The 31 [Must-Have] Mac Apps You Can't Afford to Miss in 2024

Aim Apple

20 Apr 202414:06

Summary

TLDRThis video script introduces the top 31 must-have Mac apps for 2024, designed to enhance productivity and creativity. From Alfred, a powerful launcher, to Notion for organization, and Pixelmator Pro for photo editing, the list covers a range of tools. It also includes security apps like 1Password, media players like VLC, and writing apps like Ulysses. The script highlights apps for task management, calendar organization, and even a tool for customizing desktop wallpapers. Aimed at Mac users looking to optimize their workflow and unleash their Mac's full potential.

Takeaways

🚀 Alfred is a powerful productivity launcher that acts as a personal assistant for file finding, app launching, and quick calculations.
📝 Notion is a versatile app for organization lovers, allowing the creation of notes, task management, wikis, and databases in a user-friendly interface.
🔒 One Password is a digital security app that securely stores passwords, logins, and sensitive information, providing peace of mind for data protection.
🎬 VLC is a fantastic media player that supports a wide range of formats and offers excellent playback control, including picture-in-picture functionality.
🖥️ Rectangle and Magnet are window management tools that help organize the workspace and improve multitasking efficiency through snapping and resizing windows.
🎨 PhotoRoom and Pixelmator Pro are photo editing apps that use AI to remove backgrounds and offer powerful tools for editing and creating stunning visuals.
✍️ Ulysses is a writing app designed to help writers focus on their craft with distraction-free modes, customizable goals, and seamless export options.
📅 Things 3 is a top-rated task management app that helps users stay organized and boost productivity with an intuitive interface and flexible task system.
📆 Fantastical is a calendar app that understands plain English for faster scheduling and offers powerful views to manage multiple busy schedules.
📷 CleanShot X is a pro-level screenshot tool that allows annotation, capturing scrolling content, and screen recording for creating informative tutorials.
📚 Anytype is a productivity game-changer that combines note-taking with task management, enabling users to build a knowledge base and organize thoughts and projects.

Q & A

What is Alfred and how does it help with productivity?
-Alfred is a powerful launcher and productivity app that acts as a personal assistant, helping users find files, launch apps, and perform quick calculations with just a few keystrokes, thus saving time and boosting efficiency.
What features does Notion offer for organization lovers?
-Notion is a versatile app that allows users to create notes, manage tasks, build wikis, and even design databases, all within a single, beautiful, and user-friendly interface.
How does 1Password ensure digital security?
-1Password is a digital security app that securely stores passwords, logins, and other sensitive information, eliminating the need for insecure methods like sticky notes or browser syncing.
What makes IINA stand out as a media player?
-IINA is a lightweight yet powerful media player that supports a wide range of formats, offers excellent playback control, and features both post-picture and picture-in-picture functionality.
How does Rectangle help multitaskers with window management?
-Rectangle is a window management tool that allows users to easily snap windows to different screen positions and sizes, helping to organize the workspace and improve multitasking efficiency.
What is PhotoRoom and how does it assist in photo editing?
-PhotoRoom is an app that uses AI to instantly remove backgrounds from photos and replace them with solid colors, gradients, or custom images, making it ideal for presentations or social media.
What advanced photo editing capabilities does Pixelmator Pro offer?
-Pixelmator Pro offers powerful tools for editing, retouching, and creating stunning visuals, suitable for both professional photographers and users looking to enhance everyday photos.
How does Ulysses support writers in their craft?
-Ulysses is a beautifully designed writing app that helps writers focus on their craft with features like distraction-free writing modes, customizable goals, and seamless export options.
What is Things 3 and how does it aid in task management?
-Things 3 is a top-rated task management app that helps users stay organized and get things done with its intuitive interface and flexible system for creating and prioritizing tasks.
How does Fantastical simplify calendar management?
-Fantastical understands plain English, allowing for faster appointment scheduling, and offers powerful views to keep users on top of deadlines and multiple busy schedules.
What is CleanShot X and how does it enhance screenshot taking?
-CleanShot X is an app that allows users to take screenshots, annotate them, capture scrolling content on entire web pages, and record the screen to create informative tutorials.
What is the unique feature of Daisy Disk that helps with storage management?
-Daisy Disk provides a visual map of the hard drive, showing exactly where storage space is being used and identifying large files that can be deleted to free up space.
How does Carrot Weather differ from traditional weather apps?
-Carrot Weather offers hyper-accurate forecasts delivered with a humorous personality, keeping users informed and entertained regardless of the weather.
What AI-powered feature does TextCortex offer to writers?
-TextCortex uses AI to supercharge writing by providing instant ideas, outlines, and different writing styles to help overcome creative roadblocks.
What are the key features of Bear as a note-taking app?
-Bear is a minimalist note-taking app that allows users to capture ideas, create to-do lists, and keep thoughts organized in a stylish and user-friendly interface, with a free tier offering plenty of functionality.
What does OpenOffice offer as an alternative to Microsoft Office?
-OpenOffice is a powerful and free alternative to Microsoft Office that includes word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases, allowing users to create professional documents without cost.
How does FocusWriter help users enter a focused writing zone?
-FocusWriter is a minimalist app that hides everything but the current line of text the user is working on, eliminating distractions and providing pure writing bliss.
What is the main purpose of Unsplash Wallpapers and how does it enhance the Mac experience?
-Unsplash Wallpapers is a Mac tool dedicated to providing access to an extensive collection of ultra-high-definition wallpapers, enhancing the Mac desktop experience with beautiful and customizable backgrounds.
What are the advanced features of OmniFocus that make it a top choice for power users?
-OmniFocus offers extensive capabilities for creating intricate project structures, scheduling recurring tasks, and utilizing advanced filtering and search functionalities, though it requires a more substantial investment in learning.
What unique functionality does Shter provide for screen capture?
-Shter is a comprehensive screen capture tool designed for designers and pixel perfectionists, offering features like capturing scrolling screenshots, blurring or pixelating sensitive content, and adding dynamic text annotations.
How does TickTick accommodate various levels of task management requirements?
-TickTick is an adaptable application with a user-friendly interface and intuitive functions such as habit monitoring and subtask organization, along with effortless synchronization across different platforms.
What alternative window switching features does AltTab offer to Mac OS users?
-AltTab provides a seamless alternative to Windows switcher for Mac OS users, allowing them to switch between windows, minimize, close, or go full screen with a simple click, and customize the appearance according to their preferences.
What is the Command X app and how does it simplify file and folder management in Finder?
-The Command X app is a utility for seamless file and folder management within Finder, allowing users to cut and paste functions with Command + X and Command + V, operating in the background for easy use.
What is the main functionality of Velia and how does it streamline workflow?
-Velia is a program that allows users to open links wherever they desire, with the ability to establish personalized rules for opening links in specific browsers and applications, saving time and enhancing workflow efficiency.
How does Folder Colorizer Pro make customizing folder icons easier?
-Folder Colorizer Pro streamlines the process of customizing folder icons by allowing users to incorporate various colors, emojis, and images, and offers automated folder coloring, intelligence search functionality, and the ability to undo and redo actions.
What does Widget Wall offer for enhancing the Mac desktop experience?
-Widget Wall offers a solution for enhancing the Mac desktop experience with a variety of customizable widgets, featuring its own distinctive collection that users can personalize using the app's customization options.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Top Mac Apps for 2024: Boost Productivity and Creativity

