In this post, I’ll share the macOS tools I actually use and depend on. I’ll intentionally skip obvious, work specific tools like Docker, VS Code, IntelliJ IDEA, and Xcode. Instead, focus on tools that improve day-to-day work efficiency.
Instead, focus on ones that actually improve my Productivity.
Core Essentials
1. Homebrew (package manager)
Homebrew is first thing I install on new Mac. If you’re doing any kind of development on macOS, this is must i guess.
It’s simple, reliable package manager for installing CLI tools and desktop apps without searching through websites.
# Search for formulas and casks
brew search bala
# Example: Install formula
brew install formula
# Example: Install cask
brew install --cask cask
2. Fork (git client)
I mostly use Git from command line, but Fork helps me review changes visually before pushing them. It helps me review diffs before pushing, double-check branch history and avoid accidental commits.
3. Warp (terminal)
Warp is modern terminal with useful features like customization options Workflows for automating common tasks, recently has built-in AI that remembers and suggests commands.
It’s fast, smart, and more user-friendly than the default terminal.
4. Rectangle (window manager)
Window management on macOS is limited compared to Windows. Rectangle solves this for me with simple keyboard shortcuts to snap and organize windows.
I set custom shortcuts (see below img) which became muscle memory, so managing multiple apps became simple.
5. AltTab (windows alt-tab on macOS)
https://alt-tab-macos.netlify.app/
By default, macOS’s cmd+tab only lets you switch between apps, not windows of the same app.
AltTab is tool just to fix this for me.
I just replaced cmd+tab with AltTab and also mapped Cmd+ ` to switch between windows of the current app.
Huge time saver and something i never imagined this exists. (Espically in arc browser, i couldn’t find shortcut to switch b/w different arc windows, AltTab really helped me here)
6. Raycast (app launcher)
Raycast is faster, cleaner replacement for Spotlight. It’s bit heavy tool that exceeds my needs and has many external extensions. I haven’t used all its features yet, but even basic search feels better than Spotlight.
7. Clipy (clipboard extention)
macOS didn’t have proper clipboard history for a long time. Even now, the built-in option in macOS26 is very limited. Clipy keeps full history of copied items.
My shortcut is Cmd+Shift+D to quickly access the clipboard history and paste.
Other helpful ones
1. AS Timer
https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/as-timer/id512464723
A simple countdown timer. Nothing fancy, just works.
2. PDF Gear (pdf editor)
https://www.pdfgear.com/ => to edit PDFs
3. Bitwarden (password manager)
Go to password manager. It’s open source, secure, and syncs my credentials across all platforms.
4. Ente Authenticator (2FA)
For 2FA, I use Ente Authenticator. It’s open source, syncs across iOS, Android, and macOS, and even have website for 2FA codes. Very convenient compared to traditional authenticators which are OS bound or device bound ones.
5. Calibre (E-book manager)
https://calibre-ebook.com/ => for ebooks
6. Vimium browser extension
https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/vimium/dbepggeogbaibhgnhhndojpepiihcmeb?hl
On any browser(Arc, Chrome, Safari, Firefox), I use Vimium for Vim-style keyboard shortcuts. It makes browsing faster and keeps my hands on keyboard most of the time.
That’s it
That’s it my current macOS setup tools. Ofcourse you can use an many tools as you want to, but be careful on not to overwhelm yourself with so many tools at once. Always think twice before installing the tool whether it really solving your needs and at what cost?..
