Top Mac Productivity Applications

If you're into getting things done efficiently on your Mac then you found the right post. A number of small and large applications can streamline your work, projects, and informal life.

Quicksilver
Quicksilver is like spotlight on steroids. The application scans and catalogue's your computers applications, devices, documents, folders etc and makes lighting quick access to those items possible. Unlike spotlight, Quicksilver also allows you to manipulate your computer without opening items. For example, you can quickly send an email to a contact without opening mail:

You can also create new documents, search the web, tag items, move items, and accomplish other repetitive tasks without opening your applications. This is the ultimate app for desktop productivity.

OmniFocus
If you are serious about getting things done (GTD), then OmniFocus should not be left out of your repertoire of tools. The Omni Group's task management software is awesome. Create and manage simple and complex projects all within the (GTD) framework.

My favorite part of OmniFocus is the ability to add context to any given task. For example, one project could be cleaning your garage. One of your tasks for the project is to buy a broom and you can assign it the context, Home Depot. Then you have another project, fix the kitchen cabinet. Then you have the task, buy new kitchen hardware again with the context, Home Depot. When it is time to go to Home Depot, OmniFocus allows you to sort by context, so all of your tasks can be tackled in the right context. Add in a WiFi sync for the iphone application and your are ready to take over the world.

Growl
Growl quite simply identifies your applications that produce notifications and harmonizes them all into one user interface of your choosing. Growl integrates with mail, ical, FTP, Facebook, OmniFocus, and on and on. No more varying pop-up notifications, just one. Additionally, Growl identifies your applications automatically so you don't have to tell it which applications you want to tie into the notifications. Simple and elegant just the way you like your Mac.

Caffeine
Alright, this one is a small application that nonetheless I love. Sick of your Mac going to sleep or dimming when you are concentrating on work? Can't be bothered to reset your energy saver settings all the time? No problem. Caffeine puts a little coffee cup logo on your task bar. Enable Caffeine and the cup is full, no dimming, no sleep. Click it off, the cup is empty and normal settings take place. Great no fuss app.

Transmit
Any self-respecting Mac user is probably going to need to FTP things up to the server on a regular basis to keep his/her online assets on point. Transmit, in my opinion is the easiest drag and drop FTP program out there. It has a super easy interface, good integration with other programs and is very low priced for all that it provides.

Disk Inventory X
Even with a 1TB external hard drive I always seem to be running out of space on my Mac. The problem is that I know that half the stuff on my computer is junk, but I can't find out where it is. Disk inventory visually lets you quickly see what is taking up the most space, where to find it, and delete it all in one fell swoop. All those example files for apps you don't care about, old mp3's and video files hidden away in some obscure folder don't stand a chance against this useful app.

SuperDuper
If you're like me you don't need Time Machine to back up every iota of information every day from your Mac. You would just assume have a really nice backup every week, month, or quarter. If that sounds nice go with SuperDuper. It quickly creates a backup of your hard drive and stores it as a disk image on your external drive. Restoring is as simple as opening the disk image.