Free Mac apps
thriftmac

CandyBar

Change the system icons in Mac OS X, including the trash can, volumes, default folder, and more. Due to its uncertain future, CandyBar is now free but unsupported.

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Deeper

If you can’t get enough of tweaking your Mac, then go deeper and customize the Dock, Finder, Spotlight and login screen, plus make changes to Safari, Mail, QuickTime and iTunes. A personalized login screen might just be what you’re looking for.

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DeskCover Pro

Dim your desktop or hide it completely so you can focus better on the front window where you’re working.

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Encrypto

Drop your file into Encrypto, give it a password, then send it securely on its way. Adds AES-256 encryption, allows optional password hints.

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Equinox

Create dynamic macOS wallpapers (a.k.a. desktop pictures) based on solar calculations, the time of day or system appearance — one for light and one for dark.

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Free Ruler

Handy little utility for those times when you want to measure something on your screen. Over 20 years old!

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FreeFileSync

Folder comparison and synchronization app creates and manages backup copies of your files. Instead of copying every file every time, it determines the differences between source and target folders, then transfers the minimum amount of data needed.

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Handy Calculator

Calculator with easy-to-see numbers fades from view when not in use. You can input complete formulas, including parentheses, before hitting the equal sign. Handles copy and paste.

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KeyboardCleanTool

Many is the time I’ve tried to clean my keyboard, only to have multiple accidental key presses play havoc on the screen. This app does just one job — turn off your keyboard.

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KeyClu

Tap your Mac’s command key twice, then hold, and see a display of the app you’re currently using. In some cases, the list is enormous!

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Launchpad-Customizer

Easily change the number of rows and columns in your launchpad, letting you place more or fewer icons in a single page.

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LiteIcon

Change your system icons by dragging new ones onto the ones you want to replace, then click Apply Changes. Restore icons by dragging the new ones out.

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MacDropAny

Sync any folder on your Mac with a cloud service — including Dropbox, iCloud Drive, Copy, MediaFire, Hightail, hubiC, Google Drive, Box, OneDrive, Mega and Creative Cloud. Just two steps.

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Motrix

A nice interface for heavy downloaders who need to keep organized. Supports BitTorrent and Magnet.

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NetSpot

Map out your wireless network and set up hotspots to ensure you’re getting good coverage. Walk around your building with a MacBook to set up points on a map, then let the app test the wifi strength in each spot.

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Note Calculator

Use every-day text for your calculations. Supports variables and blocks of multiple variables. Can get a total or an average.

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Pause

The app that reminds you to take a rest from the computer. You can customize the suggestions, notification style, and the frequency and duration of breaks.

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PDF Merger

An easy way to merge PDF documents into one file. Just click the “add” button or drag and drop. A couple more clicks and you’re done.

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Pester

Set a time you have to do something and Pester will remind you by bouncing in the dock, playing a system alert, speaking a message (that you create), and displaying a message and the time. Actually, you have a choice — it will do some or all of those things.

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Pushbullet

Exchange notes and files between your iPhone and Mac. Also universal copy and paste — select some text on your Mac, copy it, and it will appear in your iPhone’s clipboard.

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Quitter

Automatically hide or quit apps after periods of inactivity. Minimizes distraction from social apps like Twitter and Slack, news readers, or your email app.

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Syncthing

Continuously synchronize files between two or more computers in real time online or over a local network — private and encrypted. Only devices you have explicitly allowed can connect to your other devices.

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Übersicht

Create customized widgets for your desktop, based on system commands. Output the data in charts, graphs and tables that you design.

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