In search of the perfect trannoscription tool + archiving (Alter vs MacWhisper vs MeetingMind vs Highlights)

Hi! Over the past two months I’ve been on a bit of a journey trying to find the right trannoscription setup for my workflow. I’ve even bought a few lifetime licenses to ensure I benchmark these app. Unfortunately, there's currently no one 'perfect' app.

What I’m looking for

\- Automatically record / suggest and transcribe remote meetings (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, etc.)

\- Good diarization: speaker separation/identification, and the ability to rename speakers

\- Ability to edit both speaker labels and the trannoscript itself

\- Summaries generated from prompt templates, ideally on the same page as the trannoscript

\- Automatic export into an Obsidian folder, using a predefined noscript format, e.g.:

`MM.DD.YYYY [summary-noscript-based-on-template\]`

example: `12-25-25 Standup Product Roadmap`



What I’ve tried

MacWhisper

Currently the front‑runner for me, mainly because of how it manages trannoscripts and integrates with Obsidian.

Pros

\- Can edit both trannoscripts and speaker names (though bulk editing could be better).

\- Edit and then push to Obsidian is straightforward and works well.

\- Automatic push trannoscripts to Obsidian without manual editing.

Cons

\- That automatic export is currently just one big block of text; dev says this is being improved.

\- No built‑in way to automatically append a summary to the *same* trannoscript.

\- Not great at automatically detecting and capturing meetings compared to some other tools

\- Major bug with duplicated trannoscripts when using unsupported browsers (I use Vivaldi).

\- Because of this, I use Alter to record, then send the audio to MacWhisper.



Alter

Alter offer broader AI function than “just” a trannoscription app and part of my current system.

Pros

\- Can automatically recognize speaker names and lets you edit them.

\- Picks up meetings reliably.

\- YouTube trannoscription support is a plus

\- I grabbed the Black Friday deal, which lets me plug in my own APIs (unlike Highlights).

Cons

\- You *can’t* edit the actual trannoscript text, only names.

\- Stability issues: renaming a trannoscript noscript has, in some cases, deleted the trannoscript.

\- Exporting to Obsidian takes 3–4 steps, which is tedious, so I have audio from Alter push to MacWhisper instead.



Plus: They do have great support and are actively improving the product, especially outside the core trannoscription use case, which I’m excited about.



***Highlights.ai***

I’ve used Highlights for about a year, but I’m a lot less happy with it now.

Pros

\- Decent trannoscription, but least accurate (can't use local models)

\- Automatically adds a summary and analysis right after each call,very convenient.

\- Daily and weekly summaries used to be nice (but now under paywall)

Cons

\- Trannoscript accuracy isn’t as good as the others (can't use local models - not a fan now I've been using Parakeet models)

\- No option to use a local model.

\- No proper export function (despite lots of user requests), so I now have to manually copy/paste a year’s worth of trannoscripts into Obsidian.

\- Daily/weekly summaries and API key access are now paywalled.



MeetingMind (considering, not used yet)

On paper, this seems to have the cleanest Obsidian export story, but its trannoscription management looks weaker than MacWhisper and Alter.




If anyone has a setup that:

1. Captures meetings reliably,

2. Does solid diarization,

3. Lets you edit both speakers and text,

4. Summarizes based on templates, and

5. Exports cleanly into Obsidian with a custom noscript forma



I’d really love to hear about it. Thanks!!

https://redd.it/1prw9j5
@macappsbackup

Why I like the Bloom app as a replacement for Finder

I'm just a regular user - not a developer or a crazy tech expert. But I switched to Bloom as a replacement for Finder for these reasons:

1. I picked a bright yellow color for my Bloom windows and it's just fun to look at. This doesn't make me more productive, but it's just enjoyable to use with the bright color.

2. I like the Workspaces feature. I have a default workspace that is pretty standard, and a second 2-panel workspace that I use to sort files from my Downloads folder over to my target folder inside of Google Drive. Both workspaces are sorted different ways.

3. The left-panel configuration options are really nice.

4. I had a dumb question and the developer was very responsive. Thank you.


I'm still figuring it out and just use the basic features. But overall, Bloom is enjoyable to use because it's a fun color, faster than Finder for my workflows, and I can just customize it to my liking. I'm on my Mac all day, so I might as well use apps that are fun to use.



https://redd.it/1prqxf3
@macappsbackup

Has anyone used SEE Finance 3 - Personal Finance Manager ?

I've observed that SEE Finance 3 has consistently ranked number one in finance charts on the Apple App Store for several days. It also recently appeared in the top 10 paid apps. Apparently, the developer has released a new version, SEE Finance 3, which is an update to the previous version SEE Finance 2 launched around 7-8 years ago.

For those who have used this app, could you share your feedback on how it compares to other budgeting apps such as YNAB, Monarch Money, and Money Dance?

