Productivity apps worth installing first
The highest-leverage Mac apps are the ones you stop noticing: a launcher that replaces Spotlight, a keyboard layer you design yourself, and a clipboard that remembers more than one thing.
RaycastControl your tools with a few keystrokesKarabiner ElementsKeyboard customiserMosSmooths scrolling and set mouse scroll directions independentlyAlfredApplication launcher and productivity softwareBetterTouchToolTool to customise input devices and automate computer systemsAmethystAutomatic tiling window manager similar to xmonadCleanShotScreen capturing toolKeyboard MaestroAutomation softwareHazelAutomated organisationPasteLimitless clipboard
Install the whole list
One command per app. Paste them as a block to set up a new Mac:
How this list was chosen
Each collection is curated by hand, then filtered against the live Homebrew catalogue so removed or deprecated apps drop out automatically. Ordering follows 30-day install counts, not paid placement. Data updated 2026-10-26.