12 ESSENTIAL Apps for New Macs – Level UP Your Mac 2023

Andrew Ethan Zeng
13 Jun 202217:09

TLDRAndrew shares his top 12 essential apps for optimizing and personalizing a new Mac. Starting with Encrypto for secure file encryption, he moves on to Craft for note-taking, Dropover for efficient file management, CleanMyMac X for system cleanup, and X-snip for enhanced screenshot capabilities. He also recommends Figma for design and collaboration, FigJam for brainstorming, Bartender for menu bar organization, Bitwarden for password management, Magnet for window resizing, Steam for gaming, Adobe Lightroom for photo editing, and Notion for comprehensive organization and task management. Andrew emphasizes the importance of these apps in enhancing productivity, creativity, and the overall user experience on a Mac.

Takeaways

  • 🗝️ Encrypto is a must-have app for securely encrypting files with AES 256 encryption, ensuring only those with the correct password can access them.
  • 📝 Craft is a powerful and visually appealing note-taking and collaboration app, offering a clean interface and a variety of templates for different types of documents.
  • 📁 Dropover simplifies the process of managing and moving files on a Mac, with a drag-and-drop shelf extension that makes it easy to collect and organize multiple files.
  • 🧹 CleanMyMac X is a time-saving app that helps to clear out system junk and unused files, freeing up hard drive space and improving Mac performance.
  • 📸 X-Snip is an enhanced screenshot tool that offers a range of editing features and shapes, allowing for more detailed and customized screen captures.
  • 🎨 Figma is a comprehensive design app that has become a go-to for creative professionals, with features like FigJam for brainstorming and flowchart creation.
  • 🍸 Bartender is a menu bar utility that declutters the top of the screen by only displaying icons and menu items when needed, and offers smart triggers based on context.
  • 🔑 Bitwarden is a free password manager that securely stores and manages your digital credentials, providing a more robust solution than the built-in Apple Keychain.
  • 🧲 Magnet is a productivity app that allows for quick window resizing and organization on the Mac desktop through customizable shortcuts.
  • 🎮 Steam is a digital gaming platform that offers a selection of Mac-compatible games, making it a great option for casual gamers looking to unwind.
  • 🖼️ Adobe Lightroom is a photo editing powerhouse that provides a wide array of tools for photographers and enthusiasts to enhance and manage their images.
  • 📋 Notion is an all-in-one workspace for note-taking, task management, and collaboration, with cloud syncing capabilities that keep all your work updated across devices.

Q & A

  • What is the first app recommended by Andrew for new Mac users?

    -The first app recommended by Andrew is Encrypto, which is a free app used for securely encrypting files with AES 256 encryption for private and safe storage or transmission.

  • How does the Craft app differ from Apple Notes?

    -Craft is described as a more powerful and visually appealing version of Apple Notes, designed for better collaboration and note-taking with features like tagging options, filing systems, and a visually stunning dark mode.

  • What problem does the Dropover app solve?

    -Dropover solves the problem of managing and moving multiple files around on a Mac, especially using a trackpad, by providing a drag and drop shelf extension that simplifies the process.

  • How does CleanMyMac X help in maintaining Mac performance?

    -CleanMyMac X helps in maintaining Mac performance by thoroughly cleaning up gigabytes of unused system junk and app files, including files left behind when an app is deleted, and using a smart scan feature to improve system performance.

  • What is unique about X-Snip as a screenshot app for Mac?

    -X-Snip is unique as it offers advanced features beyond the native Mac screenshot function, such as customizable shortcuts, various shapes and resolutions for captures, and the ability to edit screenshots directly on the screen before saving.

  • How does Figma benefit non-designers?

    -Even for non-designers, Figma is beneficial as it offers FigJam, a powerful brainstorming and charting tool that provides easy-to-use templates for creating flowcharts and organizing thoughts.

  • What is the primary function of Bartender?

    -Bartender's primary function is to declutter the menu bar by displaying menu items and icons only when needed by hovering over the menu bar, and it also provides options for triggers that show specific menu items in certain situations.

  • Why did Andrew switch from LastPass to Bitwarden for password management?

    -Andrew switched to Bitwarden because it provides the necessary password management features for free, which was sufficient for his needs, unlike LastPass, which changed its pricing model.

  • What does the Magnet app do for Mac users?

    -The Magnet app allows Mac users to quickly resize and snap windows into different places using keyboard shortcuts, which can significantly improve productivity and workflow efficiency.

  • Why is Steam mentioned as a recommended app for Mac users?

    -Steam is recommended for Mac users because it provides access to a selection of Mac-compatible games for casual gaming, allowing users to unwind and enjoy games like Dota 2, Portal, and Counter-Strike.

  • How does Adobe Lightroom benefit photography enthusiasts?

