Fn toggle app?

When I am using my app as a browsing device, I want the function keys to be the symbolic functions for brightness control etc, however when I am using it for development I typically want them to act as F keys.

I haven't yet found an app capable of hotswapping between these functions (like Fn + Esc) acting as a Fn Lock. Is there any existing app for this function.

https://redd.it/1p4zl4z
@macappsbackup

Ice app

Is the Ice app being updated? It looks like it was last updated months ago, and I'm using the beta with Tahoe

https://redd.it/1p50a0r
@macappsbackup

I built a macOS app to batch-compress video folders (free & open source)

Hey,

I wrote a small macOS utility to make batch video compression a bit easier when you have messy folders full of files.

It’s called HandBrake Batch Compressor (HBC) and it’s free & open source:

GitHub: https://github.com/kemalsanli/HBC

What it does, in short:



You pick a source folder, and it recursively finds video files in that folder and all subfolders
It runs them through a CLI encoder in batch
By default it works in a safe mode:
All compressed files go into a separate compressed folder that mirrors the original structure
Your original files are left untouched
There is also an optional mode for people who want more automation:
For each file, if the new one is smaller, it replaces the original
If it’s not smaller or encoding fails, the original is kept
So it only replaces files when there is an actual size win and a successful encode
It can keep a simple log in the source folder so you can see what it did (sizes, replacements, errors, etc.)





Overall it’s a pretty conservative tool: the default workflow keeps everything separate, and even the replacement mode has built-in checks to avoid unnecessary data loss. No account, no sync, no cloud — just a small macOS app that tries to be a “one-click, shrink this folder” button.



If anyone here tries it and has thoughts on UX, defaults or rough edges, I’d appreciate the feedback.

HBC on action

https://redd.it/1p505bl
@macappsbackup

Searching for productivity and essential mac apps recommendation

I just got a new mac studio for the first time since the intel era macbooks and very happy with it. Looking how I can improve my usage and take it into the next level, so far here is my list of essential software:

1. Zen Browser
2. Zed code editor
3. Obsidian for my notes, journal and canvas
4. Things3 for todo list
5. Claude Desktop + Claude code as AI essentials
6. Slack for work
7. Parallels + UTM as essential VM tools for running Windows apps
8. AmneziaVPN as self hosted VPN + Tailscale for connecting to my old machine or stream my mac to old laptop via Moonshot + Sunshine
9. OrbStack for better Docker
10. Meetily for local trannoscript and summary for my notes via local LLMs
11. Crossover for playing windows games
12. Stats to see my CPU/RAM usage

Is there any awesome software you guys can recommend that I can use to improve my every day work? Thanks a lot

https://redd.it/1p52ti0
@macappsbackup

[Launch] Milee Grida – A new way to organize your macOS desktop + built-in Launcher

https://redd.it/1p5aas8
@macappsbackup

Shottr v1.9 is here

Shottr v1.9 is out. It focuses on aesthetics and adds S3 upload capability, among other additions and improvements.

https://shottr.cc/newversion.html

https://redd.it/1p5ayxb
@macappsbackup

icon champ

i'm trying to change my system apps on my MacBook with icon champ but it's taking a long time, is that normal?
i'm on macOS tahoe btw

https://redd.it/1p5brrc
@macappsbackup

Why are live wallpaper apps so limited?

Anyone else notice that most of the heavy hitters like Backdrop, Wallper, etc are limited in functionality when it comes to live wallpapers?

For me, it seems like the selection of live wallpapers is lacking. Sometimes the ones you want aren't in the resolution you want.

And a feature none of them seem to possess is shuffling your wallpapers on rotation.

https://redd.it/1p5cziy
@macappsbackup

Notch app that works on external monitors?

Hi,

I’m looking for notch apps that display notifications on external monitors without a notch. I have an external monitor connected so a notch app might not be necessary for me most of the time. But I really like how notch apps show notifications and it looks better than system notifications.

My monitor is quite large so it would be more convenient to see notifications in the middle of the screen instead of the top right corner.

Does any of the notch apps support this?

https://redd.it/1p5eqlr
@macappsbackup

Downie & Permute are More Than Half Off For the Next Seven Days

# Get Them Here

# Downie

If you want to download video from YouTube, there are a variety of ways. There is a Raycast Extension. There is the great free YouTube muti-action app, Freetube. Finally there is Downie from Charlie Monroe. Downie not only downloads from YouTube, Youku, Bilibili and Vimeo it can download from more than 1,000 sites with more being added bi-weekly. You can even write to the developer and request that a site be added and chances are he will act on it. He even offers to help if you run into a problematic video on a site already in the supported list.

Downie can download 4K video, which not all downloaders can do. It can also convert to MP-4 (for iPad and iPhone use) or do only audio extraction on the fly. It supports iCloud synchronization to maintain your download history over different devices. The app has muli-language support and the developer offers free licenses to anyone who adds a new language to the support library. If you have a legacy operating system, past versions of Downie can be downloaded.

Downie is normally a one-time purchase of $19.99 but it is now on sale for $8 and a single license is good for all the computers you personally own, although if that is greater than three you need to contact the dev for an accommodation. Downie is also available on Setapp.

There was a minor controversy some time back when the developer left empty threats in his code to delete files from the computers of those running pirated versions of the software. He has since apologized for doing that and no files were actually deleted from anyone's machine.

# Permute

Permute by Charlie Monroe (developer of Downie) makes media conversion simple regardless of whether you need to manipulate images, video or audio. Its simple drag and drop interface instantly identifies the media you are working with and uses presets to convert the file to the format you want.

