CONTEXT

If you’re an Apple user like me, you already know how sleek and powerful macOS can be.

But let’s be honest… there are still little things that could be better.

We’ve all hit moments where macOS feels like it's missing that extra something.

That’s where third-party apps come in.

Every day, developers create tools that can supercharge your Mac in ways Apple didn’t include.

These apps aren’t just nice add-ons; they save time, reduce frustration, and make you work smarter, not harder.

62% of workers say they could get more done if they had better tech tools…

So let’s take a look at four must-have macOS apps that could transform your workflow—and frankly, should have been part of macOS all along.

APP DEEP DIVE

After trying out countless tools and tricks over the years, I’ve narrowed it down to the four must-have apps that Apple missed the mark by not including.

These apps solve those little annoyances and make your Mac experience faster, smoother, and more productive.

Let’s dive in:

1. Raycast: The Command Center Apple Forgot

Raycast is like Spotlight, but supercharged. It does everything from launching apps to running custom scripts—and all without taking your hands off the keyboard. Whether you’re searching for a file, opening an app, or automating your daily tasks, Raycast makes everything easier and faster.

Key Features:

• Lightning-Fast Search: Open apps and files instantly with just a few keystrokes.

• Custom Workflows: Automate tasks like sending emails or managing files.

• Developer Tools: Built-in GitHub integration, code snippets, and terminal commands.

🤔 How much faster could you work if every app, file, and task was only a keystroke away?

2. Maccy: Clipboard Management Made Simple

One of macOS’s biggest weaknesses is its clipboard. Maccy fixes that by giving you a clipboard history. Now, everything you copy stays saved, so you can retrieve text, links, or images whenever you need them. It’s a simple app that solves an everyday problem—losing that all-important copy-paste.

Key Features:

• Clipboard History: Store everything you copy for easy access later.

• Quick Search: Find snippets instantly by typing a few letters.

• Privacy Controls: Choose what data Maccy saves, keeping sensitive info secure.

🤔 What if you never lost an important copy again? Maccy makes sure everything is right where you need it.

3. Swish: Gesture-Controlled Window Management

Swish brings intuitive, trackpad-based gestures to window management on macOS. Forget dragging and resizing windows—now you can snap, close, and move them around with simple swipes and taps. It’s like having the gesture-based control of an iPad on your Mac, making multitasking a breeze.

Key Features:

• Gestures for Everything: Snap, minimize, and close windows with a swipe.

• Customizable: Assign gestures for whatever actions suit your workflow.

• Visual Feedback: On-screen cues help you learn the gestures in no time.

🤔 Could managing your workspace be smoother? Swish turns window control into a seamless, touch-friendly experience.

4. Dato: A Calendar That Lives in Your Menu Bar

Dato is the calendar app Apple should have built into macOS. It lives in your menu bar, giving you quick access to your schedule and events. Whether you need to check today’s meetings or add an event without opening the full Calendar app, Dato makes sure your day is always just one click away.

Key Features:

• Menu Bar Calendar: See your entire day in one glance.

• Time Zone Support: Perfect for managing meetings across multiple locations.

• Quick Add: Add events without interrupting your workflow.

🤔 What if your schedule was always just a click away? Dato keeps you organized without slowing you down.

THE ART

These apps transform productivity into an art form. It’s not just about adding functionality—it’s about crafting a workflow that feels effortless and intuitive.

Think of it like arranging a workspace where every tool is exactly where you need it. Instead of scrambling to find things, everything is seamlessly integrated, making your workday more organized and efficient.

These apps don't overwhelm you with complexity; they simplify your experience, turning routine tasks into actions that feel natural and almost automatic.

Apple designed macOS to be powerful, but these apps bring it to the next level. They fill in the gaps, making your Mac feel complete.

WHY IT WORKS

Once you integrate these into your workflow, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them.

They give you back valuable time to invest in what drives real results.

• Raycast speeds up everyday tasks, letting you focus on the bigger picture.

• Maccy ensures you never lose track of what you’ve copied, saving you from redoing work.

• Swish makes multitasking effortless by keeping your workspace tidy and controlled.

• Dato keeps your schedule front and center, making sure you stay on track without missing a beat.

These apps do just that.

They empower you to focus on the tasks that truly matter—whether that’s growing your business, hitting new goals, or staying ahead of the competition.

Unlock your full potential and accomplish more every day.

Until next time,

Shawn

P.S. Ready to optimize your Mac and take your productivity to the next level? I’m here to help! Whether you’re curious about which app to start with or need advice on how to integrate these tools into your workflow, feel free to message me on LinkedIn. Let’s make your Mac work smarter for you!