes Microsoft Word , Excel , PowerPoint , Outlook , OneNote , and OneDrive .
However , users will need a subscription : $ 7 per month for 365 Personal ( one user ) and $ 10 per calendar month for 365 Family ( six user ) . Both subscriptions supply 1 TB of storage for each individual disregarding of the plan . For Mac owners who do n’t want a subscription , Microsoft cater costless web - based version .
Notion
It ’s hard to measure what Notion is because it does so many thing . It works as a database , calendar , Kanban board , and more . It ’s swell for task management , book writing , social culture medium calendars , and just about anything else you may imagine .
That level of flexibility is what cook Notion such an awful app . It ’s a productiveness tool that can be used by anyone for just about anything . It ’s particularly popular among the bullet diary crowd , and it ’s a must - have pecker for any professional who needs help organizing and compiling their workflows .
Notion is a great tool that is dewy-eyed enough to expend , but true mastery of the app can make for some stunning fabric .
Parallels Desktop
If you believe the diehards , you ’d recollect macOS and Windows are unceasing rivals , and never the span shall forgather . But there are plenty of times when you might want torun Windows on your Mac , from accessing Windows - only apps and games to testing out Modern features . Apple silicon - base Macs ca n’t expend Apple ’s own Boot Camp app to double - rush into Windows , but theycanuse Parallels Desktop .
With this app install , you may launch Windows inside its own , well , window . That means there ’s no need to reset your Mac , crap for fewer break to your work flow . It act with over 200,000 Windows - aboriginal apps , throw you access to things you might never get on an Apple computer . And you may imitate and paste files between Windows and macOS with ease , pretend the whole experience seamless .
Parcel
Find yourself frequently purchase things online ? Parcel point the online shopping aficionado , render it ideal for anyone who ’s invariably expect a software at their doorsill .
The get over app works with more than 250 services — include mainstays such as UPS , USPS , and FedEx — allow you to see where your parcel are at a glance with little more than a tracking number . Push notifications require a bounty subscription , but it ’s cheap at just $ 5 per year .
PDF Expert
Having towork with PDF filesis a fact of life , and PDF Expert makes that task a little easygoing . Not only does the minimalist software package give up you to fill out forms andmerge PDFs , but it also give you a boniface of cock for redaction , annotating , and signing file on the fly .
Moreover , it ’s compatible with Apple ’s Continuity and Handoff feature article , so you could switch gadget while in the middle of a written document without fear of losing your study .
Shortcuts
Macs are powerful things , and there ’s a huge amount you may do with them . Some tasks , though , can be boring , insistent , or time - take . In those cases , it ’s in force to get something else to do the profound lifting . Apple ’s Shortcuts app is the perfect root .
It gives you memory access to a whole horde of activity that can be strung together to organize powerful automations . require to batch - process a whole folder of images ? Or implement usance split - view layouts at the jot of a button ? There is almost no end to the choice you have with Shortcuts . It ’s the perfect way to save up time and speed up undertaking on your Mac .
Spark
Apple ’s Mail app is fine , but we would n’t go much beyond that . Spark is great , however , and shows what ’s potential in an electronic mail app . Its state aim is to let you “ Take control of your inbox ” , and it achieves this in several cagy and thoughtful means .
crucial emails from people you know are mechanically floated to the top , ensuring they do n’t get bogged down in a ocean of newssheet and junk e-mail . You ’ll only get send word about mail from your middleman , aid you cut out distractions , while its excellent collaborative tool are corking for teamwork . Best of all , it ’s free .
Swish
The Mac ’s trackpad is the good on any computer , hands down , and Apple has built a groovy organisation ofmacOS gestures . But Swish takes that even further , giving you motion ascendence over window direction that ’s so unlined it feel like Apple made it itself .
With Swish installed , you could throw away windows around your display with consummate ease . A swipe upwards maximizes a window , while a mite closes an app . The more you use Swish , the more ingenious gestures you learn . Before long , it ’s 2nd nature , and you ’ve get a brilliant direction to keep thing organize on your screen .
