multiple cloud storage providers, but I was using it less than before, so I removed it. I am happy to have supported the developers
* [Swift Shift](https://www.swiftshift.app/) (**Free**, **open source**): Allows resizing and moving windows while holding keys instead of relying on the small zones you usually need. Very useful. But I still stopped using it so I deleted it.
* [Orion](https://kagi.com/orion/) (**Free**): Could be cool browser. But it's so buggy and breaks constantly. The "feature" of being able to use chrome and firefox extensions mostly doesnt work. I would rather use Safari.
* [Onit](https://www.getonit.ai/) (**Free, open source**): I am trying to remove as much AI as possible. Also, the context never worked how I expected it to, so not very useful for me.
* [Hyprnote](https://hyprnote.com/en) (**Free, open source**): Same here, I try to remove AI from my life.

# Noteworthy updates to apps

[](https://github.com/WrkX/MacAppsDirectorsCut/blob/main/Updates-old-2.md#noteworthy-updates-to-apps)

* [Alcove](https://tryalcove.com/) (*Paid*): The developer is back aand he is pushing out updates like crazy. So yeah, very happy about this.
* [RewriteBar](https://rewritebar.com/) (*Paid* or *Subnoscription*): The app was updated a ton, visual changes etc., very great! Like, so many updates and so many new features. If you tried it before but something was missing, maybe try it again. (I know this is AI and I said I am trying to get rid of it, but sometimes I need a local model to check for spelling mistakes)
* [Barbee](https://apps.apple.com/de/app/barbee-hide-menu-bar-items/id1548711022?l=en-GB&mt=12) (*Paid*): Price was increased, it is now 2x as much. so 7,99€.

# Apps I have tried that did not stay

[](https://github.com/WrkX/MacAppsDirectorsCut/blob/main/Updates-old-2.md#apps-i-have-tried-that-did-not-stay)

* [Pause](https://apps.apple.com/de/app/pause-take-a-break/id1599313358?l=en-GB&mt=12) (**Free**): Alternative to [LookAway](https://lookaway.app/) (*Paid*). Has the barebones feature of “forcing” a break after your specified time has passed. I tested LookAway, but it was constantly breaking my focus and I dont really need this kind of app, but so far Pause seems fine to remind me to take breaks. I do them on my own, so I don’t need a reminder.
* [Alter](https://alterhq.com/) (**Freemium**): It was great while I was on the test period. As soon as I was out I got the request to subscribe... a lot. I had it like 10 times in 15 minutes. For a one-time fee (not 720$) to get rid of that and BYOK and it would be great. I am not gonna sub to use my own api keys and local llms. Other than that, great app. My test was like 4 months ago, so things could have changed.
* [Parsec](https://parsec.app/) (**Free** or *Subnoscription*): I only used Parsec because I had a problem with Moonlight. But that was fixed.



https://redd.it/1okw2v0
@macappsbackup

What’s your Thought on PowerPhotos?
https://www.fatcatsoftware.com/powerphotos/

https://redd.it/1okvrrp
@macappsbackup

Made simple tool for managing com.apple.quarantine in files

https://github.com/jurek-zsl/homebrew-antiQuarantine

Install: brew install jurek-zsl/antiquarantine/aq

i want to know your opinion about it. if you find any bugs or have a suggestion just comment.

https://redd.it/1okxps4
@macappsbackup

I believe Bartender 6.2.1 is now consumer-reliable
https://www.reddit.com/r/macapps/comments/1o97lkd/bartender_6_needs_40_gb_of_ram/

https://redd.it/1ol3pwl
@macappsbackup

Airy is bad.

https://preview.redd.it/g61bizjm1iyf1.png?width=492&format=png&auto=webp&s=881b5f7f6c0c5ff501ae2cd3bc6703c33c3c1e50

I learned of Airy… I decided to try it.  
It failed twice to download free videos….and used up the “free videos” to test it on, despite it failing, so I couldn’t even see if it can do what it’s supposed to do.