I installed the trial version from the website, and it appears promising so far. The interface is highly customizable, and I particularly like the reports view. While the graphs might not be its strongest feature, the app allows for the addition of numerous account types, including banking, loans, assets, and cash.

If anyone has experience with SEE Finance, especially if you are a previous user of an earlier version, I would greatly value your insights before making a purchase.

*P.S. I am not affiliated with the developer or the app in any way. I am genuinely curious

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

AlDente keeps locking more and more of their features behind the Pro version

I've been using AlDente for a year now since I don't see a point in keeping my battery charged to 100% all of the time. Especially since it constantly goes back and forth between it staying plugged in for days and others where it's constantly on the go. The free version of the app has been totally adequate for that.

But just now, I had to install the app on my new MacBook Pro since this one moves even less than the previous and guess what? Half of the features that used to be available in the version from 5 months ago are now locked behind a paywall. I understand that they need to somehow sustain themselves but you don't just go out and lock more and more stuff to try and move a higher percent of your user base to the paid version. Instead you introduce more features which might make it more desirable for them to switch on their own. This just worsens the experience of the app by a lot.

Their GitHub repo is full of user feedback and stuff they might want to see in the app so it's not like there is nothing to add either. Either way my views of it have soured :/

https://redd.it/1ps4llo
@macappsbackup

PDFFit – a Mac app to automatically crop white margins from PDFs

https://redd.it/1ps7b0s
@macappsbackup

Launch directory of 90+ marketing resources to help you grow your app from 0 to 100 to 1000 users

Hey r/macapps,

As an app developer I kept drowning in scattered marketing guides, tool lists, and launch platforms. So I built a free, filterable directory to solve that.

It includes:

90+ vetted resources across 11 categories (launch, SEO, cold email, etc.)
Filters by cost (free/paid), difficulty, and time commitment
Save & export functionality
It's built with Next.js/Tailwind and hosted on Vercel.

I'd really appreciate your take on:

1. Is there a critical resource or tool missing?
2. Any UI/UX suggestions to make it more useful?

Link: https://lstack.vercel.app/

https://redd.it/1ps8v5e
@macappsbackup

Bloom - Limit Search to Certain FIles

One of my top features things about bloom is that it can exclude entire directories when it searches. However, i am wondering if there is a way to exclude file extensions. I typically only need maybe 15 extension types, such as PDF, DWG, MPEG, DOC, DOCX, etc. However, the search in bloom gives me two many results on file types I'd never use.

1. Whats the way to search specific files extensions in bloom.
2. Can I eliminate entire types, so i don't have to do #1 manually.

https://redd.it/1ps9gbg
@macappsbackup

iOS games on MacOS? Not verified for MacOS.

Hey guys so I released my new flag football game for iOS. Optimized for iPad until I found out we showed in the in MacOS App Store and it is freaking awesome! Never intended this.

I wanted to ask, how many of you actually play iOS games from the App Store on MacOS?

Also, under the noscript it states "Not Verified for MacOS" even though it works great. Is that something you can change in AppStoreConnect? Would like to get it verified as a MacOS game.

WCFF Flag Football Game
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wcff-flag-football-game/id6753317934

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

Antinote listed in The Verge’s Top 10 of 2025, and I have you to thank for it.
https://redd.it/1psejyj
@macappsbackup

Revisiting Mac Text Expansion Options

Mac Text Expansion Apps

I've recently been on a mission to reassess some of the software I use to ensure I'm employing it in instances where it can accomplish tasks more quickly than the manual methods I sometimes revert to. I've been using text expansion tools (snippets) for quite some time, yet I often feel that I could leverage them more effectively.

# My Use Cases

Autocorrecting words that I will likely never type correctly due to ingrained muscle memory - available, because, bitcoin, Vietnam, download, etc.
Email addresses, home address, phone number
Auto-expanding date and time snippets in my preferred format - 2025-12-21 & 1:51 PM
Terminal commands with fill-in-the-blank popups for paths and file names for tasks such as making noscripts executable, repairing damaged app permissions, running Homebrew with my preferred switches
Boilerplate letters to app developers requesting information I use in my reviews (with fill-in-the-blank fields)
Emoji denoscriptions
AI prompts for repetitive tasks, like requesting alt-text for uploaded graphics
Search engine syntax for querying specific websites, date ranges, etc.
Frequently reused API keys

Regarding text expansion, the applications I regularly use offer me a variety of options.

# Native Expansion

This isn't a viable option for me, as it lacks support for variables like date and time. Additionally, Mac text replacement is not available in all apps. For instance, it is unsupported in Microsoft Word, Outlook, or Firefox, and it also doesn't offer any formatting.

