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 A curated list of awesome applications, softwares, tools and shiny things for macOS.

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Awesome

A curated list of awesome applications, softwares, tools and shiny things for macOS.

Items marked with Open-Source Software are open-source software and link to the source code. Items marked with Freeware are free (as in free beer).

Table of Contents

Applications

Audio

  • Audio Hijack - Record audio from any application like iTunes, Skype or Safari, or from hardware devices like microphones and mixers.
  • BackgroundMusic - Record system audio, control audio levels for individual apps, and automatically pauses your music player when other audio starts playing and unpauses it afterwards. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • VOX Player - Play numerous lossy and lossless audio formats.
  • XLD - Rip/Decode/convert/play various "lossless" audio files. Open-Source Software Freeware

Backup

  • Arq - Encrypted backups to Amazon, Dropbox, Google, OneDrive, etc.
  • Carbon Copy Cloner - Create incremental and fully bootable backups of your Mac to external storage.

Bookmark Utilities

  • ReadKit - Have all your Instapaper, Pocket, etc. feeds in one place even when you're offline.
  • Spillo - Powerful, beautiful and fast Pinboard client.

Chat Clients

  • ChitChat - A native Mac app wrapper for WhatsApp Web. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Goofy - Unofficial Facebook Messenger client. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Telegram - A messaging app with a focus on speed and security, it’s super fast, simple and free. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Textual 5 - An Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client. Open-Source Software

Data Recovery

  • Data Rescue - Comprehensive and professional data recovery for a multitude of scenarios.
  • DiskWarrior - Recover from filesystem corruptions when Disk Utility is out of options.

Developers

  • Anvil - Serve up static sites and Rack apps with simple URLs and zero configuration. Freeware
  • Base 2 - A GUI for managing SQLite databases.
  • Cakebrew - The Homebrew GUI App. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • CocoaRestClient - An app for testing REST endpoints. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Dash - An API Documentation Browser and Code Snippet Manager.
  • Gas Mask - A simple hosts file manager which allows editing of host files and switching between them. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • gitbar - Open source github contribution stats on your Menu Bar. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • GitHub Desktop - A GUI for using GitHub. Freeware
  • GitUp - A simple but powerful Git macOS app. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Hosts - Edit hosts file. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • ImageAlpha - Apply lossy compression on PNG files with or without transparency for more efficient files. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • ImageOptim - Makes images take up less disk space and load faster. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Integrity - Easily find your website's broken links. Freeware
  • Kaleidoscope - Powerful diff and merge application supporting text, images, and folders.
  • Knuff - The debug application for Apple Push Notification Service (APNs). Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Paw - The ultimate REST client.
  • Postico - A modern PostgreSQL client.
  • Postgres.app - The easiest way to get started with PostgreSQL. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • PSequel - A PostgreSQL GUI tool. Freeware
  • QorumLogs - Swift Logging Utility for Xcode & Google Docs. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Quiver - A delightful notebook for programmers that allows mixing rich text, code, markdown, LaTeX, and graphs.
  • Sequel Pro - A MySQL database manager. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Sip - A simple color picker for developers.
  • SnippetsLab - Manage and organise snippets of code.
  • SourceTree - A free Git & Mercurial client. Freeware
  • Touch Bar Simulator - The macOS Touch Bar Simulator as a standalone app. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Tower - The most powerful Git client.
  • Unused - An app for checking Xcode projects for unused resources. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Vagrant Manager - Manage your vagrant machines in one place with Vagrant Manager for macOS. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Versions - SVN GUI client for Mac.
  • WWDC - The WWDC app. Open-Source Software

E-Book Utilities

Editors

  • CotEditor - Lightweight plain-text editor for macOS. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Emacs - Port of Emacs to work as an macOS app. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • MacVim - Vim, the text editor. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Sublime Text 3 - The sophisticated text editor.
  • TextMate - A graphical text editor. Open-Source Software
  • VimR - Vim, refined. Open-Source Software Freeware

Email Utilities

  • Airmail - Lightning fast email client designed for El Capitan.
  • MailMate - Advanced IMAP email client, featuring extensive keyboard control and Markdown support.