This is a bad user experience.


(yes, this a petty response to a poor program...it hit me at the wrong time to be bad at it's one job)

https://redd.it/1ol3zz2
@macappsbackup

AI File Sorter auto-organizes files using local AI (uses Metal)

I’ve released the macOS app bundle of AI File Sorter. It helps tidy up cluttered folders like Downloads or external/NAS drives by automatically categorizing files based on their names, extensions, directory context, and taxonomy.

It uses a taxonomy-based system, so the more files you sort, the more consistent and accurate the categories become over time. It essentially builds up a smarter internal reference for your file types and naming patterns. Also, file content-based sorting for some file types is coming up as well.

The app features an intuitive, modern Qt-based interface. It runs LLMs locally and doesn’t require an internet connection unless you choose to use the remote model. The local models currently supported are LLaMa 3B and Mistral 7B.

The app is open source and Metal-optimized for macOS.

The idea is simple:

Point it at a folder or drive
It runs a local LLM to do the analysis
LLM suggests categorizations
You review and adjust if needed. Done.

It’s still early (v1.0.0) but actively being developed, so I’d really appreciate feedback, especially on how it performs with super-large folders and across different Mac hardware.

SourceForge download here
App website here
GitHub repo here

Main window

Categorization review

https://redd.it/1ol5qxn
@macappsbackup

Apps that you no longer use

What Mac software do you no longer use because either you don't need the functionality or you found better alternatives or for some other reason?

Here's my list:

https://preview.redd.it/oku8mei8djyf1.png?width=1592&format=png&auto=webp&s=0f3e5a4f796b56117668bd3fe15470d195c91130



https://redd.it/1ola49s
@macappsbackup

Old app name? New version? Similar? Folder windows slide out of desktop side?

Ages ago... couldn't tell you the OS... I had a program that let you dock folders on the sides of your desktop, leaving tabs you could click and they'd slide out and you could store files, aliases, whatever...

Does anyone recall what that might have been? Is there something like that today?

Below is a quick drawn simulation :D

https://preview.redd.it/qs97jnifijyf1.png?width=1511&format=png&auto=webp&s=54263c5dac412ef964dca535f180b9aeaccccaf8




https://redd.it/1olanqc
@macappsbackup

A spooky upgrade to Batch Clipboard 2! 🧛‍♂️

[Batch Clipboard](https://apps.apple.com/app/batch-clipboard/id6695729238) adds a batch mode to your Mac clipboard and that's about it, aka sequential paste or a clipboard queue. Good if you want this feature and not a full fledged clipboard manager (which have been somewhat sherlocked in macOS 26 😮), just a minimal menu bar icon and menu, and global key shortcuts Control-Command-C / V. Also good if you like free, as in speech and beer, and it's a fork of the beloved [Maccy](https://maccy.app) so its functionality is proven and trusted.

Version 2.0 was released recently, but some fixes and improvements were in order since then. No better time to release them than **All Hallows' Eve**! 🎃👻

The changes in this new version 2.1 are:

* Updated the look of the Batch Clipboard menu on Tahoe, improving the grouping and adding icons beside prominent menu items.
* Fixed detection of control-click and right-click on the menu bar icon to quickly toggle batch mode on and off.
* Upgraded some source code dependencies, notably bringing in a fix to a theoretical security issue with the widely-used framework "Sparkle" that provides automatic app. updates.

Version 2.1 is available now [on GitHub](https://github.com/jpmhouston/Batch-Clipboard/releases/tag/v2.1) and very soon [on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/batch-clipboard/id6695729238).

But, fitting for today, there's a minor scary and unexplainable performance problem affecting the Batch Clipboard menu when running macOS Tahoe. But just the menu, use of the keyboard shortcuts is unaffected, and there's no background performance drain to your system. In fact, when using the new default mode of the app where it doesn't save a general clipboard history, Batch Clipboard now does *nothing at all* in the background when you aren't using it!

