5 app recommendations in June 2021

Every now and then, at Sir Apfelot, we present Mac apps and mobile apps that are helpful, creative, funny or beneficial for the workflow. This should now happen a bit more regularly, which is why we're starting today with five Mac app recommendations. More should be added every month so that you can fall back on a collection of recommended apps over time. Of course, some of you will know even better apps or a free alternative to one of the payment apps shown. Then of course we look forward to a comment that expands the collection shown;)

1. developers

June is the time of WWDC, Apple's World Wide Developers Conference. I have documented the start of the developer week on Monday for you here: WWDC21 Keynote Summary - New Systems, No Hardware. If the current online conference has given you the desire to program, then the Apple app “Developer” is not a bad start.

In addition to the Mac, you can of course also use the developer app from the technology giant from Cupertino on other systems and devices: iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, ... You can currently find information about the ongoing conference there; including various workshops, sessions and presentations. The free app offers everything about design, frameworks, graphics, games, etc. You will also find all developer tools in it.

• Name: developer
• Category: Developer Tools
• Price: Free
• Download: App Store
• More deets: Website

2.ImageOptim

ImageOptim is something for everyone who equips websites or apps with images in order to design them. Because files that are too large and take a long time to load should not be used for this. In addition, it shouldn't contain too much metadata, so that you can protect your own privacy. Nevertheless, the image should be large enough and compatible with many systems and browsers.

This is where the free Mac app ImageOptim comes into play. The minimalist designed software compresses images and photos so that they do not take up so much storage space, but still retain a usable size and resolution. This can also be useful if you want to compress your photo albums to free up space on the hard drive. 

• Name: ImageOptim
• Category: Image processing / file conversion
• Price: Free
• Download and details: official website 
• Download for Windows / Linux: Click here

3. Shareful

Shareful extends the share menu in macOS as well as in some apps so that you can e.g. B. Copy and edit images faster. If, for example, the "Save" or "Open with" functions are not available for an image or graphic, Shareful adds these in order to accelerate your workflow. Images can be saved directly in the download folder or opened in an app for image editing. 

But Shareful also offers a few options for links. For example, if you click on the share option of the opened URL in Safari, you can call it up directly in other browsers such as Chrome or Firefox via “Open in”. The Mac app is available for free in the App Store. Further information and other apps from the developer Sindre Sorhus can be found on his homepage.

• Name: Shareful
• Category: Productivity
• Price: Free
• Download: Mac App Store
• More deets: official website 

4. GIPHY capture

GIPHY Capture is nicknamed "The GIF Maker", and that is exactly what this Mac app does: create GIF files. You can z. B. record your screen, trim the recording and output it as an animated graphic in the desired size. You can also enter text, trim it in time and so on. The upload to GIPHY is then possible directly.

You can also save the up to 30 seconds long GIF locally and send it by email, use it in messenger apps or use it in social media as a reaction in a comment. Another use: Record the screen for instructions and save and send the recording as a smaller GIF instead of a large video. 

• Name: GIPHY Capture
• Category: Photo and Video
• Price: Free
• Download: Mac App Store
• More deets: official website

5. Crouton

Crouton is nicknamed "Cooking Companion" and does exactly this job. Because here you can not only collect recipes as text on the Mac, iPhone and iPad, but also insert pictures of dishes, snacks, drinks, cocktails, menus and so on. You can also set a meal plan for the week and generate shopping lists directly from it.

Crouton also helps to buy in just the right amount and cook it over. Because the recipes can be scaled depending on the number of people or portions to be cooked. This makes the app a useful alternative to the notes, in which we have certainly all written a recipe or a shopping list. As in-app purchases, there is a plus version as well as the option to tip the developers.

• Name: Crouton
• Category: Food and Drink
• Price: Free, various in-app purchases
• Download: App Store
• More deets: official website

SetApp: Use over 200 apps for a small subscription price

SetApp MacPaw has been offering numerous apps as full versions completely without advertising or other frills for a small subscription price for several years. You can simply download the programs you need from the collection. Updates are included in the price, so you are always up to date. So if you want to see, try and use even more apps beyond our June recommendations, then take a look at SetApp. The offer is available alongside the Mac since last year also for iPhone and iPad.

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.