As a full-time freelancer and part-time geek, I like to play around and install applications on my Mac. In the following list I share some of the free Mac apps that make my life easier. I also own a PC, so I give my readers who use a PC an alternative for each app.
1. Name Changer
Rename lists of files, the perfect software to batch change the files your clients are sending to you. It can be good when working with pictures too.
Windows alternative (no software needed)
2. Anxiety
Manage simple to-do lists with this lightweight application. Perfect for people who don’t want or need complicated GTD software.
3. Cyberduck
FTP software with a nice and usable interface, integrated with several text editors.
4. Adium
Connect to all your messaging accounts in this open-source instant messaging application.
5. Carbon Copy cloner
Create complete and bootable backups with this easy-to-us utility.
6. The Unarchiver
Unpacking utility that handles tons of formats.
7. AppCleaner
Don’t leave any files on your computer when uninstalling applications with this great little app.
8. <
Image manipulation software, a decent alternative to Photoshop.
Also available for Windows.
9. Skype
Voip service to make free computer to computer calls, or cheap computer to phone calls.
Also available for Windows.
10. Firefox
Free and open source web browser, customizable with tons of great addons.
Also available for Windows.
11. Caffeine
Don’t let your Mac go to sleep, keep it caffeinated.
12. Burn
Advanced CD and DVD burning on Mac.
13. Handbrake
DVD to Mpeg converter, useful for recovering data on DVD.
Also available for Windows.
14. Audacity
Open source software for recording and editing sounds.
Also available for Windows.
15. Smultron
Free and powerful text editor for Mac.
16. InkScape
Open source vector drawing editor, a decent alternative to Illustrator.
Also available for Windows.
17. Freemind
Mind mapping software, my favourite way to organize my thoughts.
Also available for Windows.
18. Disk Inventory X
Disk usage utility for Mac OS X, quickly see what’s taking space on your system.
Windows alternative
19. Colloquy
Advanced IRC client, chatting with a nice interface.
20. Neo Office
Open Source office suite for Mac, a great alternative to Word & Excel.
21. QuickSilver
Application launcher and much more, a real productivity booster.
22. NetNewsWire
My favourite RSS reader, opened every morning while having a coffee.
23. DeepVacuum
Download full websites or web pages with this software through http or ftp protocol.
24. HyperDither
Batch image resizing utility, time-saving if you don’t want to use Photoshop actions.
25. Transmission
Filesharing made easy with this simple BitTorrent client.
About the Author
Mirko Humbert
Mirko Humbert is the editor-in-chief and main author of Designer Daily and Typography Daily. He is also a graphic designer and the founder of WP Expert.