    -Adobe Lightroom benefits photography enthusiasts by offering a wide range of controls to edit and enhance photos, as well as cloud syncing capabilities that allow for seamless editing across all devices where Lightroom is accessed.

  • What is the primary purpose of Notion according to Andrew?

    -According to Andrew, Notion serves as an all-in-one app for note-taking, collaboration, managing to-do lists, creating Kanban boards, and much more, helping him organize his personal life and businesses efficiently.

Outlines

00:00

🗂️ Enhancing Mac Productivity with Must-Have Apps

Andrew introduces viewers to 12 unique and useful apps for Mac users who are looking to enhance their productivity and user experience beyond the typical applications. He emphasizes the importance of setting up a Mac for optimal use and promises to share lesser-known apps that have personally benefited him. The first app mentioned is Encrypto, a free tool for secure file encryption, which is crucial for storing sensitive documents and sending confidential files securely. Andrew also discusses Craft, a powerful note-taking and collaboration app that serves as a more attractive and feature-rich alternative to Apple Notes, with a visually appealing interface and a variety of templates for different types of documents.

05:04

🚀 Streamlining Tasks and Cleaning Up Mac with Essential Apps

The video continues with Andrew discussing the Dropover app, which simplifies the process of moving and organizing files on a Mac, especially when using a trackpad. He also mentions CleanMyMac X, an app sponsored in the video, that helps clear system junk and unused files to optimize Mac performance and free up hard drive space. CleanMyMac X is praised for its effectiveness in cleaning up leftover files from uninstalled apps and for its smart scan feature that identifies ways to improve the system's performance. Andrew then introduces X-Snip, a versatile screenshot tool that offers advanced editing options and doesn't slow down the Mac. He also talks about Figma, a comprehensive design app that's useful for both designers and non-designers, with features like FigJam for brainstorming and creating flowcharts.

10:07

🍸 Organizing and Managing Digital Life with Bartender and Bitwarden

Andrew highlights the utility of the Bartender app in decluttering the menu bar on a Mac by only displaying menu items and icons when needed. He appreciates the app's smart triggers that show specific menu items based on context. Next, he discusses Bitwarden, a free password manager that securely stores and manages digital credentials, which he prefers over other options due to its comprehensive features and no-cost model. The Magnet app is also featured as a tool for efficient window management on the Mac, allowing users to quickly resize and organize windows with keyboard shortcuts. Andrew briefly mentions Steam as a platform for casual gaming on Mac, noting that while the game selection is not as extensive as on Windows, it still offers some enjoyable titles.

15:09

📸 Photo Editing and Comprehensive Organization with Adobe Lightroom and Notion

The final paragraph focuses on Adobe Lightroom, a photo editing app that provides a wide range of controls for enhancing photos and is particularly beneficial for photographers and enthusiasts. Andrew prefers Lightroom CC for its cloud syncing capabilities, which allows for seamless editing across devices. Lastly, he talks about Notion, an all-in-one workspace for note-taking, collaboration, task management, and more. He uses Notion to organize his personal and business life, appreciating its cloud-based syncing and centralized workspace. Andrew offers to share more about his Notion setup and his home office through links in the video description and encourages viewers to share their app recommendations.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡encrypto

Encrypto is a free application that provides a crucial service for privacy-conscious Mac users. It allows users to encrypt files using AES 256 encryption, ensuring that only those with the correct password can access the contents. In the video, Andrew emphasizes its utility for storing sensitive documents like tax files and for sending confidential documents securely via email. The app is simple to use, with a clean interface that supports drag-and-drop functionality.

💡craft

Craft is a note-taking and collaboration app that serves as a more powerful and visually appealing alternative to Apple Notes. It is designed to facilitate the organization and creation of notes, with features like tagging and filing systems. Andrew appreciates Craft for its editing capabilities, dark mode, and the library of visually stunning templates that can save time and enhance the note-taking experience. It is particularly useful for meetings and brainstorming sessions.

💡dropover

Dropover is an app that enhances the file management experience on Mac by providing a drag-and-drop shelf extension. It simplifies the process of moving or organizing multiple files, especially when using a trackpad. The app allows users to collect various items, such as photos or files from websites like Unsplash, into the shelf and then quickly move or share them in a single action, such as attaching them to an email. Andrew highlights Dropover as a time-saving tool that has made a significant difference in his workflow.

💡clean my mac x

CleanMyMac X is a utility app that helps users clean up and optimize their Mac's storage space. It goes beyond the basic file deletion process by identifying and removing unused system junk and app files that can accumulate over time. Andrew mentions using the app's smart scan feature weekly to improve Mac performance by deleting system junk, malware, and flushing unused DNS files. The app is appreciated for its effectiveness and its visually appealing design, which has won UX design awards.

