🔥 7 Powerful Mac Applications that You Must Install 🚀
Tags: productivity, tutorial, raycast, watercooler
Published: 2022-02-28 16:59:04

Tom Cruise said, “I feel the need... the need for speed.” Me too! I started using MacBook in 2014. Originally, I was a Windows user, and I had a difficult time getting familiar with macOS. I even didn’t like to use Mac because it was so weird. However, after several years of getting familiar with Mac, now, I don’t want to switch back to Windows because I have found these powerful apps that can speed up your workflow.

# 1. Raycast

![RayCast](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/308jbkjrpfzaz1dotxtu.png) 

[https://www.raycast.com](https://www.raycast.com/)

This is my best Mac app ever! Have you heard about [Alfred](https://www.alfredapp.com/)? Raycast is Alfred’s alternative, and it is FREE! I can’t live without this app. The main idea of Raycast is to substitute Mac spotlight, but Raycast has so many extensions that could help our productivity.

![Raycast1](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/fgx10cf0m9fsfw01lzlk.gif)
 

The wonderful features here are `alias` and `hotkey` that we can set up in each extension.

![RayCast2](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/thw8vo5fqsttqjtimsc1.png)
 

### Clipboard History

My hotkey : `Cmd + Shift + V` 

We can access all the things that we copy (cmd + c). It’s not only text but also pictures!

![Clipboard History](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/4me8gx788x2sdmhyhq74.png)
 
![Clipboard History2](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/3sc3u2dum3462b3g1src.gif) 
 

### Snippets

My hotkey: `Control + S` 

Saving any text that you might use many times. I save my email, address, driver’s license id, Credit Card testing, and anything that I cannot remember.

This is a game-changer as a developer. In my case, I’m working with a payment application, and I need to insert credit card details repeatedly. Using this snippets extension will speed up my workflow.

![Snippets1](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/5mqqz8fyhgwu0615fpex.png) 

![Snippets2](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/4uh1r4ywsjfu2l52p7r8.png)
 
![Snippets3](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/l8itqhko8zvjv2wji7e3.gif)

In order, to paste the snippet automatically, you must set it up in the extension settings.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ikh3rf0rb0sr62qeob7v.png)
 

### Window Management

One reason that I don’t like Mac is because I can’t make the applications to be in half on the screen like in Windows. I hate that, but I found one application, which is called [Spectacle](https://www.spectacleapp.com/)
. I still want to put it here because it helped me a lot. I also know paid apps for window management such as Magnet and Rectangle.

If you are already familiar with those shortcuts, we can just set up the preset here.

![Window Management](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/3ruodydob4od5kopu9rh.png)
 
Let me show you how I use my window management in my ultra-wide monitor.

{% embed https://youtu.be/_g20623r7aA %}

I’m using Spectacle hotkey preset. These are the main hotkey that I use in my daily basis:

- Full Screen `Cmd + Opt + F`
- Center `Cmd + Opt + C`
- Reasonable Size `Cmd + Opt + R`
- Left Half `Cmd + Opt + ←`
- Right Half `Cmd + Opt + →`
- Move to another Monitor `Cmd + Ctrl + Opt + →` or `Cmd + Opt + Ctrl + ←`
- Left third `Ctrl + Opt + D`
- Center third `Ctrl + Opt + F`
- Right third `Ctrl + Opt + G`
- Left two third `Ctrl + Opt + E`
- Center two third `Ctrl + Opt + R`
- Right two third `Ctrl + Opt + T`

### Quicklinks

This is another powerful extension that can get you faster to a website. For example, to go to Google or YouTube, you can just find Quicklinks and type your search argument there.

![Quicklinks](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/fgdh5iibinu5izdanqfx.gif)
 

![Quicklinks2](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8xfv62xg37kmgjiwn5sp.png)
 

If you are questioning what is [raynaldo.me](http://raynaldo.me/) Quicklinks is, here is the answer. My brother, [Thedorus Clarence](https://theodorusclarence.com/) created a Next.js project called notiolink, so we can create short links in notion. If you are interested, you can install it by yourself. I will give some demo videos below.