This paragraph introduces a selection of 31 must-have Mac applications for 2024, designed to enhance productivity and creativity. It highlights apps like Alfred, a personal assistant for file management and quick calculations; Notion, a versatile app for note-taking, task management, and database design; and 1Password, a secure vault for sensitive information. Other apps mentioned include Ena for media playback, Rectangle and Magnet for window management, PhotoRoom for background removal, and PixelMater Pro for advanced photo editing. The paragraph also touches on writing apps like Ulysses and task management tools like Things 3 and Fantastical, which offer intuitive interfaces and effective scheduling features.

05:00

📝 Writing and Organization Apps: Overcome Creative Blocks and Stay Organized

The second paragraph focuses on apps that assist with writing and organization. It features TextCortex, an AI-powered writing tool that provides ideas and outlines to combat writer's block. Bear is a minimalist note-taking app with a stylish interface, offering a free tier and a paid upgrade for additional features. OpenOffice is presented as a free alternative to Microsoft Office, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. GIMP is highlighted as a free, open-source image editor for unleashing creative potential. FocusWriter helps writers enter a distraction-free zone, while Workflow allows for extensive brainstorming and project planning. Unsplash Wallpapers offers a collection of high-definition wallpapers to enhance the Mac experience.

10:03

🛠️ Mac Utility Apps: Enhance Your Digital Workflow and Customization

The final paragraph discusses utility apps that improve digital workflows and customization on Mac OS. OmniFocus is introduced for power users following the Getting Things Done methodology, with advanced project structuring and task scheduling. Shter is a screen capture tool for designers, offering features like scrolling screenshots and dynamic text annotations. Tictail (Tickeys) is an adaptable app for task management with features like habit monitoring and cross-platform synchronization. AltTab provides a customizable window switcher for Mac OS, with features to blacklist apps and personalize the interface. To-Do List is praised for its intuitive interface and collaborative features, suitable for both individuals and teams. Command X App simplifies file management within Finder, while Microsoft To-Do offers task management integration within the Microsoft ecosystem. Velia is a program for opening links in desired browsers or apps, Folder Colorizer Pro facilitates folder customization, and Widget Wall provides a variety of customizable widgets for the Mac desktop.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Alfred

Alfred is a powerful productivity launcher and app for macOS, acting as a personal assistant to help users find files, launch applications, and perform quick calculations with keyboard shortcuts. In the video's context, it is highlighted as a game-changer for saving time and boosting efficiency, which is central to the theme of enhancing Mac workflow.