Get Swish
Things
thing is a bright macOS to - do inclination and labor management app . Thanks to a full redesign , it is more utile than ever , colligate to your undertaking and Calendar in a unlined user interface . you’re able to add descriptions , checklists , upcoming tasks , evening - only task , automated monitor , and a set of other unique task feature .
If you want to invest in a high - end task management app for Mac , Things is deserving the Leontyne Price . However , there is a free tribulation available if you do n’t want to make up right away .
Ulysses
When it ’s time to write on your Mac , you want to verify you operate with minimum distractions . Ulysses is seamster - made for these situations . With its trim - back layout and focused instrument , it can assist you get down to work and shut out out the existence around you .
you may manage all your files and projection in the Ulysses library , restrain everything just a click or two by . There ’s a build up - in reader , supporting for tons of uncouth filing cabinet data formatting , and quick publishing to WordPress , Medium , and more . Whether you ’re a professional author or just want a great word C.P.U. , Ulysses tick all the boxes .
The best Mac apps for photo and video editing
Affinity Photo
shopworn of shell out money each calendar month for Adobe Photoshop but require an app that ’s just as good ? Affinity Photo from Serif could be just what you need . It ’s a photo - blue-pencil Mac app that ’s gain ground legion accolade from Apple ( include app of the year ) , so you hump it ’s something special .
Unlike Photoshop , you just give a one - off fee of $ 35 and it ’s yours for life . But this is n’t some loud , limp software — it ’s a deep , full - featured app that can brook toe to toe with Adobe ’s image - edit out behemoth . It has sis apps for graphic design and screen background publishing too , both of which are superb alternatives to Adobe ’s ware .
CleanShot X
Taking screenshots andscreen recording on macOSsometimes parting you want more , and that ’s a problem CleanShot X aims to solve . The app gives you over 50 different tools to capture and edit screenshots and screen recordings . It has a clean and modern user port that combine perfectly with macOS , and it return you more robust tools for annotating and redaction than Preview .
If you find yourself take lots of screenshots , CleanShot X is a must - have app .
GIMP
Here ’s another picture editor program , but this one is free . GIMP has everything you involve to supplant Adobe ’s monthly Photoshop subscription : layer control , apparition effects , vector - based paths , filters , pic , and so much more . It even offer like auto map to raise colors , equalize , and right whitened balance on the fly . It ’s only one of the expert Photoshop alternatives to escort .
GIMP is an opened - source project , initially explicate by two Berkeley students , thatfirst went public in 1996 . It work out alongside other undefendable - source Adobe alternatives to produce an open - source suite : Scribus(InDesign ) andInkscape(Illustrator ) .
HandBrake
HandBrake shines when it comes to converting medium file and encoding videos , specially when you factor out in how quick and effortless this part of open - source software makes the process .
The well - known app also arrive with a overplus of video - editing tools designed for splice , adjust frame rate , and append subtitles , among a laundry list of other useful action mechanism that complement its optimization presets .
Pixelmator Pro
Mac users have admittance to a Brobdingnagian excerpt of excellent exposure - editing apps , but even against its many competitors , Pixelmator Pro stand out as one of the good . It swash a massive leaning of powerful features and is presently one of the fast apps in the entire photo - editing space .
The best entertainment and social Mac apps
Apple TV
Apple is making a big button into service , and one of its dependable motion has been TV . Specifically , its Apple TV+ subscription service has seen several of its titles win esteemed awards , including shows likeSeveranceandTed Lasso .
But the Apple TV app is about more than just Apple ’s subscription service . you’re able to rent movies and get at pop service of process like Paramount+ and Disney+ . show can be streamed to any of your Apple machine , and it also bring withSharePlay , letting you watch with friends in different locations .
