Early in my Mac life, I looked at ten apps that were essential to me at the time. Looking at that list, I realize that my usage has changed a bit over time. Since then, the Mac App Store was born as well. A recent post by Dan Gold on Google+ inspired me to try to list my ten favorite App Store apps. It was hard narrowing that list down to just ten, and even harder ranking these from 1 to 10. Here’s what I came up with.
First, though, a disclaimer. Every app on this list is available in the App Store, although there are two on the list that I purchased outside the App Store as part of bundles. I’ll use an * to designate those.
1. TextExpander*
In my previous list, I wrote about TypeIt4Me, which is a great app and has been around a long time. Both TypeIt4Me and TextExpander are apps that allow you to create snippets of text, and then set up abbreviations to trigger the typing of those snippets. We’ve given you some examples of how this can be useful and make you more productive. TextExpander, though, was one of the apps that came in a bundle, and I switched to it because of the sheer number of iOS apps with built-in support for the iOS version of the app, and because of the ability to sync my text expansion snippets with a Windows text expansion app.
2. Sparrow
Sparrow is an IMAP email client, but where it really shines is in its support of Gmail. It handles labels better than any other desktop client that I’ve seen, and makes it quick and easy to blow through your email. For a longer look at Sparrow, check out our review.
3. Alfred
Okay, time for another disclaimer. I do love Alfred, but I’m currently kicking the tires on LaunchBar to see how I like it. Think of both as Spotlight on steroids, since they allow you to use keystrokes to find and launch apps, perform web searches, execute math calculations, and more. Alfred strikes me as more elegant and easy to use, while LaunchBar seems more powerful. Once I’ve put LaunchBar through the paces, I strongly suspect that I’ll be back to using Alfred.
4. MarsEdit
MarsEdit is a blogging app that I’ve previously written about. There’s not much more to say other than it is the best native Mac blogging app. If you blog, check it out.
5. Acorn
Acorn is an easy to use image editor. I have Pixelmator, too, but Acorn is the app that I always find myself using.
6. Reeder
Reeder is my RSS reader of choice, both on the iPad and on OS X. It’s slick and elegant, and, makes it easy to quickly browse feeds.
7. FileShredder
FileShredder adds a “secure shred” option to the context menu when right-clicking in Finder. I use it after downloading financial information to my desktop. FileShredder deletes it, and then securely overwrites it so that it can’t be recovered.
8. Littlesnapper
I use Littlesnapper to take screenshots when writing articles for 40Tech. It makes it easy to annotate those screenshots as well. I keep meaning to try Skitch, but I have Littlesnapper pretty much integrated into my workflow right now
9. Yoink
Yoink is another app that I’ve already written about. It adds a box to the side of your screen that only appears when you drag an image or file to it. That box acts as a holding area for the file while you swipe between windows. You can get to the app of your choice, and then drag that file into the app.
10.Fantastical*
This is my newest addition. Fantastical is an app that you really have to see to appreciate. It makes the entry of calendar items fun, believe it or not, as it recognizes natural language. It integrates with both iCal and BusyCal.
Honorable mentions:
For some other opinions, check out Dan’s thread on G+. What are your essential Mac App Store apps?
Blake says:
Thank you for posting this list of apple apps! I recently purchased an iPhone 4s and have been trying to learn about all the best apps. One I really like for storing notes and papers is called ‘Genius Scan”. Also, I am looking to protect it. I am trying to determine which case will provide the most protection. I’ve done some research on cases that give you the best protection from all sorts of potential damage. The best ones I found enclose the whole cell phone and provide good protection from drops, bumps and scratches. Moreover, these cases divert cell phone radiation away from your body and head, and don’t disrupt the phone’s signal. I’ve seen cases for Android phones, Blackberrys, the iPhone and even the iPad. Protect your phone and protect yourself at the same time! They’re only slightly more expensive than other similar sturdy cases, so why not spend a little more to fully protect yourself and give you peace of mind!
January 24, 2012 — 10:58 am
David@theOnlyCog says:
Acorn looks like a nice App but a little pricey at $50/£35. I wish they did trials of Apps. I know the developers can give out vouchers but these tend to not be available to your average guy on the street. I’ve wasted so much cash in the past on Apps I never use.
1, 2 and 3 would be my top three too :-)
January 24, 2012 — 2:10 pm
Evan Kline says:
While you can’t get a trial in the App Store, it looks like the developer does have a downloadable trial on its website:
http://flyingmeat.com/acorn/
I think I bought it when it was on sale for about half that price.
January 24, 2012 — 4:52 pm
Daniel Gold says:
Evan – thanks so much for the awesome shout out here!!! I love it!! I’m glad you posted this on the site. I can say with confidence that because of you — and my lack of control :) — I’ve dropped a couple some dollars now on new apps! Cheers! Seriously, thanks and great post!
January 25, 2012 — 12:16 am
Robert Hairston says:
Thanks for this awesome list! A few apps I already knew, but ok ;) But did you know this app? It’s a new app, but I already love it! http://bit.ly/KX3USB
June 8, 2012 — 10:36 am
immigration to south africa says:
Great story on Top 10 Mac App Store Apps I Can
August 21, 2012 — 1:43 am
hacer apps says:
great tips on apps cant live with out Sparrow
December 4, 2012 — 1:52 am
Shirley Green says:
Thanks for the introductions to apps in Apple Store. I want to add one more in the list, however. The said tool is also excellent, FoneDog PowerMyMac. It would be the best Mac File Shredder in 2019.
In spite of the great running status of Mac devices, with the help of these tools, user of Mac, like me, can have a better experience!
January 22, 2019 — 3:06 am