Essential Mac Applications

In July, exciting updates and software news have emerged from Apple. With the beta versions of macOS Ventura now available, users can expect new features that are worth exploring. This month's selection of Mac apps includes tools designed to:

• Optimize your Mac's performance and recover storage space
• Organize color palettes and extract dominant colors from images
• Test your internet connection speed
• Refresh your desktop with stunning wallpapers
• Read articles in a more engaging manner
• Speed up typing with shortcuts and abbreviations
• Enhance web browsing experiences
• Create professional-quality videos for presentations
• Easily hide sensitive parts of images
• Calculate percentages quickly

1. CleanMyMac X

CleanMyMac has been widely promoted on various YouTube channels, and while I'm often skeptical of apps claiming to clean system files, CleanMyMac X genuinely enhances performance and effectively clears unnecessary files from your storage.

What I Appreciate: Its unique design sets it apart in a crowded category.

Quick Tip: If there’s an app you’d prefer CleanMyMac to ignore during scans, simply go to Preferences -> Ignore List and click the + button.

Developer: MacPaw Inc. is well-known for creating numerous excellent utilities for both Mac and PC. My favorite among them is Encrypto, which offers AES-256 encryption for file security.

👁‍🗨 Privacy: 7/10 | 💲 Price: Slightly Expensive | 🦋 Design & Compatibility: UX (7.5) UI (8)

2. Pastel

For designers working on digital files such as presentations or interfaces, Pastel is an invaluable tool for organizing and collecting color palettes. Its standout feature allows users to drag and drop an image into the app, extracting five primary colors.

What I Appreciate: The consistent user experience across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Quick Tip: To quickly export a color palette as an image, press OPT + CMD + E.

Developer: Steven Troughton-Smith, an active indie Apple developer, regularly updates this app.

👁‍🗨 Privacy: 10/10 | 💲 Price: Affordable at $5.99 | 🦋 Design & Compatibility: UX (6.5) UI (7)

3. Speedtest

Many are familiar with Ookla, but if you have limited bandwidth, Speedtest can be invaluable for gauging your internet connection speed and relaying information to your ISP.

What I Appreciate: The history feature allows users to track past tests, which can be useful in discussions with ISPs.

Quick Tip: To run a speed test directly from your MenuBar, enable the RUN IN MENU BAR option in Preferences.

Developer: Ookla also offers a VPN service compatible with iOS and Android.

👁‍🗨 Privacy: 2/10 | 💲 Price: Free | 🦋 Design & Compatibility: UX (7) UI (7.5)

4. Unsplash Wallpapers

Many may not realize that Unsplash has a desktop client. This utility allows users to apply new high-quality wallpapers seamlessly, without affecting system performance.

What I Appreciate: Its straightforward design and rapid wallpaper changes.

Quick Tip: To set the app to change your wallpaper daily, go to Settings, select Preferences, choose Update Daily, and click Done.

Developer: Unsplash Inc. has also created the Unsplash app for iOS and iPad.

👁‍🗨 Privacy: 7/10 | 💲 Price: Free | 🦋 Design & Compatibility: UX (8) UI (8)

5. Matter 2

Among various read-later apps, Matter stands out with its focus on narration. Its built-in text-to-speech engine offers an engaging reading experience, making it my top choice.

What I Appreciate: The natural-sounding voice engine enhances the reading experience.

Quick Tip: To automatically archive read articles, navigate to Settings -> Advanced and enable Auto Archive.

Developer: Dig Wells, Inc. has a vision for revolutionizing content consumption; their recent RSS feed integration is promising.

👁‍🗨 Privacy: 2/10 | 💲 Price: Free | 🦋 Design & Compatibility: UX (6.5) UI (6.5)

6. Rocket Typist

If you often type repetitive text for emails or messages, Rocket Typist can streamline the process with keyboard shortcuts or abbreviations.

What I Appreciate: It significantly speeds up my typing tasks.

Quick Tip: If you want to retain clipboard data while using Rocket Typist, enable Restore Clipboard Content in Preferences.

Developer: Witt Software is reportedly working on a version for iOS.

👁‍🗨 Privacy: 7.5/10 | 💲 Price: Worth the $9.99 | 🦋 Design & Compatibility: UX (7.5) UI (7)

7. StopTheMadness

Some apps may not seem impactful until they are removed. StopTheMadness is an impressive Safari extension that enhances user experience on various websites.

What I Appreciate: The ability to improve web browsing significantly.

Quick Tip: You can inject custom CSS styles into any website by selecting Custom Elements in options.

Developer: Jeff Johnson has also created a similar extension for iOS and iPadOS, available as a separate purchase.

👁‍🗨 Privacy: 10/10 | 💲 Price: Worth the $9.99 | 🦋 Design & Compatibility: UX (5.5) UI (5)

8. Effekt

With the advent of exclusive GPU tools, creating video content has become more accessible. Effekt leverages your GPU to produce stunning short videos, perfect for business presentations or YouTube introductions.

What I Appreciate: It utilizes the M1's GPU efficiently, ensuring a smooth experience.

Quick Tip: To use your photo as a video texture, press CMD + O.

Developer: Traduko AB also developed the Weightroom Workout Tracker.

👁‍🗨 Privacy: 7/10 | 💲 Price: Slightly Expensive | 🦋 Design & Compatibility: UX (7) UI (7)

9. Redacted

Redacted is a straightforward tool for blurring or covering parts of images before sharing. It’s a crucial app for maintaining privacy.

What I Appreciate: The easy export function and fast performance.

Quick Tip: Switch between the main tools quickly using CMD + 1, CMD + 2, and CMD + 3.

Developer: Samuel Soffes is also known for the highly regarded app Contrast.

👁‍🗨 Privacy: 10/10 | 💲 Price: Free | 🦋 Design & Compatibility: UX (7) UI (6)

10. Cent

Cent is a minimalist app that calculates percentages based on two input numbers. Its simplicity ensures it gets the job done without unnecessary features.

What I Appreciate: Its basic UI design makes it user-friendly.

Quick Tip: To maintain your current calculation while performing others, enable "use tabs" in the View menu.

Developer: Marcos Antonio Tanaka is an active indie developer known for several useful applications.

👁‍🗨 Privacy: 10/10 | 💲 Price: Free | 🦋 Design & Compatibility: UX (8) UI (6)

Chapter 2: Video Recommendations

Explore lesser-known yet essential Mac applications that can enhance your productivity and workflow.

Check out the best Mac applications from 2022 that cater to a variety of needs, ensuring you’re equipped with top tools.