Are you setting up your new Mac? If so, your first instinct might be to replace or remove the default applications. Next, you may want to install as many third-party alternatives as possible.
What’s the rush? Slow down and let the native Mac applications impress you with what they can do. Of course, some of the default apps are pretty basic, and there are better third-party alternatives with improved features to make your life easier. But some of the native apps are useful, and they can make your everyday workflow smooth. If you want to check out the list of pre-installed apps but don’t know how to access Applications on Mac, open Finder. You will find the Application folder in it.
Let’s look at the macOS native apps that you mustn’t replace.
Safari
Safari isn’t the most powerful or flexible browser. But it is the best browser for Mac and other Apple devices. This is because the browser optimally uses the system resource and does not drain as much battery and memory as Chrome.
Apart from the standard browser-based activities, you can mute and pin tabs in Safari, preview links before opening them, create Tab Groups and share them, etc. The browser also lets users generate passwords, float videos over other applications, and make web pages free of distractions.
Furthermore, you can personalize the browser’s behavior on a per-website basis. For instance, you can enable notifications and locations on a few selected websites.
If you also use an iPhone or iPad, you will appreciate that the browser lets you seamlessly switch between your iPhone and Mac browsing sessions. Also, Apple keeps springing new updates on users so you can make the most efficient browser use.
QuickTime
Are you thinking of ditching QuickTime for VLC? Don’t make this decision hastily. Give QuickTime a shot before installing a third-party media player.
QuickTime lets users play media and record movies and audio, merge and trim content, and share it with Vimeo and YouTube. Also, there’s the option of recording screencasts with QuickTime. This is an attractive proposition because other applications in this space are expensive.
Although the app does not come with advanced features like effects and filters, it is the most reliable screen recorder and gets the essentials right.
Preview
Preview is Mac’s native file viewer, and the tool is pretty versatile. You can use this app to view images and PDFs, along with spreadsheets, Photoshop files, presentations, and other types of files.
If you want to merge or split PDFs, you can do so on Preview. The app can even annotate content, take screenshots, convert files to various formats and edit pictures.
In Finder, the app teams up with QuickLook, and you can see the file content displayed to you without opening the app. You can make the most of Preview by learning some tips and tricks of the app.
Photos
Typically, professional photographers prefer advanced programs like Photoshop or Adobe Lightroom for editing and managing images. But if you want an app for your personal, regular use, you can use Photos. This is an excellent photo management application and is capable of fulfilling your everyday requirements.
The application is well-organized and fast. You can quickly set up folders and albums, add location information, tag people in photos, and compile photos into colorful collections.
Thanks to the smart albums filtering feature, your images will be easily organized and retrieved in a few clicks. In addition, if you add extensions like Affinity Photo and Pixelmator to the application, Photos can become more powerful.
Moreover, you can back up photos to the cloud and sync them across Apple devices. You can even share iCloud Photo Library with your friends and family.
Besides these, other essential Mac default apps that are perfect for everyday tasks are:
- FaceTime and Messages – FaceTime lets you receive and make audio/video calls for free using cellular data or Wi-Fi. Owing to the recent updates, your friends using Android or Windows devices can also join the call via a link. Thanks to the Messages app, you can send and receive text messages. If you have upgraded your Mac to Ventura, you can unsend text messages after you have mistakenly sent a message.
- Automator – Automator lets users automate tasks without complicated scripting or programming languages.
- Dictionary – If you need to look up the meaning of difficult words, use the Dictionary app. This app comes in handy for writers and those in the writing field.
- GarageBand – You don’t need to look elsewhere to create music because GarageBand is a fully equipped music creation studio.
- Freeform – Freeform lets you ideate and collaborate with your team without any hassle.
- Mail – The Mail app lets you manage all your emails in one place.
So, give these Mac default apps a shot before searching for other alternatives.
