My 35 Essential Apps on M4 MacBook Air - Some You’ve Never Heard Of

Introduction

This tutorial outlines the 35 essential apps that Stephen Robles installs on his M4 MacBook Air. From productivity and automation to creative tools, these applications enhance the Mac experience significantly. Whether you’re a new Mac user or looking to optimize your current setup, this guide will help you identify valuable tools to streamline your workflow.

Step 1: Install Creative and Editing Tools

Enhance your creative projects with these powerful applications.

1. Final Cut Pro

   • Professional video editing software.
   • Download Final Cut Pro

2. Compressor

   • Used for encoding and compressing video files.
   • Download Compressor

3. Creator’s Best Friend

   • Assists in managing video projects efficiently.
   • Download Creator’s Best Friend

4. Gling.ai

   • AI-powered video editing tool that simplifies editing tasks.
   • Visit Gling.ai

5. Audio Hijack

   • Capture and manipulate audio from any application on your Mac.
   • Download Audio Hijack

6. CleanShot X

   • Advanced screenshot and screen recording tool.
   • Download CleanShot X

7. ShareShot

   • Easily share screenshots with others.
   • Download ShareShot

8. Bear

   • A stylish note-taking app with Markdown support.
   • Download Bear

9. iZotope RX10

   • Professional audio repair and enhancement software.
   • Visit iZotope RX10

10. Pixelmator Pro

    • Powerful image editing software.
    • Download Pixelmator Pro

Step 2: Productivity and Organization Tools

Optimize your productivity with these essential applications.

1. Pastebot

   • Clipboard manager to keep track of your copied items.
   • Download Pastebot

2. Hazel

   • Automates file organization and management on your Mac.
   • Visit Hazel

3. Transcriptionist

   • Converts audio files to text efficiently.
   • Download Transcriptionist

4. Things 3

   • Task and project management app for personal productivity.
   • Download Things 3

5. Fantastical

   • Advanced calendar and scheduling tool.
   • Download Fantastical

6. Screens 5

   • Remote desktop client for accessing other computers.
   • Download Screens 5

7. TextExpander

   • Create shortcuts for frequently used text snippets.
   • Visit TextExpander

8. Shortcuts Actions

   • Enhance your Mac's automation capabilities.
   • Download Shortcuts Actions

9. Toolbox Pro

   • A tool for creating advanced shortcuts on your Mac.
   • Download Toolbox Pro

10. Data Jar

    • Store and manage data used in Shortcuts.
    • Download Data Jar

Step 3: Browsing and Communication Tools

Stay connected and enhance your browsing experience.

1. Brave

   • Privacy-focused web browser.
   • Visit Brave

2. Callsheet

   • Tool for organizing film cast and crew information.
   • Download Callsheet

3. Pastel

   • A tool for visual collaboration and feedback.
   • Download Pastel

4. OverPicture

   • Picture-in-picture extension for Safari.
   • Download OverPicture

5. Magic Lasso

   • Ad blocker for a cleaner browsing experience.
   • Download Magic Lasso

6. Transloader

   • Download files remotely from your other devices.
   • Download Transloader

7. Crossaint

   • Cross-posting tool for social media platforms.
   • Download Crossaint

8. Reeder

   • RSS reader for managing news feeds.
   • Download Reeder

9. Ivory

   • Client for the Mastodon social network.
   • Download Ivory

10. Notion

    • All-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, and databases.
    • Download Notion

11. Slack

    • Communication platform for teams.
    • Download Slack

Conclusion

These 35 essential apps can significantly enhance your productivity, creativity, and overall Mac experience. Consider downloading the ones that best fit your needs, and explore how they can streamline your workflow. As you set up your Mac, remember to regularly check for updates to keep your applications running smoothly. Happy computing!