When it comes to macOS, there are a few tools and apps that I simply can’t live without. These tools help me stay productive, organized, and efficient while taking full advantage of the macOS ecosystem. Whether it’s managing my workflow, organizing my desktop, or enhancing my system’s capabilities, these apps have become indispensable. Here’s my list of must-have macOS-specific tools.

Command-line Tools

Homebrew

Homebrew is the ultimate package manager for macOS. It’s the first thing I install on any new Mac, and for good reason. With Homebrew, I can easily install and manage command-line tools, libraries, and even some desktop apps. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for your terminal—versatile, reliable, and always handy.

Once installed, grabbing any tool I need is as simple as running a brew install command. It’s fast, efficient, and makes setting up a new Mac a breeze.

Desktop Apps

Ice

Ice is a powerful menu bar manager for macOS. It lets me rearrange and organize my menu bar items, which is a lifesaver when space is tight. I can easily hide or show items, and it even supports custom scripts to automate tasks. Ice keeps my menu bar clean, functional, and clutter-free—a game-changer for anyone who loves a tidy workspace.

Rectangle

Rectangle is my go-to window management app. With simple keyboard shortcuts, I can snap windows to different parts of the screen, making multitasking a breeze. Whether I’m arranging windows side by side or creating a custom grid layout, Rectangle helps me stay organized and focused on what matters.

FlashSpace

FlashSpace is a super fast virtual workspace manager for macOS. It lets me switch between app groups using keyboard shortcuts. It’s really helpful when I have many apps for different tasks.

Keka

Keka is my favorite file archiver for macOS. It’s fast, lightweight, and supports a wide range of formats like ZIP, 7z, and RAR. Whether I’m compressing files to share or extracting archives, Keka handles it all effortlessly. It’s a must-have for anyone who works with compressed files regularly.

MenuMeters

MenuMeters is a simple yet powerful utility that displays system stats like CPU usage, memory, and network activity right in the menu bar. It’s perfect for keeping an eye on system performance without the need to open Activity Monitor. If you’re a fan of real-time stats, MenuMeters is a great addition to your setup.

Squirrel

Squirrel is my preferred input method for typing in Chinese on macOS. It’s highly customizable, supports a variety of layouts and dictionaries, and offers a smooth typing experience. If you need a flexible and powerful input method, Squirrel is an excellent choice.

Conclusion

These macOS-specific tools have become an essential part of my workflow. From managing packages with Homebrew to organizing my workspace with Rectangle, each tool serves a unique purpose and enhances my productivity. If you’re a macOS user, I highly recommend giving these apps a try—they might just become your favorites too!