Useful Must Have Software For Mac 2025

I have heard productivity is key. Sometimes, computers don’t behave the way we expect or want, so we use handy tools to help us find our way. Things like a clipboard manager, which I can’t live without also need to function the way I want it to. Here is a selection of handy must have software for the Mac. Some may be commercial, at a small cost, but I’ve also added free and open-source software with some being compatible with Windows.

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Homebrew

Homebrew is a powerful command-line utility for installing software on Mac operating systems. It simplifies the process of managing software packages, making it an essential tool for developers and users who prefer using the terminal.

One of Homebrew’s primary advantages is its ability to handle software dependencies seamlessly. Homebrew automatically identifies and installs any required packages needed to run the software, saving you time and effort. Moreover, Homebrew is a must have tool that allows users to install software unavailable in the App Store, expanding the range of applications at their disposal.

Ice

Ice is a powerful open-source app that hides icons from the menu bar to avoid clutter. It is an alternative to Bartender and is currently in active development, with the source code available on GitHub. It supports macOS 14 and above and can be downloaded using Brew. Its features include automatic hide, a separate bar for MacBooks with notches and automatic updates.

Capto

If you need to capture screenshots Capto is your friend. I purchased the software as part of a big bundle. Originally it was called Voila then rebranded into Capto which enabled me to get a free upgrade.

Capto runs on a Mac and also supports Windows. It features a library that stores all your screenshots. You can edit your screenshots, create videos and even edit them through one handy user interface which saves having to open separate apps. There are probably so many features that I haven’t used.

Currently, it’s £20 for a license. It is also available on setapp as part of a subscription. If you do not need a powerful screenshot tool you can use Jing as a free alternative.

DockDoor

Do you like the previews on Windows operating systems? DockDoor is an open-source application that lets you easily switch between windows. Its features include dragging windows directly from DockDoor previews to reposition them and moving windows without activating them first.

It seamlessly integrates with macOS’s native window management and has an alt+tab switching feature. Dockdoor is currently in active development and is an alternative to many paid applications including DockView.

Paste

Paste is a clipboard manager that allows you to manage and access your copied items. It is an essential tool for Mac users wishing to streamline their workflow and enhance productivity.

Its features include collections where you can store permanent items. This is ideal for developers or designers who store code snippets or colours for their designs. Paste is available via setapp or through an annual subscription of $29.99 a year. If you don’t need a fancy clipboard manager Maccy is a lightweight native open-source alternative.

Espanso

A text expander can be useful if you often write repetitive sentences or add your address to letters or documents. Espanso is an open-source cross-platform app that you can customise to expand text on a particular keyword. Include dates, emojis, whole sentences, code snippets, and auto-replies quickly. Forgetful? You can bring up a search bar with the ⌥+Space keyboard shortcut.

PearCleaner

PearCleaner is an open-source app uninstaller and cleaner. It features an orphaned file search for clearing previous leftover files, clearing caches, auto-updater, CLI support, extensions for finder and the Mac menu bar. One notable feature is to clear up folders and files used for development tools such as NPM, NVM and VS Code. Although not as powerful as the paid application CleanMyMac it can help keep your Mac in tip-top shape.

Raycast

Raycast is a powerful productivity tool that can do more than launch apps. With the power of extensions, you can manage apps such as Mail and Notes, change system settings including volume, and toggle dark mode. You can translate text, look up words in the dictionary, perform calculations, create snippets of reusable text, search files and folders and much more. Raycast is free for all and there is a pro version available via a subscription from $8 that gives you more features including cloud sync, custom themes and much more.

Warp

Warp is a terminal replacement on steroids. It features a command palette, AI, smart completion, chat, and themes and integrates with popular code editors. Agent mode recognises and interprets natural language in addition to traditional commands.

You can ask questions or specify tasks directly into the input prompt. Switch seamlessly between commands and conversations. It currently works on Mac and Linux with a Windows version coming soon. There is a free version available and a pro version for $15+ per month.

Conclusion

I hope you have found some useful apps in this selection. Do you have a favourite must have app that is not on this list? Let me know in the comments.