Tools I Use on My Mac
As a new Mac user, it has been a tough journey getting used to limitations of macOS compare to linux based os. I rely on a set of carefully chosen tools to improve productivity, streamline workflows, and make my overall experience less frustrating. Here’s a look at top 20 essential apps I use daily:
System & UI Enhancements
1. Scroll Reverser
Allows me to reverse the scrolling direction for trackpads and mice independently, making navigation more intuitive.
2. BeardedSpice
A must-have for controlling media playback on websites and apps using my keyboard’s media keys. It can control Spotify.
3. KDE Connect
Seamlessly integrates my Mac with my Android phone, enabling file transfers, notifications, and remote input control.
4. Flux
Automatically adjusts my screen’s color temperature based on the time of day, reducing eye strain and improving sleep.
5. Shottr
A lightweight and fast screenshot tool that includes built-in annotation and OCR capabilities.
6. Maccy
A clipboard manager that keeps track of copied text and allows quick retrieval of previous copies.
7. GPG Keychain
Essential for managing GPG encryption keys for secure email communication and file encryption.
8. Music Decoy
Helps me keep block apple music from launching whenever I connect my earphones/headphones. What a stupid idea to auto launch it.
9. AltTab
Brings a Windows-style Alt+Tab app switcher to macOS, making app switching faster and more convenient.
10. Rectangle
A powerful window management tool that lets me quickly arrange and snap windows using keyboard shortcuts.
11. Monitor Control
Gives me precise control over external monitor brightness and volume directly from macOS.
Development & Productivity
12. Docker
Enables me to run containerized applications, making development and deployment more efficient.
13. iTerm2
A feature-packed terminal replacement that enhances productivity with split panes, custom profiles, and better performance.
14. Obsidian
My go-to knowledge management tool for organizing notes, ideas, and projects in a Markdown-based system.
15. Postman
A great API testing tool that helps me debug and develop RESTful services with ease.
16. JetBrains Fleet/GoLand/PyCharm
A suit of powerful and modern IDEs from JetBrains that provide world’s best coding experience.
17. VS Code
Well, we all know what it is. Anyways, it’s a highly customizable and extensible code editor that I use for various programming tasks.
18. Sublime Merge
A fast and powerful Git GUI that makes managing repositories much smoother.
19. Scrcpy
A fantastic open-source tool for mirroring and controlling my Android phone from my Mac.
20. ChatGPT
I use ChatGPT for brainstorming, coding assistance, and getting quick explanations on technical topics.
These tools have significantly improved my daily workflow, making my Mac experience more efficient and enjoyable. If you use any of these or have other recommendations, do let me know!