Discord
When it was first launched , Discord was see as a place for gamers to pay heed out . Now , it ’s expanded way beyond that and is a great office to meet multitude and jaw , whatever you ’re into .
you may apply it for voice chat with friends or bare school text chat if you choose . It ’s loose to create servers on any topic you want , with subforums and sections for easier brass . It supports custom rules and access requirement , lineal messages , scores of emojis , and more . And it ’s bundled with extras , like establish - in dissonance cancellation to silence pestiferous beguilement .
Epic Games Launcher
Epic Games ’ desktop client offers Mac - compatible games likeAmnesia : The Dark Descent , Borderlands 3,Disco Elysium , Fortnite , Layers of Fear , Tacoma , Torchlight II , and more . Epic also serves up innocent games each month , along with unconscionable price reduction .
Even though Epic ’s store caters mostly to Windows microcomputer , you could still find sight of excellent Mac games there . Its app is a great room to find and loadgames for playing on your Mac .
GOG Galaxy
If you are big into PC play , you probably have multiple accounting on multiple client . peculiarly with Epic ’s exclusive contracts with developers , it ’s becoming harder than ever to adhere to one play client .
That ’s where GOG Galaxy fare in . Not only does Galaxy exercise with the GOG store ( and all their excellent DRM - free titles ) , but you’re able to also download and launch game fromotherclients . That mean GOG can treat all your games while still select vantage of mess and exclusive titles from other online retail merchant . Plus , new features like cross - platform chat mean Galaxy is continually improving .
Krisp
TV calls have become part of daily life for Brobdingnagian numbers of people , making it more important than ever that you sound your best in a get together . But how can you do that when the builder next door sound like they ’re endeavor to add down the mansion , your toddler is holler behind you , and the dealings outside is tatty than ever ? The answer : expend Krisp .
This lightweight app may not look like much , but it works wonders in extinguish backcloth noise , no matter how loud or obnoxious it is . well yet , it ’s incredibly wide-eyed to utilize — just load it up , choose it as your speaker and mic in your video - call app , and it does the rest . It ’s priceless in help you sound consummate on every call .
OneCast
If you own an Xbox One , you’re able to stream it to a Mac using this premium app . It ’s not formally distribute by Microsoft , so there may add up a Clarence Day when the Redmond colossus stomps the life-time out of this great streaming cock . It ’s usable for iPhone , iPad , and Apple TV , too , but that ’s a freestanding leverage through the App Store .
OneCast frame-up is uncomplicated : instal it , sign in to your Microsoft Account , and then the app search the local electronic web for your Xbox console table . When discovered , the gadget couple together , and you ’re quick to act . Thanks to macOS , you may use an Xbox wireless control , too .
Spotify
Apple Music is n’t for everyone . Fortunately , Spotify ’s official desktop app represents the perfect option for those looking to branch out beyond the Apple ecosystem . It yield you access to the intact Spotify catalog much like its fluid counterpart , get you search and mind to nearly any track , creative person , or album free of charge .
you could also use it to build up usance playlists or capitalize on personal recommendations that span jazz , hip - record hop , rock , and everything in between .
Steam
Here ’s a no - brainer for Mac gamers . Like Windows and Linux , Valve Software provides a Mac version of its popular personal computer gambling program . Even good , game you buy for Windows or Linux are playable on your Mac if a compatible version is uncommitted — no separate leverage is required .
However , be sure to check the scheme requirements against your Mac ’s hardware before diving in . If your Mac does n’t have the oomph , you’re able to employ Steam Remote child’s play using another more - capable PC . The Xbox One , PlayStation 4 , and Steam controllers are also great for Steam on Mac .
VLC Media Player
The VLC Media Player is better than Apple ’s own QuickTime video app in nearly every facet that matters , most notably speed and file away compatibility .
The undefended - source software support moderately much every media file you’re able to come up , from AAC to Theora , while declare oneself rapid telecasting conversion , extensive subtitle support , and a host of television filters that let you crop , de - lace , and customize playback . The nonrational interface is n’t half big , either .
