It's safe to say many Mac users would become gibbering wrecks without their Photoshops and iLifes. Sometimes, though, smaller apps make a real difference, to the point where new Macs feel hollow without them. Here are five of the best.
1. Spark (donationware)
2. Default Folder X ($34.95)
Default Folder X powers up Open and Save dialogs, enabling you to set hot-keys to favourites, access recent folders via a shortcut or menu, and tag documents during saves.
Mac OS X dialogs seem comparatively archaic, and Default Folder X also offers an optional menu extra for navigating your Mac.
3. Secrets (free)
Mac OS X and Mac apps are stuffed full of hidden settings. Secrets provides an idiot-proof means of accessing and activating them.
Remember, though, only an idiot mucks about with system settings without first taking a full back-up!
4. Fresh ($9)
Triggered by a system-wide hot-key, Fresh provides two zones. The top one shows fresh items - recent downloads and saves - and the bottom one is a shelf for storage.
Although largely duplicating existing Mac OS X functionality, Fresh is nonetheless great value due to its usability - centralising recent 'stuff' - and built-in tagging system.
5. LaunchBar (€24)
Akin to a souped-up Spotlight, LaunchBar enables you to instantly access apps, documents, contacts, bookmarks and more, via short abbreviations.
Performable actions, clipboard history, Quick Look support and many more features make this a must-install, even if you already use Spark as a launcher.