💡x-snip

X-Snip is a screenshot utility app that Andrew describes as a powerful enhancement to the native Mac screenshot function. It offers a range of new shortcuts and editing tools that allow users to capture, edit, and annotate screenshots directly on the screen before saving or copying them to the clipboard. The app is praised for its non-bloating nature and smooth operation, making it an essential tool for those who frequently take and edit screenshots.

💡figma

Figma is a versatile design app that has gained popularity among designers and creative professionals. It provides a collaborative platform for working on design projects, branding, and brainstorming sessions. Andrew uses Figma to consolidate his design ideas and collaborate with his team. The app also includes FigJam, a tool for creating flowcharts and brainstorming with a large whiteboard space. Figma is appreciated for its powerful features and the ability to use templates for various design needs.

💡bartender

Bartender is an app that streamlines and declutters the Mac menu bar by only displaying menu items and icons when needed. It offers a minimalist approach to the menu bar, showing icons based on triggers or specific situations, such as showing the Wi-Fi icon only when not connected. Andrew finds this feature smart and useful, as it keeps the menu bar clean while still providing fast access to essential apps and functions.

💡bit warden

Bitwarden is a free password manager that securely stores and manages users' digital credentials. Andrew switched to Bitwarden from LastPass due to changes in LastPass's pricing model. Bitwarden is valued for its security and functionality, which goes beyond the basic password storage offered by Apple Keychain. It is recommended for users seeking a reliable and free solution to manage their passwords across various online accounts.

💡magnet

Magnet is a productivity app designed for Mac users to efficiently manage their window sizes and positions. It offers a set of shortcuts that allow users to quickly snap windows into different places on the screen. Andrew highlights Magnet as one of the most popular Mac productivity apps, noting its ability to save time and promote efficient workflow practices through its window resizing tools and shortcuts.

💡steam

Steam is a digital distribution platform for video games, offering a selection of Mac-compatible games for purchase and play. Andrew mentions Steam as a great app for casual gaming on a Mac, noting that while the game library may not be as extensive as on Windows, it still provides access to popular titles like Dota 2 and Counter-Strike. Steam serves as a reminder that Macs are capable of supporting light gaming for entertainment and relaxation.

💡adobe lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is a photo editing and organization app that is highly regarded by photographers and casual enthusiasts. It provides a wide range of tools to edit and enhance photos, with versions like Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC offering different levels of control and features. Andrew prefers Lightroom CC for its cloud syncing capabilities, which allow for seamless editing across multiple devices. The app is a must-have for managing and refining photo collections.

💡notion

Notion is an all-in-one productivity app that serves multiple purposes, including note-taking, collaboration, task management, and more. Andrew uses Notion to organize his personal and business life, appreciating its cloud-based synchronization that keeps all his work updated across devices. Notion is praised for its ability to consolidate various aspects of work and life into a single, organized platform, despite some potential overlaps with other apps like Craft.

Highlights

Encrypto is a must-have app for securely sending or storing files privately with AES 256 encryption.

Craft is a powerful and visually appealing note-taking and collaboration app, offering a range of templates and dark mode.

Dropover simplifies file management on Mac, allowing for easy drag-and-drop functionality and the creation of temporary sharing links.

CleanMyMac X is a highly efficient app for cleaning up system junk and unused files, freeing up hard drive space.

X-snip is a feature-rich screenshot tool that offers advanced editing options and doesn't slow down the Mac.

Figma is a versatile design platform that has become a go-to for both designers and non-designers for project collaboration and brainstorming.

Bartender is a menu bar utility that declutters the menu bar and displays icons only when needed, improving workflow efficiency.

Bitwarden is a free password manager that securely holds all digital keys, offering a reliable alternative to paid services.

Magnet is a productivity app that allows for quick window resizing and organization on the Mac desktop.

Steam is a digital gaming platform that offers a selection of Mac-compatible games for casual and light gaming.

Adobe Lightroom is a comprehensive photo editing app that syncs edits across all devices, making it ideal for photographers and enthusiasts.

Notion is an all-in-one organizational tool for note-taking, collaboration, to-do lists, and more, syncing across devices.

The video provides a direct link to all the apps mentioned in the description box for viewer convenience.

Andrew, the presenter, shares personal experiences and uses of each app, offering insights into their practical applications.

The video emphasizes the importance of using unique and interesting apps beyond the typical recommendations for new Mac users.

CleanMyMac X is highlighted as a sponsor of the video, showcasing its role in maintaining Mac performance.

The presenter discusses the visual appeal and UX design awards of the featured apps, emphasizing their aesthetic value.

A variety of app categories are covered, from productivity and organization to design and gaming, catering to a wide audience.

The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to share their app recommendations and subscribe for more tech and business content.

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