[More info](https://vengreso.com/blog/text-replacement-on-mac)

# Raycast

I'm a frequent user of Raycast, and it is always active on my Mac. The main thing preventing me from utilizing its highly-rated snippets feature is the difficulty in importing my existing snippet collection from the app I currently use. [Raycast snippets](https://manual.raycast.com/snippets) are searchable and suitable for boilerplate text and code. Raycast supports variables, which it labels "Dynamic Placeholders." If you have a Raycast Pro account with syncing enabled, you can access the same snippet library on both your phone and Mac. Alfred, a competing application similar to Raycast, also offers text expansion for those who purchase the Powerpack, which has a one-time fee of £59 ($78). Alfred lacks iOS snippet support.

# Keyboard Maestro

There's very little that Keyboard Maestro ($36) cannot automate, including [text replacement/expansion.](https://hiltmon.com/blog/2016/04/08/text-expansion-using-keyboard-maestro-first-cut/) A notable feature of Keyboard Maestro is the ability to add a microdelay so that in applications like VSCode, where replacement can be inconsistent due to rapid triggering, you can slow down the process while still achieving the desired functionality. You can also simultaneously trigger other macros with your text expansion snippet. High-speed expansion is possible with Keyboard Maestro's "prompt for user input" feature. No iOS support.

# Text Expander

The reality is that I don't use any of these methods because I have been relying on [Text Expander](https://textexpander.com/) for over a decade. I have several hundred snippets, and the process of exporting and importing them into Raycast seemed too tedious for my liking. Additionally, at one point, I qualified for a lifetime discount on my subnoscription, so it remains quite economical (the regular price is $3.33 per month, billed annually). In terms of functionality, it meets all my needs for an app of its kind. My subnoscription works on both Windows and macOS. If you don't mind adding another subnoscription, it's a solid option. There are even libraries of snippets available for download covering areas such as customer support, coding, and Markdown. An iOS version is also available, which operates through a custom keyboard currently in Test Flight.

# Other Solutions

Revisiting Mac Text Expansion Options

[Mac Text Expansion Apps](https://preview.redd.it/baasrust4m8g1.png?width=1536&format=png&auto=webp&s=38ca9f66b3659e19de6985d79c7221b65fdeb5a4)

I've recently been on a mission to reassess some of the software I use to ensure I'm employing it in instances where it can accomplish tasks more quickly than the manual methods I sometimes revert to. I've been using text expansion tools (snippets) for quite some time, yet I often feel that I could leverage them more effectively.

# My Use Cases

* Autocorrecting words that I will likely never type correctly due to ingrained muscle memory - available, because, bitcoin, Vietnam, download, etc.
* Email addresses, home address, phone number
* Auto-expanding date and time snippets in my preferred format - 2025-12-21 & 1:51 PM
* Terminal commands with fill-in-the-blank popups for paths and file names for tasks such as making noscripts executable, repairing damaged app permissions, running Homebrew with my preferred switches
* Boilerplate letters to app developers requesting information I use in my reviews (with fill-in-the-blank fields)
* Emoji denoscriptions
* AI prompts for repetitive tasks, like requesting alt-text for uploaded graphics
* Search engine syntax for querying specific websites, date ranges, etc.
* Frequently reused API keys

Regarding text expansion, the applications I regularly use offer me a variety of options.

# Native Expansion

This isn't a viable option for me, as it lacks support for variables like date and time. Additionally, Mac text replacement is not available in all apps. For instance, it is unsupported in Microsoft Word, Outlook, or Firefox, and it also doesn't offer any formatting.

[More info](https://vengreso.com/blog/text-replacement-on-mac)

# Raycast

I'm a frequent user of Raycast, and it is always active on my Mac. The main thing preventing me from utilizing its highly-rated snippets feature is the difficulty in importing my existing snippet collection from the app I currently use. [Raycast snippets](https://manual.raycast.com/snippets) are searchable and suitable for boilerplate text and code. Raycast supports variables, which it labels "Dynamic Placeholders." If you have a Raycast Pro account with syncing enabled, you can access the same snippet library on both your phone and Mac. Alfred, a competing application similar to Raycast, also offers text expansion for those who purchase the Powerpack, which has a one-time fee of £59 ($78). Alfred lacks iOS snippet support.

# Keyboard Maestro

There's very little that Keyboard Maestro ($36) cannot automate, including [text replacement/expansion.](https://hiltmon.com/blog/2016/04/08/text-expansion-using-keyboard-maestro-first-cut/) A notable feature of Keyboard Maestro is the ability to add a microdelay so that in applications like VSCode, where replacement can be inconsistent due to rapid triggering, you can slow down the process while still achieving the desired functionality. You can also simultaneously trigger other macros with your text expansion snippet. High-speed expansion is possible with Keyboard Maestro's "prompt for user input" feature. No iOS support.