Finder

  • ForkLift - File Manager and FTP/SFTP/WebDAV/Amazon S3 client.
  • Path Finder - A powerful dual-pane browser alternative to Finder.
  • Quicklook-Plugins - List of extra quicklook plugins to enable previewing more filetypes in the Finder.
  • TotalFinder - A powerful alternative to Finder.
  • XtraFinder - Adds useful features to Finder. Freeware

Games

  • Battle for Wesnoth - Turn-based tactical strategy game, featuring both single-player and online multiplayer combat. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Boxer - The DOS game emulator that’s fit for your Mac. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Dolphin - A powerful, Open Source emulator for Nintendo GameCube and Wii games. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • OpenEmu - Multiple Video Game System. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Screentendo - Turn your screen into a playable level of Mario. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Stockfish - Beautiful, powerful chess application. Open-Source Software Freeware

Graphics

  • Acorn - A very Mac-like image editor with a comprehensive feature set.
  • Affinity Designer - Vector image design tool, possible Adobe Illustrator alternative.
  • Affinity Photo - Raster image design tool, possible Adobe Photoshop alternative.
  • GifCapture - Record GIF screencasts. Open-Source Software
  • GIPHY Capture - Capture and share GIFs on the desktop. Freeware
  • Image2icon - Create and personalize icons from your pictures. Freeware
  • OmniGraffle - An app for creating precise, beautiful graphics.
  • Pixelmator - Powerful image editor, possible Photoshop alternative.
  • Sketch - Hybrid vector/bitmap layout application, especially useful for UI, web and mobile design.
  • Sketch Toolbox - A super simple plugin manager for Sketch. Open-Source Software
  • xScope - Tools for measuring, inspecting and testing on-screen graphics and layouts.

Productivity

  • Alfred - Boosts your efficiency and productivity.
  • BetterTouchTool - Configure gestures for mouse and actions for keyboard shortcuts.
  • ClipMenu - ClipBoard History Manager. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • CloudClip - Sync your clipboard between your Mac and your iOS devices. Freeware
  • Dropzone - Create a popup grid of customizable actions that enhance productivity on your Mac.
  • f.lux - Automatically adjust your computer screen to match lighting. Freeware
  • Fantastical 2 - Complete Calendar app replacement which uses natural language for creating events.
  • Hazel - Create rules to automatically keep your files organized.
  • HazeOver - Turn distractions down and focus on your current task.
  • HyperDock - Select individual application window.
  • Instant Translate - Translate speech and text between 100+ languages from the menu bar.
  • Karabiner - A powerful keyboard customizer. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Keytty - Enables you to control your mouse with a few key strokes. Mouse Keys Alternative.
  • LaunchBar - Start applications, navigate folders, manipulate files, control your Mac and much more just by using the keyboard.
  • OmniFocus - An incredible task management platform for Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
  • OmniOutliner - Perfect for collecting information, outlining ideas, adding structure to any sort of writing, and much more.
  • Paste - The new way to copy & paste for Mac.
  • PopClip - Instantly copy & paste, access actions like search, spelling, dictionary and more.
  • Qbserve - Automatic time and project tracking, timesheets, invoicing, and real-time productivity feedback.
  • Quicksilver - Control your Mac quickly and elegantly. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Rocket - Makes typing emoji faster and easier using Slack-style shortcuts. Freeware
  • SelfControl - Block access to distracting websites. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Simplenote - Simple cross-platform note taking app with cloud-based syncing. Freeware
  • TaskPaper - Plain text to-do lists.
  • Telephone - A SIP softphone. Make phone calls over the Internet or your company’s network. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • TextExpander - Create custom keyboard shortcuts for frequently-used text and pictures.
  • Timing - Automatic time and productivity tracking for Mac. Helps you stay on track with your work and ensures no billable hours get lost if you are billing hourly.

