Are you a newcomer to the Mac OS X? Did you make the shift from Windows to Mac? Or are you more of the curious user who just bought a new Macbook Pro, Mac Mini, or iMac?
As an operating system, the Mac OS boasts stability and fluidity. It’s an attractive feature found within its user interface. This system design makes Macintosh the perfect operating system for programmers and designers.
For new users, you can make the most out of these Apple devices with a little help. All you need are a few nifty Macbook apps.
You might be looking for the right apps to enrich your experience with the Mac or you’re still starting and you want some apps that can help you with your daily tasks. Either way, read on and check these apps and programs out.
1. LibreOffice
Whether you use the iMac or the Macbook Pro, the iWork suite is the go-to Office app package.
The app always comes with the device so there’s no need to install it. Sometimes, however, you want an easier alternative Office Suite without paying for a subscription fee.
LibreOffice stands out in this respect as a great alternative. Being an open-source office app, it also comes for free on various platforms. You have access to a word processor, a slide presenter, a spreadsheet app, and more.
It also has the capability to save your files into Microsoft-based formats and or legacy formats (such as the .doc format for word processors).
2. Evernote
For note-taking Macbook apps, Evernote stands out not only for its simplicity but for accessibility in various platforms as well.
With an account, you can access Evernote on various fronts. You can use the web browser platform and extensions, as well as the apps available for the Mac and Windows.
With the diverse range of platforms offered by Evernote, it shines in how it can synchronize the contents in each notebook folder. This way, you can continue your progress on the Mac after taking necessary notes from your iPhone or iPad.
You can use Evernote for free and it comes with basic functionality. This includes 60MB of uploads a month and syncing for two machines. You can also opt for a premium version for more features (at $7.99 per month), perfect for heavy users of the app.
3. Google Chrome
The Safari web browser works fine and dandy as a starter. But there are some web features in other sites that do not function with the browser at all.
This is where Google Chrome comes to play. It is the most-used web browser in every platform available. Not to mention, you can use Chrome on mobile and on desktop computers.
Noted for its rich feature set and fast processing speed, Chrome stood out as a popular choice. It has a variety of features that you can load to it.
It also has the capability to sync your information across other devices. This eases up your search and sets up accurate results.
Chrome also has customization features that make your browsing experience unique and personalized.
One caveat to note with Chrome is that while it is fast and reliable, it has a weak system for user privacy protection. You might want to keep that in mind before installing this browser.
4. Amphetamine
Yes, the name sounds like that of a prescription drug. Curious name aside, the app helps you with keeping your Mac from going into Sleep Mode while inactive.
This helps with watching videos and streams, or any activity that leaves you away from your keyboard or mouse for extended periods. This is one of the better Mac computer apps as it makes sure that your viewing remains uninterrupted.
You can get the Amphetamine app for free. Take note that this works best with later versions of the OS, starting from Yosemite onwards.
5. GIMP
For digital artists that work on visuals but want an alternative to Photoshop, GIMP is a good option that you should try out. It has the same tools and functionality that you can find in Photoshop, and may also have a lot more to offer.
With GIMP, you have features such as layer control and vector-based paths. You can also work with filters, shadow effects, and much more. Everything that you need in Photoshop is also present in GIMP.
The best thing about GIMP is that it is an open-source app and is free for download. It also works alongside other open-source apps to act as alternatives to Adobe products. For instance, Scribus (as an alternative to InDesign) and Inkscape (as an alternative to Illustrator).
6. CleanShot
Taking screenshots can be quite tricky when you don’t know the process behind it. You can always try out the snip tool for Mac, although you might want a faster process to pull this off.
Consider checking out CleanShot. This app provides more than the basic features that Mac’s onboard snip tool can offer. It has seamless integration while giving you options to customize and preview your screenshots before saving.
7. Alfred
Spotlight works wonders in searching and launching apps. This is because it can sweep through the device and through the web for the keywords that you input. Siri works well as an automated assistant, but there are times that she doesn’t work right.
Sometimes, however, you need an app that’s as efficient as Batman’s own butler, that’s where Alfred comes in. Alfred as an assistant can do more than launch apps, it also performs calculations, conducts web searches, and more. With it, you can fill the gap that both Spotlight and Siri couldn’t cover.
Check Out These Macbook Apps for a Better Experience
While the apps that come with a new Macbook can serve you well, these Macbook apps can enrich your experience. They help with improving your productivity and cover gaps that some other apps leave open. Try them out and see how they can ease up and make your Macbook show its full capabilities.
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