Permute does not require you to download any plugins for video conversion. It can convert FLV or MP4 files natively into dozens of other formats and vice versa. The current version of Permute is 3x faster than previous versions. If you have multiple videos to convert, the app has a scheduler so that you can do the conversions during off hours instead of pegging out your CPU while you are trying to do other work. Another valuable feature is Permute's ability to merge videos so that if you have a part one and a part two, a simple right-click > Merge is all you need to make a single file.

Audio files can be turned into Apple Lossless or FLAC using the same simple drag and drop interface. If you have a video that you want to save just the audio portion of, Permute can easily do that as well.

Permute can turn PDFs into multiple image files, one per page if you need that functionality. It can also do the opposite, turning a folder full of image files into a single PDF.

There are so many other great features in Permute - adjust volume of an audio file or an audio track in a video. Batch-resize, rotate and flip images and videos, convert images to text. And more. When used in conjunction with Downie, you can auto format the downloaded videos for the device where you intend to watch them.

Permute is on sale for $5. There is no current difference in the two versions. It is also available from Setapp.

https://redd.it/1p5gh7e
@macappsbackup

What are your "Open at Login" apps?

Here is my list. My setup: M3 Max 16 inch MacBook Pro with macOS 26.1, 48GB RAM, 1 TB SSD

https://preview.redd.it/rfi3dhkhh73g1.png?width=440&format=png&auto=webp&s=bfa59b7ca9aa64f437e7075d989ba22a99f0e062



https://redd.it/1p5gwz9
@macappsbackup

[Black Friday] Up to 50% off Apptorium apps: SideNotes, Workspaces, FiveNotes, Cursor Teleporter
https://www.apptorium.com/black-friday-2025

https://redd.it/1p5fzkv
@macappsbackup

A fast offline speech-to-text app for macOS (based on Whisper) — free early access

Built a macOS app that transcribes audio fully on-device. No cloud, no accounts, no uploads — everything runs locally on your device

Example screenshot

Features:

Uses Whisper models (tiny → large) locally
Works with mic recordings or imported audio/video
Batch trannoscription
Exports to .txt or .srt
90+ languages
Simple UI

Why use it?
Most tools send your audio to a server. This one doesn’t — it’s all offline, so it’s good for interviews, lectures, podcasts, or anything where privacy matters.

Requires Apple Silicon.


Link: https://linktr.ee/hajekmatyas1

https://redd.it/1p5jt15
@macappsbackup

Click2Minimize v2.10.0 is here!
https://redd.it/1p5kif5
@macappsbackup

Another top shelf app goes on sale, Things 3 is 30% off until December 1

I use Things 3 as a task manager these days. I have it on my laptop and desktop, my iPhone and my iPad. Things 3 is a two-time Apple design award winner. One of the best parts about using a Mac is visually appealing, well-designed software. Reviews for Things 3 are universally positive from respected tech outlets like Mac Stories, The Verge, Wirecutter, The Sweet Setup, Wired, iMore, The Brooks Review and the App Store Editor's Choice.

Things 3 does everything I need:

- Import from Apple Reminders where I use voice commands and Siri to create to dos,
- Let me create areas of responsibility (e.g., work home, errands)
- Extensive tagging of tasks and projects
- Different dates for starting and completing tasks
- Repeating Tasks
- Workday/Evening tasks for the same day
- Easy to view upcoming tasks
- Integration with other productivity apps like Obsidian, Drafts, Raycast and Shortcuts
- Keyboard driven
- Easy to use quick find function
- Private cloud syncing

There are three areas to consider about Things 3 that don't cause big smiley faces:

- It does not have location-based reminders via geofencing
- It has not had a major version update in several years
- Each app must be bought separately per OS: macOS- $49.99. iPadOS - $19.99, iOS.Apple Watch - $9.99

And, of course, there is that one guy on Reddit who really doesn't like it. There is a whole community there of folks devoted to it.

But, the Reddit guy is easy to ignore. The lack of geofencing is bothersome but there are work arounds. The product has had numerous incremental upgrades and is in a mature design stage. As far as the cost, well, it is on par with other professional level apps. Omnifocus Pro is $149.99 to cover every platform.

If you want to use technology to manage your life's task and you want to use one of the best designed Mac programs in existence, get Things 3.

https://redd.it/1p5lt3f
@macappsbackup

Adguard 45% off
https://adguard.com/en/license.html?promoCode=BF25

https://redd.it/1p5lr84
@macappsbackup

[BLACK FRIDAY] OpenIn, ShellHistory, CheckCraft & more — my biggest sale yet (70% off)

Hey everyone — keeping this short.

I just launched the biggest sale I’ve ever done for **OpenIn**, **ShellHistory**, **CheckCraft**, and all my other Mac apps (both MAS and direct). Discounts are \~70% off across the board.

If you prefer buying directly from my Web Store:
👉 [**https://store.loshadki.app**](https://store.loshadki.app) — use code **BLACKFRIDAY25**

All discounts should also be live on the Mac App Store:

* **OpenIn** — [$3.59 (was $11.99)](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/openin-4-advanced-link-handler/id1643649331?mt=12) — currently #120 in US Productivity
* **ShellHistory** — [$4.09 (was $13.99)](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shellhistory/id1564015476) — currently #59 in US Developer Tools
* **CheckCraft** — [$1.49 (was $4.99)](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/checkcraft/id6469945468) — currently #8 in US Finance

If you’ve been waiting for a good time to pick something up — this is it.

Happy holidays! 🎄✨

https://redd.it/1p5tljk
@macappsbackup

Acorn 8.3 BF Sale ($10 off, Now $19.99)
https://flyingmeat.com/store/?addapp=AC8

https://redd.it/1p5rruz
@macappsbackup