Essential macOS Apps for 2024: Enhance Your Workflow
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Top Picks for macOS Applications
Greetings! I’m Neil, a DevOps Engineer and a dedicated macOS user for nearly five years. My work involves coding, editing, and consuming content across two Mac devices. One is specifically for technical tasks and office work, while the other serves as my hub for content creation and writing.
Over the past several years, certain applications have remained staples in my daily routine. These tools not only help me stay focused but also boost my productivity, streamline content creation, and ultimately simplify my tasks. Here’s a rundown of the ten macOS apps that I rely on daily and think you should consider as well.
OBS Studio
OBS Studio, known as Open Broadcaster Software Studio, is a highly regarded open-source platform for video recording and live streaming. Although I don’t use it for live broadcasts, it’s my go-to for recording videos and screen captures for my YouTube channel. Its user-friendly design surpasses Apple’s built-in screen recording features.
CleanShot X
As a tech writer and full-time DevOps Engineer, I frequently capture and annotate screenshots to convey information effectively. CleanShot X has transformed my screen capturing experience, making it incredibly efficient.
More than just a screenshot tool, CleanShot X allows for seamless screen recording, image annotation, and easy management of captures. This versatile application has become indispensable in my work, offering an intuitive and feature-rich experience that goes far beyond basic functionalities. You can subscribe through Setapp to access CleanShot X alongside over 230 other applications.
IINA Media Player
The modern media player for macOS, IINA, is a streamlined alternative to VLC and is also open-source. It includes features such as:
- Touch Bar support
- System Media Control
- Customizable UI
- Online Subtitles
- Music Mode
- Mouse & Trackpad Gestures
- Thumbnail Previews
- Plugin System
Ulysses
This powerful text editor is designed to enhance your writing experience. It features a distraction-free mode that allows writers to focus on their work without the temptation of unrelated tabs.
Ulysses supports Markdown, adding flexibility to your writing process. Whether you’re a seasoned author, an avid blogger, or a student tackling assignments, Ulysses caters to a variety of writing needs. You can access Ulysses and over 230 similar applications via Setapp.
Nitro PDF
In today’s digital landscape, having reliable PDF software is essential since PDFs are the standard for document sharing. While the Mac Preview app offers basic functionalities, Nitro PDF significantly enhances the experience with a comprehensive range of tools tailored for both professionals and individuals.
From document editing and team collaboration to PDF merging and conversion, Nitro PDF serves as an all-in-one solution for your PDF needs. You can subscribe to Setapp to access Nitro PDF and other similar tools.
Arc Browser
I’ve been using Arc for the past 6-9 months, and it has become an indispensable part of my daily routine. Unlike the traditional browsers, Arc, built on the Chrome engine, introduces innovative features that enhance productivity.
Arc includes advanced tab management, Workspaces, and a sleek design that makes it stand out. You’ll need to try it to fully appreciate its capabilities.
Caffeine
This small, free application adds an icon to your menu bar, preventing your Mac from sleeping, dimming the screen, or activating screen savers. When Caffeine is enabled, a coffee cup icon appears, indicating that your Mac will remain active.
I find it particularly useful during downloads or video rendering sessions.
ClearVPN
Using a VPN like ClearVPN is crucial for enhancing online security and privacy. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP address, providing a private lane on the internet.
The key benefits of a VPN include:
- Data Security: Ensuring your data remains encrypted during online activities.
- Online Privacy: Preventing tracking of your behavior.
- Unrestricted Access: Bypassing censorship and geographical restrictions.
You can subscribe to Setapp to access ClearVPN and other similar applications.
CapCut
I primarily use CapCut for creating 30 to 60-second YouTube shorts, as it provides an impressive array of features tailored for short content. While other software like DaVinci, AE, and Final Cut are excellent for longer videos, CapCut shines in the short-form space.
Its user-friendly design allows for effortless navigation through tools and functions, making the editing experience smooth and enjoyable.
The Unarchiver
The Unarchiver is a preferred choice for opening RAR files on Mac, supporting all known archive types. I transitioned from Windows to Mac, and with a wealth of data in .rar formats, this application has proven invaluable.
In conclusion, these are the ten essential apps that I recommend for macOS in 2024, as they are well-designed and significantly simplify your tasks. For more curated applications, be sure to explore Setapp's extensive collection of over 250 apps, all available under one subscription.
Thank you for reading!
Discover the top 10 macOS apps you need in 2024 to enhance productivity!
Explore the best macOS apps for productivity in 2024!