If you’re a Mac user, you know how vital multitasking can be to improve productivity. With multiple windows, apps, and tabs open simultaneously, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and lose focus. But fear not. Apps are available that can help you master the art of multitasking on your Mac.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best apps to help you stay organized and focused while simultaneously working on multiple tasks. From virtual desktops to time-tracking tools, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover the best apps to improve your multitasking on Mac.
If you’re a busy Mac user juggling multiple tasks and apps simultaneously, you know how challenging it can be to maintain productivity and efficiency. While Apple provides some multitasking features on macOS, they can be limited. Luckily, there are several third-party apps available that can help you stay organized and maximize your productivity. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best Mac apps to improve multitasking so that you can get more done quickly.
1. Magnet
Magnet provides Mac users with a superior multitasking experience similar to Windows. With Magnet, you can easily split your screen by dragging app windows to the edges of your screen without needing to press any keys or create a new workspace. This tool lets you quickly and efficiently organize your windows, fitting two or four windows next to each other. Additionally, the Window Manager offers custom keyboard shortcuts and a menu bar widget for easy control of your windows.
Magnet supports up to six external monitors and lets you move windows between them. Although Magnet costs $1.99, it is a small price for an improved multitasking experience.
Download: Magnet (1.99 USD)
2. Mission Control Center Plus
Mission Control Plus is a Mac utility that enhances task management on your Mac by adding a few missing features. With this app, you can quickly hide windows with a small X on the upper-left corner of each window in Mission Control without closing the app.
The app also offers several valuable shortcuts, such as hiding the app with Cmd+H or closing the window with Cmd+W. Additionally, you can hide all apps except the one you’re using with Option+Cmd+H. You can try Mission Control Plus for 10 days, after which you must purchase it.
Download: Mission Control Plus ($3.99, free trial available)
3. Tuk
Tuck is a practical Mac application that simplifies switching between multiple apps. By temporarily allowing you to temporarily place windows on the sides, Tuck helps you navigate through all your open windows. This can be done by sliding the window off the screen using the cursor in the center of any edge and bringing it back similarly. You can also use direct keyboard shortcuts instead of the mouse.
Tuck allows you to hide as many windows as you want and navigate between them. Additionally, it includes a menu bar widget to display all the built-in windows.
While Tuck is free, a warning message will occasionally appear. To remove it, you will have to pay a small fee for a license.
Download: Tuck ($6.99, unlimited free trial available)
4. Slidepad
Slidepad is an app that offers a similar function to Tuck, but instead of managing app windows, it provides easy access to a mini web browser. When you move the cursor to the center of the right edge, a panel opens, allowing you to download and add any web application. There’s no limit to the number of apps you can configure, and Slidepad saves the state of the apps when you’re working on something else.
For instance, if you’re working on a presentation and need to check something in Slack, you can click to the right to open the panel and sign in to your Slack workspace. Additionally, you can pin your tasks or calendar to Slidepad to quickly see your schedule.
Slidepad transitions smoothly and doesn’t affect the computer’s performance. In the Slidepad settings, you can also choose to reduce the animation if you prefer.
Download: Slidepad ($9.99, free trial available)
5. uBar
uBar enhances the docking experience on your Mac, which has remained unchanged by Apple for a long time.
By replacing several macOS icons with a Windows-style taskbar, uBar presents active apps, basic information such as time and date on the right, a shortcut to your desktop, and a quick access list to your files. When you hover over a particular app, you can preview its window or windows if you have multiple windows open.
Furthermore, uBar can automatically hide after a certain period of inactivity. You can customize its formatting and adjust elements like background color and transparency.
Regrettably, uBar is relatively pricey and costs $30. If it’s too expensive for you, there are other alternatives to Dock for macOS that you may consider.
Download: uBar ($30, free trial available)
6. Window Switcher
WindowSwitcher aims to address the shortcomings of switching between applications on macOS by introducing much-needed features to the utility.
One of the critical features of WindowSwitcher is assigning a number to each application in the Cmd + Tab menu. This makes it easier to switch to another application by simply pressing Cmd and the assigned number while in the switch. Additionally, WindowSwitcher adds shortcuts to hide and close the application.
Perhaps the biggest highlight of WindowSwitcher is its size options. When in-app switching mode, hovering over an app will open a series of window layouts, making it easy to resize windows by clicking on the desired layout, this feature enables users to move windows to the corner or center quickly.
WindowSwitcher’s pricing structure might be a bit complex for some users. After the seven-day trial, users can pay $12.99 per year, $19.99 for a lifetime license with all updates to the current version of the app, or $39.99 for a perpetual license for all versions.
Download: Window Switch ($12.99, free trial available)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mac offers several built-in features to aid in multitasking, but third-party apps can take it to the next level. From managing tasks with Mission Control Plus to organizing windows with Tuck and WindowSwitcher, to improving the Dock with uBar, these apps can help streamline your workflow and increase productivity. Slidepad provides a convenient way to access web apps without cluttering your browser. While some of these apps may come with a price tag, their added features and functionalities are well worth the investment for those who rely heavily on their Mac for work or personal use.