My Mac App List

Posted on 2019-04-21 Edited on 2024-12-17 Word count in article: 3.6k Reading time ≈ 6 mins.

A curated list of essential Mac applications to boost productivity and efficiency. Regularly updated with top utilities and tools.

I have spent some time to check my personal Mac Apps, so provide a list for the references.

Will keep updating

Notes

Some are paid apps, but there are also many free and open-source options. Ultimately, the value of an app is in its output. These apps have significantly helped my work/life, and they are worth the purchase.
In order to save money, for some paid apps, I use open-source licenses.
If you can afford it, suggest to buy and support the official versions.
The list is periodically updated, so some apps may be replaced.
When constantly choosing and refining apps, I have one feeling: apps to us are like swords to a swordsmen. It’s not about the quantity but about being handy and sharp. So, choose the ones that suit you best, learn them deeply, and ultimately improve your efficiency, making work and life better.

App List

Alfred

Function: An application launcher and productivity software, Alfred is similar to macOS’s Spotlight function, but offers a higher degree of customizability and extensibility through its action system known as “workflows”.
Pricing: Paid
Note: It it recommended to buy the Mega version; the author keeps updating, and the community is active

Dash

Function: An API Documentation Browser and Code Snippet Manager
Pricing: Paid
Note: High upgrade cost, recommend not upgrading if no special needs

Moom

Function: Window management
Pricing: Paid
Note: None

Bartender

Function: Menu bar app icon management tool
Pricing: Paid
Note: None

Fantastical

Function: The calendar app, supports natural language input and calendar subscription
Pricing: Paid
Note: None

Surge

Function: Proxy tool
Pricing: Paid
Note: None

1Password

Function: The Best Password Manager
Pricing: Paid
Note: Strong performance in password management

Function: Secure communication, the best IM tool so far
Pricing: Free
Note: Bots and channels are powerful

WeChat

Function: Office IM
Pricing: Free
Note: None

Chrome

Function: Browser and front-end development debug tool
Pricing: Free
Note: None

Typora

Function: Markdown Editor
Pricing: Paid/one-time purchase
Note: You can sync md files on multiple devices with iCloud

keka

Function: The macOS file archiver, supports password protection
Pricing: Free
Note: Free on the official website, paid on AppStore

Things

Function: GTD, a great todo list
Pricing: Paid
Note: None

PostMan

Function: Network debugging
Pricing: Free
Note: None

iTerm2

Function: Terminal app
Pricing: Free
Note: None

Snipaste

Function: Screenshot
Pricing: Free
Note: None

PicGIF Lite

Function: Convert photos and videos into incredible GIFs quickly.
Pricing: Free
Note: None

Affinity Photo 2

Function: Graphic design, photo editing
Pricing: Paid/one-time purchase
Note: Purchase on the official website; platform-specific, unlimited devices. cheaper than Photoshop.

Microsoft Remote Desktop

Function: Remote desktop
Pricing: Free
Note: Not available in China, need download from foreign stores

Eudic 欧路词典

Function: Dictionary
Pricing: Paid/one-time purchase
Note: None

FileZilla

Function: FTP
Pricing: Free
Note: Choose the first version tar.bz2 format, download and extract

Karabiner-Elements

Function: Key remapper
Pricing: Free
Note: None

Spotify

Function: Music app
Pricing: Subscription
Note: A free version is also available, with limited features and ads

iMazing

Function: iOS device management/file management
Pricing: Paid
Note: None

WebStorm

Function: IDE, further enhances productivity with plugins
Pricing: Paid
Note: Open-source project license

DataGrip

Function: Database, more efficient than Navicat, rich in features, supports plugin development, highly expandable-consistent design and experience with IDEA, low learning curve.
Pricing: Paid
Note: Open-source project license