Discover 5 Essential Free Mac Utilities You Shouldn't Miss
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Chapter 1: The Abundance of Free macOS Apps
It never ceases to amaze me how many free applications and resources are available for macOS users. For many years, I was devoted solely to Mac, convinced that other operating systems were simply inadequate. However, when my Mac broke down in 2010 and I had to switch back to Windows, I found myself longing for the remarkable free apps I had once relied upon.
Since returning to macOS in recent years (even though I still use Windows daily), I've rediscovered the impressive range of free applications accessible to Mac users. Previously, I shared my top five favorite apps on Medium.
Section 1.1: Macs Fan Control
In my view, Apple often allows Macs to run a bit too hot before activating the fans. This might be to maintain a quieter environment, but it can lead to excessive warmth.
Most users probably don’t mind a bit of heat as long as the fans aren't loud. Yet, we know that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can be detrimental to computers. As someone in IT, I find it concerning to have my machine hovering around 90 degrees Celsius while performing demanding tasks like 3D rendering.
With Macs Fan Control, I can set the temperature limits for my system, deciding when the fans should kick in for cooling and what maximum temperature I prefer to maintain. I typically configure it so that the fans activate when the CPU averages around 60 degrees, ramping up fully to stay below 90. However, you can customize these settings to fit your needs. There is a "pro" version available with extra fan presets, but the free version is more than adequate for most users.
Section 1.2: KeepingYouAwake
If you've ever been frustrated by your Mac going to sleep during an important upload or download, you'll appreciate this handy app. Its sole purpose is to keep your computer awake.
You can choose to prevent your Mac from sleeping indefinitely or set a specific time frame. If you'd like to customize the duration, you can easily do so in the app's settings.
I recently attempted to upload a video to YouTube and left my house, thinking the process would take about an hour. I planned to monitor the upload via the YouTube Studio app. To my dismay, when I returned, I found the upload had stalled, and the video was stuck in "processing."
What happened? My Mac had gone to sleep, halting the upload.
Fortunately, I was able to resume the process and eventually complete the upload, but this setback delayed my schedule. If I had utilized KeepingYouAwake, I could have instructed the machine to stay awake long enough for the upload to finish.
Section 1.3: Keka
While Apple's Archive Utility is quite capable and supports most common archive formats, there are still some that it cannot handle. In a previous article, I recommended The Unarchiver as a solid alternative.
Keka is available for free on the developer's site, and if you enjoy using it, you can also purchase it from the Mac App Store.
Keka allows users to split archives into smaller parts for easier sharing, particularly when dealing with size limitations, such as email attachments. It also offers the option to encrypt 7z archives using AES-256, providing extra security for sensitive data.
While I'm unsure if I prefer Keka over The Unarchiver, it is a fantastic tool with great features for those who frequently work with less common formats.
Section 1.4: Rectangle
In my opinion, macOS's window management could use some improvements. One feature I genuinely missed when returning to macOS from Windows was the ability to easily snap windows to the screen edges, facilitating quick layouts, a feature Windows users have enjoyed since 2009.
macOS does offer some of this functionality, but it's not as smooth as I would like, especially after years of using Windows. However, if you haven't used Windows or don't prioritize this feature, it may not be a concern for you. For me, it's essential.
I own a license for Magnet, which I also love, but Rectangle is a straightforward free alternative that provides similar capabilities. There is a paid version of Rectangle with additional customization options, but the free version is sufficient for most users. If you wish to support the developers, buying a license is a great way to show appreciation for this excellent tool.
Section 1.5: Shottr
As someone who enjoys design and tends to be a bit of a perfectionist, I adore this application. Shottr enhances macOS's native screenshot functionality, offering a plethora of features.
It allows you to easily capture scrolling screenshots (like web pages), annotate with text and overlays, erase objects, copy text from images, extract colors, and even measure distances between UI elements. This tool is a dream come true for UI designers.
While macOS has some fantastic built-in screenshot tools, Shottr takes it up a notch, providing functionalities that many users would love to see integrated into the operating system.
Chapter 2: The Wealth of Free Applications on macOS
As I've mentioned before, I have extensive experience with both Windows and macOS, and I appreciate both systems. However, one thing that stands out about macOS is the abundance of quality free applications available. While there are free options for Windows, I believe the overall quality of free Mac apps is often superior.
This may just be my perception, but it's a compelling argument in favor of macOS. Macs come with a hefty price tag, and the last thing you want is to spend even more on software. There are certainly excellent paid applications for macOS, but if you're starting out or on a budget, you can usually find a fantastic free app that meets your needs.
And as I've said before, free is an unbeatable price.