# software I use - new list for mac _I switched to a Macbook laptop instead of a Windows machine. This is new list reflects my search for new Mac software. For Windows software, check out [[software i use - win|the old list]]_. This is a collection of the software I use on a regular basis. I've been wanting to compile a list so I can easily remember what I have installed. There are links to the respective websites so I can easily look up extra information. I use [alternativeto.net](https://alternativeto.net/) to find new programs to meet my needs, with a priority on open-source software. ### notes organization - [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md) for organizing thoughts, saving clipped content from the web, building notes for the classes that I teach, building my website. Everything is saved in open [markdown](https://www.markdownguide.org/) format so my notes are not locked into a particular system. I have made a couple of custom themes for it. This has become the default program to do most of my work (including building this website). - For simple distraction-free writing, I'm still a fan of Obsidian, however there are two other good alternatives when I want something else: [Plain Text Editor](https://sindresorhus.com/plain-text-editor) and [uFocus](https://desairem.com/wordpress/ufocus/). - [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/) is a good backup for writing in markdown, especially since I have some great extensions to make the workflow similar to Obsidian. The interface just isn't as clean or efficient. I do use it to convert my markdown to html when building websites. ### schedule and tasks - [TickTick](http://www.ticktick.com/) is still my current favorite because it integrates both calendar and to-do list in one app. It is amazing how few tools there are that actually integrate tasks with the calendar. I've looked, believe me. I now have it installed as a panel directly within my Obsidian workspace so it is only a keystroke away. I tried the basic Apple Calendar and Reminders for a good year and just couldn't get it to work. So now I'm back to TickTick and happier than ever. ### visual design programs - [Affinity Designer](https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/designer/) and [Affinity Photo](https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/photo/) are amazing affordable alternatives to the Adobe suite. I absolutely love Designer for integrating both vector drawing and pixel painting in the same interface. The iPad version of Designer is pretty solid too. The new Affinity 3.0 system seems nice but I haven't used it much yet. - [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html) and [Adobe Illustrator](https://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html) because they are the classics and because I teach with them. I've been using both programs since the mid-90s so they are good in a pinch when I need to make something quickly. - [AfterEffects](https://www.adobe.com/products/aftereffects.html) because I'm teaching it for both 2D animation and motion graphics and now for 3D animation since it now integrates well with Substance 3D. - [ImageOptim](https://imageoptim.com/mac) for reducing image file sizes when posting to the web. Such a simple little program that does one thing really well. Also, I've been using [Preview](https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/preview/welcome/mac) to resize images easily. I know there are special apps but this works so well without having to install anything else. ### web design programs - [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/) is my default coding app. I prefer the non-telemetry open-source version called [VSCodium](https://vscodium.com/), but there are several extensions that cause issues. Still working out the bugs. - Experimenting with [Adobe XD](https://www.adobe.com/products/xd.html) for front-end design and prototyping. I've also fiddled with [Figma](https://www.figma.com/). There are others that I want to try out too. - [Publii](https://getpublii.com/) (like local WordPress) and [Mobirise](https://mobirise.com/) (like local Weebly) to build quick websites with no code. - [GitHub Desktop](https://desktop.github.com/) for syncing everything to the web and for easy free website publishing. - My cascade of browsers are [Orion](https://kagi.com/orion/), [Safari](https://www.apple.com/safari/), [Vivaldi](https://vivaldi.com), [Firefox Developer Edition](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/developer/), [DuckDuckGo](https://duckduckgo.com). Orion is default only because it has a cool feature where links open in a floating pop-up that can be easily closed when finished. Good for quick hops into a web service without opening a full browser window. Also recently realized Safari's bookmark system makes for a wonderful minimal read it later system that syncs to all my devices. ### media tools - [myNoise](https://mynoise.net) for streaming ambient audio in the background while I work. Here's a [[ambient sounds|list of other places]] I also like using. - [Iina](https://iina.io) seems to be a great video player so far. ### random utilities - [AltTab](https://alt-tab-macos.netlify.app) for better window switching. Shows thumbnail content instead of Mac default of just showing app icons. - [Bitwarden](https://bitwarden.com) for password management on all my devices. - [BrightIntosh ](https://brightintosh.de) to get full use of my screen's HDR abilities. - [CleanShot](https://cleanshot.com) for capturing screenshots. - [FreeFileSync](https://freefilesync.org) for syncing files and easy backup. - [Dynamic Horizon](https://www.dynamichorizon.app) to make the notch more useful. - [Homebrew](https://brew.sh) for terminal-based software installs and updates. Topgrade for running easy updates. - [LaunchOS](https://launchosapp.com) for replacing LaunchPad that Apple unceremoniously removed. - [LinearMouse](https://linearmouse.app) for programming non-Mac mouse buttons. - [MiddleClick](https://github.com/artginzburg/MiddleClick) to get that missing middle mouse button on the trackpad and Apple mouse. - [Mos](https://mos.caldis.me) for smooth scrolling. - [NordVPN](https://nordvpn.com) for keeping safe on public wifi. - [OnlySwitch](https://github.com/jacklandrin/OnlySwitch) for handling menu bar and quickly toggling settings. - [Onyx](https://titanium-software.fr/en/onyx.html) for quick Mac maintenance routines. - [Pear Cleaner](https://itsalin.com/appInfo/?id=pearcleaner) for uninstalling apps and for easily updating apps that aren't installed through the Mac app store or using Homebrew. - [Raycast](https://www.raycast.com) for so many things that I think of as standard behavior now. It has replaced a number of other apps for me. - [Readest](https://readest.com) for a minimal open-source ebook reading experience. - [Rectangle](https://rectangleapp.com) for window snapping and organization because Mac doesn't do this automatically. - [Supercharge](https://sindresorhus.com/supercharge) to get Mac to play nicely in so many little ways. - [The Unarchiver](https://apps.apple.com/in/app/the-unarchiver/id425424353) for dealing with zip files and other archive formats.