{% embed https://github.com/theodorusclarence/notiolink %}

{% embed https://youtu.be/81XdSN1JwKY %}

My shortcut is `Ctrl + R`

### Jira

Active sprint hotkey: `Ctrl + J`

Lastly, I also want to show the Jira extension because it’s handy to use Jira without opening the browser. We can read the ticket, update the ticket status, assign the ticket to someone, and open the ticket by using Raycast.

{% embed https://youtu.be/2r3IS6VecrU %}

![Jira](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/xzixzfhg4tnzm9zze44q.png)
 

There are a lot of extensions because Raycast has a store for it, I will not show everything. You can check other extensions [here](https://www.raycast.com/store). Several extensions that I used:

- Search Recent Project VSCodes
- Github
- Bitwarden Vault
- Slack Status

## 2. CleanShot X

![CleanShot X](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ymbs288rd0flm0v6kni7.png)
 
[https://cleanshot.com/](https://cleanshot.com/)

CleanShot X is a screenshot application with a lot of [features](https://cleanshot.com/features). This is a paid application, but I recommend it. I don't usually spend my money on an application. However, I don’t regret buying this powerful application. It’s so helpful to communicate with others if we need to share a screenshot, GIF, or video.

I will not explain all CleanShot X’s features in detail because you can see them on the website, but I want to share some of cool features:

### The Editor

The screenshot editor is very cool! We will get a lot of features for editing.

![The Editor](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/7pftknxo9ref76d4988s.png) 

### Record GIF and Video

All my videos and GIFs screen recordings are using CleanShot X. You can record your voice, computer sound, and your video. Also, we can highlight our clicks and show our keystrokes. It’s so configurable and convenient for recording your screens.

![Record GIF and Video](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/a5ned4jjoh48z27my6w8.png) 

Of course, you can also trim the video and mute your video afterward.

![Record GIF and Video2](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/nuycdl8p3damms61ncco.png)
 

### Scrolling Capture

I hate when I need to take a long screenshot. I usually need to separate it into two screenshots, but CleanShot X did a great job here. Scrolling capture gives me the flexibility to take a long screenshot.

{% embed https://youtu.be/AyWCrukH7tQ %}

### Capture Text (OCR)

This is a feature that I have never expected because I thought CleanShot X is only taking a screenshot and screen video. However, they give us access to copy a text with OCR. Thank you, CleanShot X! I love this feature.

![Capture Text](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/94p1wqiary7xrt86j43g.gif)
 

### My CleanShot X KeyStrokes

1. Capture full screen `Cmd + Shitf + 3`
2. Capture some area `Cmd + Shift + 4`
3. Record Screen (GIF or Video) `Cmd + Shift + 5`
4. Scrolling Capture `Cmd + Shift + 2`
5. Capture Text (OCR) `Cmd + Shift + C`
6. Restore closed file `Cmd + Shift + E`

Go to their website [here](https://cleanshot.com/) to learn more about other cool CleanShot X features.

## 3. Logi Options

![Logi1](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/agj1w81frtoiwqkanyn9.png) 

This is a free application, but you must buy a Logitech mouse with a programmable buttons feature. I’m using [M590](https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/mice/m590-silent-wireless-mouse.910-005014.html) because I got another 5 buttons excluding left-click and right-click. However, I checked in the Logitech store it’s said *Sold Out Temporarily,* but you can buy M585 for the substitution. The only difference [M585](https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/mice/m585-wireless-mouse.910-005012.html) doesn’t have a silent click feature.

Why do I love this application?

We can program the buttons differently for a specific application.

![Logi2](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/wz1cv908z6tjhxcertfs.png)

I mainly use the feature for Visual Studio Code and my browsers (Firefox and Chrome). 

