# My must-have Mac apps

Published: 2023-07-17

Every time I get a new MacBook, I set it up from scratch. No scripts, no Time Machine, just a fresh start. That being said, I do have a slew of apps that are an immediate download for me. Here are my absolute must-have Mac apps.

![magnet app icon](https://speek.dev/images/magnet-icon.webp)

**Window management: [Magnet](https://magnet.crowdcafe.com/)**

There are number of window management apps out there, but Magnet has consistently been my favorite after trying some others. I refuse to use a machine without a decent window management system.

![arc app icon](https://speek.dev/images/arc-icon.webp)

**Default browser: [Arc](https://arc.net/)**

I am a browser connoisseur, but Arc has actually made it to default status for me and has stayed. The ability to switch profiles with a swipe, the little previews windows, side-by-side tabs. This thing isn’t going anywhere for me.

![mullvad app icon](https://speek.dev/images/mullvad-icon.webp)

**Privacy-focused browser: [Mullvad](https://mullvad.net/en/browser)**

One of the newer entrants to the privacy-focused browser realm ([Brave](https://brave.com/), [Librewolf](https://librewolf.net/), [Tor](https://www.torproject.org/download/), etc.) is from Mullvad. Mullvad is known for their really terrific [VPN](https://mullvad.net/en) and their complete dedication to privacy.

![1password app icon](https://speek.dev/images/1password-icon.webp)

**Password management: [1Password](https://1password.com/)**

After grabbing my browser, I download my password manager of choice so that I can log in to things. I switched to 1Password for the amazing family sharing, terminal integration (SSH key management), and the overall polished user experience.

![raycast app icon](https://speek.dev/images/raycast-icon.webp)

**Spotlight alternative: [Raycast](https://www.raycast.com/)**

I previously used (and was an avid fan) of [Alfred](https://www.alfredapp.com/). However, Raycast has taken the cake for me from a delight perspective. Just like with Arc browser, there are a plethora of features I can’t live without now. My favorite is the “my schedule” command that shows me upcoming meetings (I can even join the Zoom call).

![iterm app icon](https://speek.dev/images/iterm-icon.webp)

**Terminal: [iTerm2](https://iterm2.com/)**

Though iTerm is a great terminal replacement, there are many other exciting competitors. At this point, I’m with iTerm out of habit. I’m actually really excited to give [Warp](https://www.warp.dev/) a try. One thing iTerm has going for it is the community of themes and the ability to easily customize.

![vs-code app icon](https://speek.dev/images/vs-code-icon.webp)

**Code editor: [VS Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/)**

In the past, I’ve used editors from [JetBrains](https://www.jetbrains.com/), [SublimeText](https://www.sublimetext.com/), and [Atom](https://github.com/atom/atom). Though it can get bogged-down with extensions, VS Code has been an absolute staple for me since about 2017. The community around it is massive and it’s integration with GitHub offers a fantastic experience.

![rocket app icon](https://speek.dev/images/rocket-icon.webp)

**Emoji picker: [Rocket](https://matthewpalmer.net/rocket/)**

This was one of the easiest buys for me. I’m a big fan of using emoji, and I’d argue there is no better app. Not only can you quickly grab emojis, you can choose what apps **not** to use Rocket with. Additionally, you can use glyphs, ASCII Emoticons, and create custom snippets!

![cleanshot app icon](https://speek.dev/images/cleanshot-icon.webp)

**Screen capture: [Cleanshot X](https://cleanshot.com/)**

One of the most utilized, paid Mac apps I have is Cleanshot. I use it for screenshots, marking-up screenshots, and even recording demos. With Cleanshot, I can record my screen, show clicks and keys I press, capture background music, use my microphone, and capture my webcam all at once. It’s quite magical.

![handmirror app icon](https://speek.dev/images/handmirror-icon.webp)

**Camera preview: [Handmirror](https://handmirror.app/)**

No one wants to join a Zoom call wondering how they’re going to look on camera. Handmirror solves for this with a little window that pops open showing your camera feed. You can switch between cameras, choose custom icons, change the window size, and much more. It’s a must have.

![bear app icon](https://speek.dev/images/bear-icon.webp)

**Notes app: [Bear](https://bear.app/)**

I exclusively take notes in Markdown. I do this not only for speed, but also because I can pickup my notes and take them practically anywhere. I’ve gone through many phases using [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/), [Roam](https://roamresearch.com/), [Notion](https://www.notion.so/), etc. But Bear offers easily the best setup for Markdown. It’s the little touches that they get just right that keeps me coming back.