Sharing Files

  • CloudApp - Capture and share files and screenshots instantly.
  • Jumpshare - Real-time file sharing app with support for instantly sharing code / Markdown, annotating screenshots, screen recording, and voice recording. Freeware
  • mac2imgur - Upload images and screenshots to Imgur. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Monosnap - Annotate and upload images and screenshots, supports many backends like S3, SFTP, WebDAV, Dropbox, etc. Freeware
  • Transmission - Simple, lightweight, multi-platform torrent client. Open-Source Software Freeware

Terminal

Utilities

  • 1Password - Password Manager and Secure Wallet.
  • Amphetamine - Prevents macOS from automatically going to sleep, with lots of configurations. Freeware
  • AnyBar - A menubar status indicator. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • APNGb - .apng image assembler/disassembler app. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • AppCleaner - Uninstall your apps easily. Freeware
  • Arthur - Safely optimize some of your Mac's hidden settings.
  • Bartender - Organize your menu bar apps.
  • Batch Image Resizer - Resize a large number of images quickly on your computer. Freeware
  • BeardedSpice - Control web based media players with the media keys found on Mac keyboards. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • BetterZip - A very capable and full-featured archive manager.
  • BitBar - Display output of any script to the menu bar. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Burn - No-nonsense burning of Data/Audio/Video CDs and DVDs, including copying. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • CheatSheet - Know your short cuts. Freeware
  • CommandQ - Never accidentally quit an app again.
  • ControlPlane - Automate running tasks based on where you are or what you do. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • DaisyDisk - Analyze disk usage and free up disk space.
  • Deliveries - Beautiful and simple package tracking.
  • DisableMonitor - Easily disable or enable a monitor on your Mac. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • EtreCheck - Output system information and configuration to get more informed help from Apple support professionals. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Fanny - Notification Center widget and menu bar application to monitor your Mac's fans and CPU temperature. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Finicky - App that allows you to set rules that decide which browser is opened for every link. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Fluid - Turn web applications into Mac applications.
  • gfxCardStatus - Menu bar app to monitor and switch between integrated and discrete GPUs on MacBook Pro. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Helium - A floating browser window that allows you to watch media while you work. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • InsomniaX - Prevents macOS from automatically going to sleep (on lid closing or idle timeout). Freeware
  • Irvue - Thousands of stunning photos and wallpapers from Unsplash on your Mac. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • iStat Menus - An advanced system monitor for your menubar.
  • Kawa - A better input source switcher with shortcuts. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • KeepingYouAwake - Menu bar utility that prevents Mac from going to sleep. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Keka - Compress to and extract from many archive file formats. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Knock - Unlock your Mac quickly and securely. Freeware
  • LaunchControl - Create, manage and debug launchd services. Freeware
  • Loading - See when apps are using your network in your Mac menubar. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Little Snitch - Protect your privacy.
  • MacDown - Markdown editor. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Mackup - Keep your application settings in sync. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • MacPass - Password Manager. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Media Converter - Simple (drag and drop) but advanced media conversion. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Menubar Colors - Convenient access to the system color panel. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • MenuMeters - A set of CPU, memory, disk, and network monitoring tools for macOS. Open-Source Software
  • Monodraw - A powerful ASCII art editor.
  • Mounty - A tiny tool to re-mount write-protected NTFS volumes under macOS 10.9+ in read-write mode.
  • Noizio - Ambient sound equalizer for relaxation or productivity.
  • Notational Velocity - Store, retrieve and sync notes within a minimal GUI. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Noti - Receive Android notifications on your mac (with PushBullet). Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Numi - Beautiful calculator app. Freeware
  • OnyX - Multifunction utility to verify disks and files, run cleaning and system maintenance tasks, configure hidden options and more. Freeware
  • Paparazzi - A small utility that makes screenshots of webpages. Freeware
  • Paragon NTFS - World fastest NTFS driver.
  • Radio Silence - Simple to use firewall and network monitor.
  • Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Client - Remote Desktop Connection Client lets you connect from your Macintosh computer to a Windows-based computer.
  • Site Sucker - Automatically download websites from the Internet.
  • ShiftIt - Managing windows size and position. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • SlowQuitApps - Prevent accidental Cmd-Q. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • SmartCapsLock - Makes the Caps Lock key smarter, so that when the key accidentally gets activated and you START YELLING even though you don't want to, you can just select the yelling-text and press the key again to instantly fix its case instead of typing everything all over again.
  • Soulver - Beautiful expressive calculator.
  • SSH Tunnel - Manage your SSH tunnels, tightly integrated with macOS Keychain, secure and intuitive.
  • TeamViewer - Remotely control another computer.
  • TextBar - TextBar is a tiny but powerful app that lets you add any text to your MenuBar.
  • Typeeto - Lets you use your Mac's keyboard as a bluetooth keyboard to type on another devices.
  • Typora - Another minimal Markdown editor. Freeware
  • Ukelele - Unicode Keyboard Layout Editor. Freeware
  • Übersicht - Run system commands and display their output on your desktop as widgets. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • The Unarchiver - Unarchive many different kinds of archive files. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Wineskin - Run Windows applications and games on your Mac. Open-Source Software Freeware