{% embed https://youtu.be/LC7u2B-MyFE %}

## My Logi Options Setup

![Logi](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ssmpncm5ytqfsna4hd2t.png) 

### Visual Studio Code

- Scroll Left - Keystroke `Cmd + B` → Open side bar
- Scroll Right - Keystroke Ctrl + ` → Open terminal
- Side Front - Keystroke - `Shift + Ctrl + -` → Forward to the next line of code
- Side Back - Keystroke -  `Ctrl + -` → Back to the previous line of code

## Firefox

- Scroll Left - Keystroke `Opt + Cmd + I` → Open web developer tools
- Scroll Right - Keystroke `Shift + Opt + C` → Toggle [CSS Debug](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/pranay-joshi/)
- Side Front - Zoom using scroll wheel
- Side Back - Keystroke -  `Opt + Cmd + M` Responsive Design Mode

### Google Chrome

- Scroll Left - Keystroke `Opt + Cmd + I` → Open web developer tools
- Scroll Right - Keystroke `Shift + Opt + C` → Toggle [CSS Debug](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/pranay-joshi/)
- Side Front - Zoom using scroll wheel
- Side Back - Keystroke -  `Shift + Cmd + M` Responsive Design Mode after opening web dev tools.

## 4. f.lux

[https://justgetflux.com/](https://justgetflux.com/)

![f.lux](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/t2csvqalpzgjkdausbiv.png)

If you have a health concern with your eyes, this is a recommended application for it. F.lux will adapt the screen color temperature at a certain time. Therefore, your laptop screen will be changed to warm color at night. Staying in front of your laptop until late might impact your night's rest.

This is how my screen looks like at night.

![f.lux2](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/vqrl7jg25b0y044q1ygv.png) 

## 5. Dozer

[https://github.com/Mortennn/Dozer](https://github.com/Mortennn/Dozer)

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/fh9d0y5mnfiuixltb3qa.png)

Do you feel annoyed with many applications icon in your top bar? Dozer could help you to hide them.

![Dozer](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/nevskp28psnv8yvqil1x.gif) 
 

## 6. iTerm2

[https://iterm2.com/](https://iterm2.com/)

![iterm](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/fg45yg4i445naesnrg61.png)
 

### Natural Text Editing

The most favorite feature in iTerm2 is that I can set key mappings to natural text editing. It means that we can use `Cmd + ←` or `Cmd + →`  for moving our cursor to the end of the beginning of the character, and also `Opt + ←` or `Opt + →` for moving our cursor per word. It makes me so flexible to type in the terminal.

![Natural Text Editing](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/w5x9w79fqjt07kckbqoy.gif)

Follow these steps to set the natural text editing in iTerm2:

1. Open **iTerm2 Preferences**
2. Go to **Profiles**
3. Go to **Keys**
4. Go to **Key Mappings**
5. Change the **Presets** to **Natural Text Editing**

![iterm](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/a0w6ge9zrvttz99fsz8o.png)
 
### Window Arrangement

It is so lazy if we need to go to the same directory when we open the terminal for the first time. However, We can open our saved window arrangement in iTerm2. Shortcut for default window arrangement `Cmd + Shift + R`

![Window Arrangement](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/fox6gcipwp02wpu31sj1.gif)
 

How to save the window arrangement is here.

![iterm](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/u6ch0r0314q3hyetqxkn.png)
 
## 7. Gitify

[https://www.gitify.io/](https://www.gitify.io/)

![Gitify](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/jwacl0fz7p9xozcyfnx6.png)

Lastly, my favorite Mac app is Gitify. It gives you a sound if you get a notification from your Github. You can realize quickly if your colleagues leave some comments in your pull request.

## Conclusion
Hopefully, these applications could boost your productivity and help you finish your tasks efficiently. Please leave me a comment about which application you love, or any other app suggestions you may have. Thank you for reading.