Many Mac users simply use the popular apps like Notes, Reminders, Calendar, Mail and iWork apps like Pages, Numbers and Keynote. However, Apple supplies dozens of free and useful apps along with the macOS. Check out the list of 20 hidden apps in macOS and we are sure some of these apps can improve your productivity and change the way you work with Mac.
Hidden Mac Apps
As mentioned, all these apps are part of macOS which means you do not need to install them separately. Also, you can’t uninstall them from your Mac. So, it makes sense to learn about and start using them. You can find these apps in “Applications > Utilities” folder or in “Other” folder from Launchpad. It is also possible to add frequently used apps to Dock for quicker access.
1. Passwords
Mac stores passwords in Keychain Access app and allows you sync across all your devices through iCloud. Though Keychain Access is still available, you can now use the Passwords app with easy-to-use interface. The app helps to warn you if your passwords are leaked in data breaches and suggests changing repeated / weak passwords.
2. iPhone Mirroring
Introduced with macOS 15, iPhone Mirroring helps to remotely unlock and access your iPhone from Mac. You can check notifications, listen to songs or watch videos directly from iPhone while doing other tasks on Mac.
3. Screenshot
You may already use the “Command + Shift + 4 or 5 or 6” shortcuts to take a screenshot in Mac. However, do you know that there is a Screenshot app in Mac? The shortcuts will actually open the Screenshot app. if using shortcuts is difficult for you, simply drag and add the Screenshot app to Dock or Desktop for easier access.
4. Print Center
If you print frequently from your Mac, then you should start using Print Center app. You can find all printed documents in queue and cancel them if not needed using this app.
5. Image Capture
This app allows to transfer and scan files from external devices. For example, you can scan a document from your scanner and transfer it to a folder in your Mac. You can transfer files from any connected device like camera, scanner, iPhone or iPad.
6. Digital Color Meter
If you are a designer or developer frequently dealing with color selection, then Digital Color Meter app is an app for you. You can simply hover the mouse pointer on the screen and press “Command + L” to lock the color values. After that, go to “Color” menu to copy the color as text values or as an image.
7. ColorSync Utility
This app allows to create color profiles and to standardize how colors appear on different devices like monitors, printers, scanners, and cameras. In this way, you can ensure the colors you see on the screen match what you print or scan. It also offers a conversion calculator to convert RGB to Hex and other color values.
8. Font Book
If you ever wondered how to change the fonts in your Mac, Font Book is the app you should look for. It is a font management app to view, install, organize, and manage fonts in your Mac. Whether you are a designer, writer, or casual user, Font Book offers a simple interface to browse available fonts, activate or deactivate them, and preview how they appear in different styles and sizes.
9. Audio MIDI Setup
The Audio MIDI Setup app allows you to configure and manage audio input/output devices and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) devices. It provides advanced control over audio settings, enabling users to create custom configurations for recording, playback, and MIDI performance.
10. Dictionary
It is easy to right-click on any word and look up the synonyms from dictionary. But many users do not know that Mac comes with a separate Dictionary app. You can setup required languages and search words any word within Dictionary app. It is also possible to get the definitions from Wikipedia and Apple.
11. Bluetooth File Exchange
This app helps to transfer files from your Bluetooth enabled device to Mac wirelessly. You can transfer files without internet connection from iPhone, PC or from another Android phone.
12. Screen Sharing
If you are using multiple Macs (perhaps a desktop like iMac and MacBook), then check out the hidden app called Screen Sharing. You can remotely connect with another Mac and do a presentation or help in troubleshooting or do a file transfer.
13. Console
You may be using Terminal app for running commands on your Mac, do not confuse Console app with the Terminal. This is a different app primarily used as a diagnostic tool to view system crash and log reports. You can use this information for troubleshooting purposes like why the app is crashed.
14. Migration Assistant
If you have a purchased a new Mac, then Migration Assistant is the app you should first look for. It helps to transfer your data from Mac, Windows PC, Time Machine backup or external disc. You can migrate everything like files, user accounts, settings and apps thus saving lot of time.
15. Grapher
This app helps to visualize complex mathematical equations and data in 2D and 3D graphs. It is designed for students, educators, engineers, and anyone who needs to graphically represent mathematical functions or data sets. Grapher supports a wide range of equations, including algebraic, trigonometric, differential equations, and parametric graphs, offering powerful customization options such as colors, labels, and animations.
16. Automator
As the name indicates, Automator helps you to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows without needing to write code. You will be surprised with the list of actions available in Automator like combining PDF files, resizing images in bulk, sending birthday greetings from Mail, etc. Though Apple is slowly replacing Automator with Shortcuts app, you can still use this app to get things done quickly.
17. Script Editor
This is an advanced tool to write, edit, and execute scripts using AppleScript and JavaScript for Automation (JXA). It is primarily used for automating tasks and controlling various macOS applications, enabling users to create custom scripts that can perform repetitive actions, interact with apps, or control system functions.
18. VoiceOver Utility
This is an accessibility tool to customize the VoiceOver screen reader, which provides auditory descriptions of what’s happening on the screen for visually impaired users. You can create custom commands and set up sound effects to enhance the overall screen-reading experience.
19. Activity Monitor
Ever wonder how to check the CPU or memory usage on your Mac? Activity Monitor app is something like Task Manager in Windows. You can simply open this app and navigate to CPU, Memory, Energy, Disk and Network tabs to monitor the corresponding activities and usage. If any app or process is using high resources, simply double click on it and then click “Quit” button to terminate and release the resources.
20. Feedback Assistant
If you have the habit of installing and testing macOS beta and developer versions, then use the Feedback Assistant app to send your feedback directly to Apple. You can submit an issue, bug or suggestion related to macOS and other Apple apps. Apple uses the information to improve system performance, fix bugs and enhance user experience.
Final Words
These are the preinstalled apps and the list will go on if you want to use third-party apps. For example, if you are using virtual machines like Parallels, there is a separate Parallel Toolbox app which contains 40+ useful utilities. You can use these tools to monitor CPU temperature, set a break time while using the system, set sleep or shut down timer, etc.