Video

  • HandBrake - High performance video encoding and conversion tools with a nice GUI. Open-Source Software
  • mpv - Media player. Open-Source Software
  • ScreenFlow - Screencasting and video editing software.
  • Subler - Mux and tag MP4 files. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Subtitlr - Drag and drop subititle download utility. Open-Source Software

Window Management

  • Amethyst - Window manager (automatically keep windows sized in grids). Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Divvy Window Manager - Window management for tiling your windows.
  • Hammerspoon - Extremely powerful scripting engine for macOS. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • kwm - Tiling window manager with focus follows mouse. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Moom - Move and zoom windows, super light weight and customizable.
  • Phoenix - A lightweight window and app manager scriptable with JavaScript. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Spectacle - Easily organize windows without using a mouse. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Stay - Resize/position windows when displays change.

Others

  • Aerial - Apple TV Aerial Screensaver for Mac. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Catch - The easiest way to use ShowRSS. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Clocker - Check time in multiple timezones from your Mac menubar. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • gInbox - gInbox is a wrapper made for Mac around Inbox by Gmail. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • hacker-menu - Hacker News Delivered to Desktop. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • PopKey - Allows easy access to animated GIFs from the Mac menu bar.
  • Sonora - A minimal, beautifully designed music player. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • SoundCleod - A browser for SoundCloud. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Juice - Make your battery information a bit more interesting. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Transmit - A FTP client.
  • Vienna - RSS/Atom newsreader. Open-Source Software Freeware

Command Line Utilities

  • Awesome macOS Command Line - Use your macOS terminal shell to do awesome things.
  • m-cli -  Swiss Army Knife for macOS.
  • Mac-CLI -  macOS command line tools for developers.
  • Mac macOS Manual Pages - Apple's official man page reference which lists all general commands in Section 1.
  • mas - A CLI for the Mac App Store. Open-Source Software Freeware

macOS Utilities

Setup

DevMyMac

laptop

mac-dev-setup

macOS 10.9 Mavericks Setup

macOS 10.10 Yosemite Setup

macOS 10.11 El Capitan Setup

Security

  • VeraCrypt - Free and open source disk encryption software. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Viscosity - Fully-featured OpenVPN client, ready for enterprise deployment.

Miscellaneous

Discussion Forums

Apple

IRC channels

MacRumors

Reddit

Contribute

Contributions are most welcome, please adhere to the contribution guidelines.

Please consider checking out the pull requests that need more votes to be included.

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License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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