💡Notion

Notion is a versatile app designed for organization, allowing users to create notes, manage tasks, build wikis, and design databases all within a single, user-friendly interface. It is presented in the script as an essential tool for organization lovers, tying into the video's focus on must-have apps for Mac users seeking to optimize their workflow.

💡1Password

1Password is a digital security app that securely stores passwords, logins, and other sensitive information, eliminating the need for insecure methods like sticky notes. It is portrayed as a guardian angel for security in the video, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal data in the digital age.

💡Ena

Ena is a media player app that supports a wide range of formats and offers excellent playback control, including picture-in-picture functionality. It is highlighted in the script as a lightweight yet powerful option for movie buffs, showcasing its role in enhancing the viewing experience on Mac.

💡Rectangle

Rectangle is a window management tool for Mac that enables users to easily snap windows to different screen positions and sizes. It is mentioned in the script as a simple yet effective way to organize the workspace and improve multitasking efficiency, which is a key aspect of the video's theme of supercharging the Mac workflow.

💡Magnet

Magnet offers a window management approach similar to Rectangle, allowing for quick resizing and positioning of windows using keyboard shortcuts or by dragging them to the screen's edge. It is presented as a choice for users who prefer different methods of controlling their desktop organization, fitting into the video's overarching message of providing options for Mac optimization.

💡PhotoRoom

PhotoRoom is an app that uses AI to instantly remove backgrounds from photos, which is particularly useful for presentations or social media. It is described in the script as a lifesaver for anyone working with visuals, illustrating its utility in streamlining the process of background removal and replacement.

💡Pixelmator Pro

Pixelmator Pro is an advanced photo editing app that offers powerful tools for editing, retouching, and creating stunning visuals. It is recommended in the script for both professional photographers and users looking to enhance their everyday photos, emphasizing its role in the creative process on Mac.

💡Ulysses

Ulysses is a writing app designed to help users focus on their craft with features like distraction-free writing modes and customizable goals. It is presented as a tool for writers, suitable for crafting blog posts, novels, or any other writing project, aligning with the video's theme of boosting productivity and creativity.

💡Things 3

Things 3 is a top-rated task management app that helps users stay organized and get things done with its intuitive interface and flexible system for creating and prioritizing tasks. It is highlighted in the script as a great tool for boosting productivity and achieving goals, which is central to the video's message of enhancing Mac workflow.

💡Fantastical

Fantastical is a calendar app that understands plain English, making scheduling appointments faster and more efficient. It is featured in the script for its powerful views that help users manage deadlines and multiple schedules, tying into the video's focus on improving organization and productivity.

💡CleanShot X

CleanShot X is a screenshot tool that goes beyond basic screenshot capabilities, allowing users to annotate, capture scrolling content, and record screens to create informative tutorials. It is presented as a productivity game changer in the script, emphasizing its role in elevating presentations and tutorials.

💡DaisyDisk

DaisyDisk is an app that provides a visual map of the hard drive, helping users see where their storage space is going and identify large files for deletion. It is introduced in the script as a solution for Mac users looking to free up space and improve their system's performance, which is part of the video's theme of optimizing Mac usage.

💡Carrot Weather

Carrot Weather is a weather app that delivers hyper-accurate forecasts with a humorous personality. It is highlighted in the script for keeping users informed and entertained, regardless of the weather, showcasing the video's inclusion of apps that add a unique twist to everyday tasks.

💡TextCortex

TextCortex is an AI-powered writing app that provides instant ideas, outlines, and different writing styles to help users overcome creative roadblocks. It is featured in the script as a tool for boosting writing productivity, aligning with the video's focus on apps that enhance creativity and productivity.

💡Bear

Bear is a minimalist note-taking app designed for design lovers, allowing users to capture ideas, create to-do lists, and organize thoughts in a stylish and user-friendly interface. It is presented in the script as an app that offers plenty of functionality in its free tier, with a paid upgrade for additional features, fitting into the video's theme of providing comprehensive Mac app recommendations.

💡OpenOffice

OpenOffice is a powerful and free alternative to Microsoft Office, including tools for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases. It is mentioned in the script as a way to create professional documents without the cost, illustrating the video's goal of offering cost-effective solutions for Mac users.

💡FocusWriter

FocusWriter is a minimalist writing app that hides everything but the current line of text the user is working on, providing a distraction-free writing environment. It is introduced in the script as a tool for entering a laser-focused writing zone, which is part of the video's theme of apps that enhance productivity and creativity.