If using Tahoe on your Mac, it's highly recommended to update your OS to version 26.1 at your nearest opportunity, since with this release of the OS this menu lag problem is greatly lessened. *Incantations will be spoken at midnight, Cupertino time, and secret ritual performed, all in hopes of having the system bugs causing this lag completely disappear in a future OS update*.

Lastly, would you please consider visiting the app's GitHub repo page [https://github.com/jpmhouston/Batch-Clipboard](https://github.com/jpmhouston/Batch-Clipboard) and clicking the ⭐️ Star button at the top right. This repository was built anew for version 2.0, replacing the one forked of Maccy that was used to make version 1.0 of the app, and recognition of the repository by way of those stars are starting from zero again. If it gets more stars then Batch Clipboard can get accepted as a homebrew cask, allowing installation from the command-line with "brew install batch-clipboard". Thanks!

https://redd.it/1olbv32
@macappsbackup

does simple, fast and practical image viewer exist?

one thing i still did not get used to after many years on macos is when i need to open and check many photos to find the ones i like and check focus

on windows i use faststone image viewer, and it's simple interface is so cool:
- loads fast
- opens to full screen
- A to show 1:1
- B to fit screen
- left mouse click and hold to show zoomed where the pointer is
- keyboard arrows which goes prev/next file, even if file manager is set to view in thumbnails mode (!)

anybody shares my frustration?

any software i am missing?

many thanks

https://redd.it/1olc2yt
@macappsbackup

How I Use Alfred To Be More Productive
https://macappscout.substack.com/p/alfred-for-macos-is-an-instant-productivity

https://redd.it/1oldofs
@macappsbackup

? ChronoSync Express vs ChronoSync info needed ?

ChronoSync Express vs ChronoSync i need some info

_________________________________________________

1. does ChronoSync Express allow auto backup to icloud ?

_______________________________________________________

2. do either have a setting or option to auto-backup an

replace older files ?

_______________________________________________________

3. with newer files from synced folders & will either do this automaticly

when the og file is altered or the og folder is added to ?

https://redd.it/1olcagr
@macappsbackup

PolymorphApp: Build Web Apps Using Natural Language

https://redd.it/1olhcqd
@macappsbackup

Insert key alternative

I had developed a Windows application that records a family tree, and it uses the Insert, Ctrl Insert, and Shift Insert keys to input different types of persons. Since Mac devices do not have an Insert key, what are the alternative keys that I can adapt in my program?

https://redd.it/1oljs06
@macappsbackup

A Practical Workflow for Face Tagging Before Editing

With the sheer number of photos piling up on my hard drives, and since I mainly shoot portraits, I started looking for a way to tag faces early in my workflow, ideally even before any editing in Capture One or Lightroom.

I tested several options, but honestly, the results have been quite underwhelming. Nothing really comes close to what Google Photos or Apple Photos can do in terms of face recognition.

That said, I came across an app this week called Tonfotos. It’s still far from perfect, but it feels like a step in the right direction.

After spending a few hours testing it, I did find some limitations that slow things down. But I also found a way to actually make it work and finally get what I was aiming for.

The first downside is the price. At €59, it feels a bit steep considering how limited the app currently is. It lacks features, in my opinion. Of course, pricing is subjective, some might find it too expensive, others might think it’s fair enough.

The second issue is more technical, the app doesn’t allow you to create tags from RAW files. It works with formats like JPEG and TIFF, and it does detect faces in RAWs, but there’s no way to export that data. It doesn’t generate XMP sidecar files, so those tags can’t be carried into Capture One or Lightroom.

Still, with a bit of creativity and two quick, mostly automated steps, I managed to get the result I was looking for.

Step 1: Automatically convert all RAW files to JPEG using a tool like XnConvert. It handles batch processing and takes about one or two seconds per image. For a folder with 300 images, that’s roughly 5 minutes. The converted images are saved in a dedicated folder, let’s call it FaceRecognition, which becomes the working directory for Tonfotos.

