macOS Setup Guide

This guide groups must-have macOS apps by category. Each entry includes what the tool does, why it matters, and how to install it quickly.

1. Development Essentials

• Homebrew – the package manager every Mac needs. Install: /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)", then use brew install, brew update, brew upgrade.
• Warp – a modern, Rust-based terminal with AI assistance and block-based output. brew install warp
• Cursor – AI-first code editor built on VS Code; ships with chat-based help, code generation, and refactoring. brew install cursor
• JetBrains Toolbox – manage all JetBrains IDEs + updates from one launcher. brew install jetbrains-toolbox
• fnm – fast Node.js version manager with per-project switching. brew install fnm && fnm install --lts
• Bun – lightning-fast JS runtime + package manager. brew install bun
• GitHub CLI (gh) – triage repos, PRs, issues, and Actions from the terminal. brew install gh
• pyenv – manage multiple Python versions per project. brew install pyenv
• direnv – auto-load project-specific environment variables. brew install direnv
• Postgres.app – one-click PostgreSQL instance for local development.
• Docker Desktop – containerized services and dev environments.
• TablePlus – GUI client for PostgreSQL/MySQL/SQLite/etc.
• Postman – API testing and collaboration toolkit.
• Insomnia – alternative REST/GraphQL client with scriptable workflows.
• HTTPie – human-friendly HTTP client (brew install httpie).
• TGPT – AI assistant in your shell (brew install tgpt).

2. Productivity & Knowledge

• Raycast – Spotlight on steroids with commands, extensions, and AI.
• Notion – all-in-one wiki, docs, and kanban.
• Obsidian – Markdown knowledge base with graph view.
• Logseq – outliner + daily notes with backlinks.
• Tana – node-based second brain for complex projects.
• Readwise Reader – unified inbox for articles, newsletters, and YouTube.
• Arc Browser – workflow-oriented browser with split views and profiles.
• CleanShot X – pro-grade screenshots, screen recording, annotations.
• BetterTouchTool – customize trackpad gestures, keyboard shortcuts, and the Touch Bar.
• Alfred – alternative launcher with workflows (if you prefer it over Raycast).

3. Media & Creative

• Final Cut Pro / Premiere Pro – choose your video editor.
• DaVinci Resolve – color grading, editing, and VFX suite.
• CapCut – mobile-friendly editing on desktop.
• HandBrake – video transcoding and compression.
• ffmpeg – swiss army knife for audio/video conversions (brew install ffmpeg).
• Shottr – lightning-fast screenshot annotator.
• SoundSource – route audio per app and tweak EQ on the fly.

4. Browsers

• Arc – primary work browser with spaces and profiles.
• Safari Technology Preview – test cutting-edge WebKit features.
• Chrome – for compatibility testing and Chrome-specific dev tools.
• Firefox Developer Edition – deep debugging tools + CSS Grid inspector.

5. System & Utilities

• iStat Menus – detailed menubar stats for CPU, GPU, RAM, network.
• Bartender – organize crowded menubar icons.
• AlDente – manage MacBook charging to preserve battery health.
• Rectangle – snap windows with keyboard shortcuts.
• MonitorControl – adjust external monitor brightness/volume.
• CleanMyMac X – system cleanup, malware scan, startup manager.
• Little Snitch – outbound firewall with per-app network control.
• 1Password – encrypted password + secrets manager.
• Dropzone – drag-and-drop automation palette.
• Shottr – quick markup and OCR from screenshots.

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With these tools installed, you’ll have a polished macOS environment for coding, content creation, research, and day-to-day productivity. Adjust the list to match your stack, and keep Homebrew handy for updates.