The best Mac apps for security and storage
1Password
Hate trying to call up every single watchword for every unmarried story you have ? practice 1Password rather . It ’s thebest password managerand can secure your logins and cite lineup details in a full encrypted bank vault , which you then access via a passe-partout word .
For individuals , 1Password appoint $ 3 per month when billed yearly , while the 1Password Families plan covers five mortal for $ 5 per month when billed annually . There ’s a program for team , too , cost $ 4 per calendar month per user .
Carbon Copy Cloner 6
Carbon Copy Cloner 6 is a backup app that ’s super simpleton to apply . It ’s the type of Mac app we hope you never have to use , but when calamity strikes , you ’ll be glad you ’ve arrive it .
One of its best feature of speech is the ability to make bootable backups of your startup disk . That have in mind that if your master drive fail and you ca n’t power on your Mac , you may boot from your backup and get on with your work . It ’s a substantial life ring .
you may also back up your files and information to an external backbreaking drive or another Mac , then restore everything with a few clicks . After your first big backup , it ’ll only back up files that have been updated , saving you distance .
DaisyDisk
clear space on your Mac ’s storage is another reproducible bother point in macOS . DaisyDisk hopes to ease that pain in the neck by fancy on the button what is eating up the storage on your machine . Not only does this app create a colouration - coded wheel showing what files you have , but it allow you to easily preview and erase those files decent from the guest .
It ’s a lot simpler to voyage than Finder , and it look a whole lot better too . At $ 10 , it ’s a worthwhile investing to salvage time on clearing disc space .
Dropbox
There are severalfantastic cloud storage solutions , and Dropbox is one that makes syncing files agile and painless . Dropbox ’s desktop appworks much like the software system ’s WWW and Mobile River counterparts , give you access to your files and folders while offer you the ability to upload photograph , videos , and various document directly from your desktop .
You ’ll welcome 2 GB of costless computer storage just for signing up , but you’re able to earn more by you receive booster or connect to DropBox through the common societal mass medium channels . Pricing for someone set out at $ 10 per month for 2 TB of storage .
Google Drive
chance are that you know the meritoriousness of Google Drive . However , you might not be aware that you may work on your documents , spreadsheet , and presentations offline when you ca n’t get to the internet .
Google ’s desktop app gives you quick approach to all your files and folders much like the software ’s mobile twin , provide you with a consecrated folder where you could synchronize up to 15 GB worth of content for free . Google Drive can also back up your intact ride if desired .
If you necessitate more storage , Google providesfour subscription tiersstarting at 100 GB for $ 20 per class .
Little Snitch
Little Snitch is a permissions blocker that countenance you control all of your incoming and forthcoming connecter . If you ’ve cause an app that you do n’t need to connect to the internet , the computer software can jam it on your behalf . you may determine it to immobilize a single instance , until you throw in a particular app , or forever . It ’s great for users who prefer to be intimate everything their Mac is doing .
Check out moreMac security department appshere .
MacUpdater
Updating your Mac is vital to ensuring you have the latest feature , as well as the later security patches and bug fixes , too . If there ’s any kind of exploit out there , you ’ll require to make certain your Mac is up to escort and ready to defend itself . That ’s where MacUpdater comes in .
or else of having to go to the web site of every app you ’ve install and find the latest version , MacUpdater scans your apps for you and finds updates in seconds . Even better , it installs them all on your behalf — just come home a push button and away it goes . That means observe your Mac up to date is far less of a hassle than it used to be , and you ’ll sense the benefits in no time .
Surfshark
VPNs are all but necessary today . They keep your net bodily process private and terminate your ISP and hackers alike from learn your personal datum . However , there are a ton of options available , and they all vary from sleazy and ineffectual to wildly expensive . For our money , Surfshark is thebest VPN for Macs . Not only is it solidly priced , but it also lets you instal it on limitless devices .
Plus , it has a clean and simple user interface . It does n’t offer you many supererogatory feature film , but it work on reliably in the background and economise you money .
