> Tips for being app‑happy

Use appropriate apps for the task

Suitability is an important consideration when it comes to app usage. Think carefully about what you’re trying to achieve, then the best way to get there. For example, don’t just type everything in Pages – use Reminders for lists, Numbers for tabular data, and Notes for gathering research.

Learn about processes to fix issues

If you’re not sure what a process does, use Google or similar to find out. Sometimes, quitting processes rather than apps in Activity Monitor can fix issues, such as killing Photos Agent to get a stalled Photo Stream working again.

Consider Aple’s default apps

Some Mac users merrily install tons of apps. Every time something new appears, it’s instantly downloaded. But it pays to look at what Apple offers. Many of the company’s apps are powerful, free, and work well with iCloud.

Find more efficient alternatives

If you use only a fraction of an app’s capabilities, you might opt for a lighter, faster alternative. Care only about words, not page layout? Consider iA Writer over Word or Pages. Doing only basic image editing? Photos can do that — you don’t need Photoshop or Affinity Photo.

Offload installers to external storage devices

When you download new apps outside of the Mac App Store, you likely get an installer dumped in Downloads. After you’ve used them, you don’t need them anymore — they just take up space, so offload them to external storage.

Prune your menu bar regularly

Some apps place status or control icons in the menu bar. That area can soon become crowded, making items designed for quick access hard to find. Disable any you don’t use — look in their parent apps’ preferences.