Must Have Apps, Free or Paid -

This page summarizes the projects mentioned and recommended in the original post on reddit.com/r/MacOS

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  • alt-tab-macos

    Windows alt-tab on macOS

    If you find yourself missing alt tab to switch by windows, check out Contexts, Witch, or the aptly named AltTab as an alternative window switcher.

  • HomeBrew

    🍺 The missing package manager for macOS (or Linux)

  • Appwrite

    Appwrite - The Open Source Firebase alternative introduces iOS support. Appwrite is an open source backend server that helps you build native iOS applications much faster with realtime APIs for authentication, databases, files storage, cloud functions and much more!

  • BetterDisplay

    Unlock your displays on your Mac! Smooth scaling, HiDPI unlock, XDR/HDR extra brightness upscale, DDC, brightness and dimming, dummy displays, PIP and lots more!

    Surprised nobody mentioned BetterDisplay (formerly BetterDummy)

  • FinderFix

    FinderFix lets you resize and reposition Finder windows to your liking.

    And some window management utilities like Rectangle and my current favorites, FinderFix and AutoRaise.

  • AutoFocus

    A focus-follows-mouse implementation on steroids!

    And some window management utilities like Rectangle and my current favorites, FinderFix and AutoRaise.

  • Rectangle

    Move and resize windows on macOS with keyboard shortcuts and snap areas

    And some window management utilities like Rectangle and my current favorites, FinderFix and AutoRaise.

  • awesome-mac

     Now we have become very big, Different from the original idea. Collect premium software in various categories.

    I often refer to the comprehensive Awesome Mac list for this because you can drill down to specific sections such as Finder Tools for example. It's very handy.

  • InfluxDB

    Access the most powerful time series database as a service. Ingest, store, & analyze all types of time series data in a fully-managed, purpose-built database. Keep data forever with low-cost storage and superior data compression.

  • HideDesktopIcons

    Simple macOS App to hide and show the desktop icons

    HideDesktopIcons >> Does what it says

  • freac

    The fre:ac audio converter project

    fre:ac: Audio converter and CD ripper with support for various formats and encoders

  • jumpcut

    Minimalist clipboard management for macOS

    Jumpcut: Make your clipboard dance (I also use Pastebot for >99 clips)

  • iina

    The modern video player for macOS.

    IINA: Modern media player (video and audio)

  • HandBrake

    HandBrake's main development repository

    HandBrake: Tool for converting video from nearly any format to a selection of modern, widely supported codecs.

  • Amethyst

    Automatic tiling window manager for macOS à la xmonad.

    If you want a different tiling manager give Amethyst a go. It basically automates window tilling. Definitely not for everyone and I actually thought it was stupid to begin with but now I absolutely love it! FYI it can be a bit buggy at times but it's free.

  • homebrew-bundle

    📦 Bundler for non-Ruby dependencies from Homebrew, Homebrew Cask and the Mac App Store.

    Also, check out Homebrew Bundle and Brewfile - it's like infrastructure as code but for your personal computer and makes setting up new Macs and reinstalls a breeze!

  • KeepingYouAwake

    Prevents your Mac from going to sleep.

    If you don't want to use the command line there is an open source menu bar utility found here .

  • CodiumAI

    TestGPT | Generating meaningful tests for busy devs. Get non-trivial tests (and trivial, too!) suggested right inside your IDE, so you can code smart, create more value, and stay confident when you push.

NOTE: The number of mentions on this list indicates mentions on common posts plus user suggested alternatives. Hence, a higher number means a more popular project.

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