Step 2: In Tonfotos, run the face recognition process. The app saves the name tags directly into the JPEG files. Once that’s done, you can close the app.

Step 3: Using a simple noscript I wrote, run a terminal command with ExifTool. The noscript extracts metadata from the JPEGs and generates XMP sidecar files, which are compatible with Capture One and Lightroom. You just copy these XMP files into the folder containing your original RAWs. Since the filenames are the same, everything lines up seamlessly.

Whether you’re importing your RAWs into Capture One or Lightroom, or working in session mode, both applications will read the person tags as keywords.

It’s a shame the app doesn’t support direct XMP export, hopefully that feature will come later. But for now, this workaround does the trick. The only real question is whether it’s worth spending €59 on a tool that still requires so many manual steps, especially when the original promise was automation.

https://redd.it/1oll9a1
@macappsbackup

Purrfection for the best Mac WM app 😻 MacsyZones 2.0 is here! 🥳 (It is still Open Source, support the cutest Mac WM app)

https://redd.it/1ollv56
@macappsbackup

JSON Brace now has free core features

I've updated JSON Brace for Safari, and now the basic features are available to everyone for free.

If you need more, you can always purchase Pro and get advanced capabilities.

I want to give a special thanks to everyone who bought JSON Brace earlier and supported me. You automatically get Pro – there's nothing you need to do. Just update the app to the latest version. If Pro didn't activate, open the app and tap "Restore Purchase".

The goal is simple – to make convenient JSON viewing available to everyone and to keep developing the project thanks to Pro.

Your ideas, feedback, and thoughts on what to add in future versions are, as always, welcome.

The app works on Safari for iOS and macOS.

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/json-brace-for-safari/id6753739988

https://redd.it/1olnqn5
@macappsbackup

Why the disdain here for paid apps?

I understand that free is nice, but sometimes paid apps are worth buying for various reasons such as:

1. superior features
2. superior support
3. future macos updates support

https://redd.it/1ols2f1
@macappsbackup

I built a simple native macOS app to organize and share screenshots easily

I take a lot of screenshots for work (testing, feedback, documentation), and my desktop has become a chaotic mess.

There are plenty of tools out there, but what I really wanted was something simple, fully native, and privacy-first.

So I built Pickle — a small menu bar app that automatically detects new screenshots, lets you blur sensitive info, and share a private link instantly.

It's Free, built in Swift, privacy-first, no accounts, no tracking — just a clean native feel.

👉 pickleformac.app

Would love to hear what you think.

https://redd.it/1olrs4i
@macappsbackup

Do you understand what my app does?

Hi,

I'm trying to improve my app store denoscription and screenshots. Do you understand what my app does just by looking at them? If you do, but feel the denoscription and/or screenshots don't convey it well, I'm looking for suggestions. If you don't, please tell me as well :)

Thanks 🙏

Link to the app:
https://apps.apple.com/fr/app/tidy-downloads-sort-organize/id6753870080?mt=12

Screenshots:

https://preview.redd.it/gpc3uisntoyf1.png?width=1280&format=png&auto=webp&s=cf1d0cec6a7e028b737e4ccfd03836fd943b135f

https://preview.redd.it/1airsisntoyf1.png?width=1280&format=png&auto=webp&s=8b578f363eb68099945206f09d88d036900f065e

https://preview.redd.it/866p6gtntoyf1.png?width=1280&format=png&auto=webp&s=7c5d9335fef590b97d1a7a742e5ebb464ec96bdc

https://preview.redd.it/kjshvjsntoyf1.png?width=1280&format=png&auto=webp&s=680aca61a3210469631069f4eb1c398b884e2a6b

https://preview.redd.it/fd8a7gtntoyf1.png?width=1280&format=png&auto=webp&s=f3c3092085c4b51db9f5fb8638c59c0e1188ff06



https://redd.it/1olv05y
@macappsbackup

Made a mini word puzzle game - Letter Flow

https://redd.it/1om0lr9
@macappsbackup