💡Workflow

Workflow is an app that organizes thoughts and projects with its unique infinite outline, allowing users to create bulleted lists that can nest indefinitely for brainstorming, planning, and outlining ideas. It is featured in the script for its unmatched flexibility, tying into the video's focus on apps that improve organizational capabilities on Mac.

💡Unsplash Wallpapers

Unsplash Wallpapers is a Mac tool dedicated to providing access to an extensive collection of ultra-high-definition wallpapers. It is highlighted in the script for making it easy to change backgrounds on a Mac with a single click and the option to download captivating wallpapers for future use, showcasing the video's inclusion of apps that enhance the aesthetic experience of using Mac.

💡OmniFocus

OmniFocus is a top choice for power users and enthusiasts of the getting things done methodology, offering extensive capabilities for project structuring, task scheduling, and advanced filtering. It is presented in the script as requiring a substantial investment in learning, emphasizing the video's theme of providing a range of apps for different user needs and preferences.

💡Shter

Shter is a screen capture tool tailored for designers, offering features like capturing scrolling screenshots, blurring or pixelating sensitive content, and adding dynamic text annotations. It is introduced in the script as a comprehensive solution for elevating the screen capture experience, aligning with the video's focus on apps that enhance productivity and creativity for Mac users.

💡TickTick

TickTick is an adaptable application designed to accommodate various levels of task management requirements, with features like habit monitoring and subtask organization. It is highlighted in the script for its user-friendly interface and effortless synchronization across different platforms, fitting into the video's theme of offering versatile Mac apps for different user needs.

💡AltTab

AltTab is a Mac OS alternative to Windows switcher, providing features for effortlessly switching between windows, minimizing, closing, or going full screen with a simple click. It is featured in the script for allowing users to customize their experience and blacklist specific apps, which ties into the video's focus on apps that boost productivity and provide a focused workflow.

💡To-Do List

To-Do List is an app

Highlights

Alfred is a powerful productivity launcher that can find files, launch apps, and perform calculations efficiently.

Notion is a versatile app for organization lovers, allowing note-taking, task management, wiki building, and database design.

1Password is a digital security app that securely stores passwords and sensitive information, ensuring data protection.

Ena is a media player supporting various formats with excellent playback control and picture-in-picture functionality.

Rectangle is a window management tool that helps organize workspace and improve multitasking efficiency.

Magnet offers a different window management approach with keyboard shortcuts and screen edge positioning.

PhotoRoom uses AI to instantly remove backgrounds from photos, ideal for presentations or social media.

Pixelmator Pro is a powerful photo editing tool for professionals and casual users to enhance everyday photos.

Ulysses is a writing app designed to help writers focus with distraction-free modes, customizable goals, and export options.

Things 3 is a top-rated task management app with an intuitive interface for creating and prioritizing tasks.

Fantastical is a calendar app that understands plain English for faster appointment scheduling and powerful views.

CleanShot X is a professional screenshot tool that allows annotation, capturing scrolling content, and screen recording.

Anytype combines note-taking and task management, enabling users to build a knowledge base and organize thoughts.

Daisy Disk provides a visual map of hard drive usage to identify and delete large space-hogging files.

Carrot Weather offers hyper-accurate forecasts with a humorous personality for an entertaining weather report.

TextCortex uses AI to supercharge writing by providing instant ideas, outlines, and different writing styles.

Bear is a minimalist note-taking app designed for design lovers with a stylish interface and organizational features.

OpenOffice is a free alternative to Microsoft Office, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases.

FocusWriter is a distraction-free writing app that hides everything but the current line of text for pure writing focus.

Workflow allows organizing thoughts and projects with an infinite outline for brainstorming, planning, and outlining ideas.

Unsplash Wallpapers provides access to a collection of ultra-high-definition wallpapers for Mac screens.

OmniFocus is a powerful task management app for power users and enthusiasts of the Getting Things Done methodology.

Shter is a screen capture tool for designers with features like scrolling screenshots, blurring, pixelating, and dynamic text annotations.

TickTick is an adaptable task management app with habit monitoring, subtask organization, and cross-platform synchronization.

AltTab offers a powerful window switcher for Mac OS with features to minimize, close, or go fullscreen with customization options.

To-Do List is favored for its intuitive interface and collaborative functionalities, ideal for shared projects and team progress monitoring.

Command X App simplifies file and folder management in Finder with cut and paste functions using Command + X and Command + V.

Microsoft To-Do provides a task management solution integrated with other Microsoft tools for a cohesive workflow experience.

Velie is a program that allows opening links in specific browsers and applications, streamlining workflow with personalized rules.

Folder Colorizer Pro enables easy customization of folder icons with colors, emojis, and images for better organization.

Widget Wall offers customizable widgets for the Mac desktop, enhancing the user experience with a variety of options.