# Text Expander

The reality is that I don't use any of these methods because I have been relying on [Text Expander](https://textexpander.com/) for over a decade. I have several hundred snippets, and the process of exporting and importing them into Raycast seemed too tedious for my liking. Additionally, at one point, I qualified for a lifetime discount on my subnoscription, so it remains quite economical (the regular price is $3.33 per month, billed annually). In terms of functionality, it meets all my needs for an app of its kind. My subnoscription works on both Windows and macOS. If you don't mind adding another subnoscription, it's a solid option. There are even libraries of snippets available for download covering areas such as customer support, coding, and Markdown. An iOS version is also available, which operates through a custom keyboard currently in Test Flight.

# Other Solutions

*

[Expanso](https://espanso.org/) is a free and open-source text expander that runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux (but not iOS). It boasts many advanced features and would likely be my choice if I weren't so committed to Text Expander. I use it on my Debian and Xubuntu systems.
* [Typinator](https://ergonis.com/typinator) offers another advanced option available for a one-time purchase rather than a subnoscription. Typinator functions across all applications and works with names, dates, formulas, variables, images, calculations, and code.
* [aText](https://www.trankynam.com/atext/) \- Highly regarded and priced at $5. aText supports variables, syncing via iCloud and Dropbox, and is optimized for coders. It also has a Windows version. The current Mac version is 3.21, but many users appear to prefer the legacy version (2).
* [Snippety](https://snippety.app/) \- It features an excellent mobile version to accompany a polished desktop app with variable support and AI integration. There is no free trial, but it is available in the Mac App Store, enabling use across all your personal Apple devices. ($29.99)
* [TypeIt4Me](https://ettoresoftware.store/mac-apps/typeit4me/) \- This application has been around for a couple of decades and is a pioneer in its category. It remains actively developed and was updated for macOS 26 Tahoe and features iOS compatibility. I used it in the past, and from what I can observe, it continues to improve. ($19.99 in the Mac App Store)
* [Phrase Express](https://www.phraseexpress.com/mac/) \- I used the free Windows version of this software for quite some time before TextExpander released a compatible version. Phrase Express includes many enterprise-friendly features suitable for Microsoft environments, even in the Mac & iOS versions; however, at $99 for the most basic version (which includes just one year of updates), I find it challenging to recommend for the average user.

https://redd.it/1psfj61
@macappsbackup

I've built an app nobody bought

last 8 months been working on a NSFW content blocker for Mac, it uses AI for scanning your network and screen, if it detects NSFW content, closes the app showing it and blocks the internet for a while, as a tool for people dealing with this kind of content

The first version just blocks the common url's, doesn't analyze the screen, it launched 1 month ago on product hunt and my only sale is from myself when I was trying the checkout page

if you would like to try it and give me a review just lmk I'll send you a copy

https://preview.redd.it/bddtgu6dam8g1.png?width=1894&format=png&auto=webp&s=dcf8829c6b977975f8e49564c2bc02ee208a35b3



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

ON1 is it any good for the money, trial seemed ok and its on sale but some wording makes me worry for future bug updates and that they move versions a lot to make money.

I was just wondering if anyone uses the ON1 software to manipulate photos.

Its just some of the wording on the website seems a little strange in the fact it seems as if you can buy the current version outright but at any moment they will just change a slight digit and you are out of date and will not receive any bug updates.

I get you wont get feature updates for very long as I am not one of those people that think a company should constantly give you updates but I am a little concerned that they will not support the current version for long.

Its wording like this that makes me hesitate "Coming Next Month — and Yes, It’s Another Free Update"

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

Keyboard-Only Window Cycling with Stage Manager

I’m trying to figure out whether the following workflow is possible on macOS (BTT, Keyboard Maestro, Karabiner, etc)

I use Stage Manager, and within each stage I have multiple active windows (not minimized or hidden). What I’d like is:

Window cycling within a stage

I want to cycle through the active windows in the current stage using:

• Double Left Shift → move to the previous window

• Double Right Shift → move to the next window

Essentially a “rolodex” or circular window switcher limited to the current stage.

Stage cycling + window selection

I’d like to use Command + Up Arrow to cycle through Stage Manager stages. When I do this, Stage Manager expands the windows in that stage. From there, I want to immediately use the same Double Shift-based window cycling (from #1) to quickly move through the windows in the newly selected stage.

Is something like this achievable?

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

I can't record internal audio on my Mac.
https://redd.it/1psnm77
@macappsbackup

AlwaysOnTop - Keep a URL, PDF, Videos, Notes and more on top

I made a small, native mac app called "Always on Top"

http://alwaysontop.app

It lets you open anything in a window that stays on top of other windows i.e. URLs, PDFs, text, videos, notes, your camera feed, images etc.

Would love to know what you think or what else you’d want it to do.

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

Offline Universal File Converter

https://redd.it/1psq8in
@macappsbackup