AwesomeList

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macOS

 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.

Chat Clients

  • ChitChat - A native Mac app wrapper for WhatsApp Web. 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 - 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.
  • Flawless App - macOS tool for visual quality check of mobile app right inside iOS simulator.
  • 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
  • GitX-dev - A fork (variant) of GitX, maintained and enhanced with productivity oriented changes. 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.
  • Pods Updater - A macOS app which helps you manage dependency releases in your Podfile. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • 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
  • Swiftify - Objective-C to Swift code converter and Xcode & Finder extensions.
  • Touch Bar Simulator - The macOS Touch Bar Simulator as a standalone app. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Tower - The most powerful Git client.
  • Trailer - Configurable menubar Git notifications with accompanying native iOS app. Open-Source Software
  • 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.
  • Mailplane - A tightly integreted client for Google Mail, Inbox, Calender, and Contacts.

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
  • macSVG - Design and edit SVG content for web, mobile, and animation. Open-Source Software 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.

News Readers

  • hacker-menu - Hacker News Delivered to Desktop. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • ReadKit - Have all your Instapaper, Pocket, etc. feeds in one place even when you're offline.
  • Reeder 3 - News reader that integrates with with Feedbin, Feedly, and other popular services.
  • Vienna - RSS/Atom newsreader. Open-Source Software Freeware

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
  • Keyboard Maestro - Automate routine actions based on triggers from keyboard, menu, location, added devices, and more.
  • 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.
  • PDF Archiver - A nice tool for tagging and archiving tasks. Open-Source Software
  • 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.
  • 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
  • IINA - Media player with a minimalist design. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • 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
  • Juice - Make your battery information a bit more interesting. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Sonora - A minimal, beautifully designed music player. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • SoundCleod - A browser for SoundCloud. Open-Source Software Freeware
  • Spillo - Powerful, beautiful and fast Pinboard client.
  • Transmit - A FTP client.

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

macbook-playbook

Ansible playbook to configure a development and desktop environment from a clean macOS install.

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

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