10 Essential Mac Apps to Boost Your Productivity in 2023


a man standing in front of a neon display

In our previous article, “Trick Out Your Mac”, we discussed various ways to enhance your Mac’s performance and personalize your experience. Continuing with that theme, here is an updated list of 10 productivity-enhancing apps for Mac, covering everything from time management to customizing your Apple remote.

Productivity is crucial, whether you’re working from home or in the office. Mac users have access to numerous apps designed to increase efficiency and save time. Here is an updated list of 10 productivity-enhancing apps for Mac, covering everything from time management to customizing your Apple remote.

1. Desktopple: Clean Up Your Desktop Instantly

Have you ever needed to take a screenshot or make a presentation but first had to clear your cluttered desktop? Desktopple is the perfect solution. With just a click, it hides all desktop icons, allowing you to focus on your task without distractions.

2. Hazel: Automate Tasks and Reduce Clutter

Hazel is an excellent tool for automating tasks and keeping your files organized. It can sort and rename files based on custom rules, move or archive old files, and even run scripts or Automator workflows, increasing your overall productivity.

3. Notion: Organize Your Notes and Ideas

Notion is an all-in-one workspace that allows you to take notes, create to-do lists, and manage projects in a single app. Its versatility and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for keeping your thoughts and tasks organized.

4. Timing: Time Management and Invoicing

Timing is a powerful time-tracking app designed to help you manage your work hours and invoice clients accurately. Its automatic tracking feature records the time you spend on various tasks, allowing you to create detailed reports and invoices effortlessly.

5. DropDMG: Simplify Disk Image Management

DropDMG streamlines the process of creating and managing disk images on your Mac. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, creating and burning disk images becomes a breeze.

6. Remote Buddy: Control Your Mac with an Apple Remote

Remote Buddy enables you to control any program on your Mac using an Apple remote. With support for over 100 apps, this software provides you with seamless remote control capabilities.

7. Magnet: Organize Multiple Windows with Ease

Magnet is a window manager that simplifies working with multiple windows. With customizable keyboard shortcuts, you can quickly resize, move, and arrange windows to improve your multitasking efficiency.

8. Raindrop.io: All-in-One Bookmark Manager

Raindrop.io is a versatile bookmark manager that allows you to save and organize your bookmarks across multiple devices. Its clean interface and powerful search functionality make it easy to find and access your saved content.

9. iTerm2: Advanced Terminal Emulator

iTerm2 is a feature-rich terminal emulator for macOS that improves upon the default Terminal app. Its split panes, search capabilities, and advanced customization options make it an indispensable tool for users who frequently work with the command line.

10. Alfred: Powerful App Launcher and More

Alfred is a versatile app launcher that revolutionizes the way you use your Mac. With customizable hotkeys, a built-in clipboard manager, and powerful search capabilities, Alfred dramatically enhances your workflow.

In conclusion, these 10 Mac apps can help you improve your productivity by streamlining your workflow, managing your time, and simplifying your daily tasks. Give them a try and experience the difference they can make in your daily routine.

With these apps in your arsenal, you’ll find that managing tasks, organizing files, and staying focused becomes much more manageable. As you integrate these tools into your daily life, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them. So go ahead and explore these productivity-enhancing Mac apps to make the most of your time and get more done.


Kokou Adzo

Kokou Adzo is a stalwart in the tech journalism community, has been chronicling the ever-evolving world of Apple products and innovations for over a decade. As a Senior Author at Apple Gazette, Kokou combines a deep passion for technology with an innate ability to translate complex tech jargon into relatable insights for everyday users.

20 Comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Thanks for picking WebnoteHappy! I just wanted to let everyone know that WebnoteHappy is on sale today only for 32% off on MacUpdate Promo.

    It’s to help celebrate the recent birth of my son Cesar.

  2. If you are doing any sports TrailRunner is as productive for you as a screen-shot application.

    With TrailRunner you can plan workout routes on a geographical map, export the route directions as small NanoMaps onto an iPod and import workout data from the Nike + iPod sports kit back into the workout diary. Other features are an exercise plan, .Mac weblog publishing, a GPS, GPX and KML Import/Export and an integrated map and elevation data download from global mapping services like USGS topo maps.

    With this feature set TrailRunner is the perfect companion for runners, bikers, hikers and all people wandering under the sky.

    You can find more information about TrailRunner on the website:
    https://www.trailrunnerx.com

  3. My favorite app left off is Info.xhead which allow you to store passwords, serial #’s, credit card info, etc. encrypted. You can create whatever categories you want. I use this pretty much every day.

  4. I love Default Folder for keeping track of endless folders, and Launchbar for my launcher of choice. It has the best search results and the most power, IMHO.

  5. you control and default folder make the perfect setup.
    one click to anyfile or app or folder from a corner menu or a keyboard pop up under the mouse cursor. any computer without seems crippled.

  6. What a pity that most of the comments here are mere spam.

    Anyway, I followed all the links in the article and noticed that only a few of the applications are free:
    FreeMind
    Desktopple (donationware)
    FreeDMG
    Terminal Pal

    I am really surprised that the author of the article chose the exactly these applications. I am sure that there are many more productivity increasing apps that are at least as good. Michael, why these?!

  7. Quicksilver is free. It’s easy to set up, and with a bit of extra configuring it’s the BEST multi-clipboard utility I’ve ever used.

  8. I really like Freemind, and the way it works, but what I’d really like is a web version of it, not necessarily working in the same way, but something that does the same job, something that will let me get my ideas down ijn something other than a tabular form that a text editor gives.

    Is there anything like this out there?

  9. I must say thank you to applegazette for including FreeDMG as one of their top 10 productivity increasing apps for Mac OS X!

    As a student developer, it really helps to motivate me when the Mac community supports my efforts.

    Thanks again!

    eddie

  10. I’d prefer reading in my native language, because my knowledge of your languange is no so well. But it was interesting! Look for some my links: