If you’re a macOS user who thrives on efficiency, chances are you’ve already explored Apple’s built-in multitasking features like Mission Control or Split View. But what you might not know is that the Mac community over on Reddit has unearthed a treasure trove of lesser-known apps and tools that push multitasking to impressive new levels. Tucked away in threads across r/MacApps and r/MacOS, these hidden gems provide smarter window controls, expanded menu functionality, and surprisingly intuitive workflows—all designed to help you do more, faster.
TL;DR:
Mac power users on Reddit rave about lesser-known tools that can radically enhance multitasking on macOS. These include clever window managers, menu bar customizers, and keyboard-centric apps that streamline navigation and workspace organization. While macOS is already optimized, these apps take it to another level of productivity. If you’re constantly juggling tasks, this curated short list is definitely worth a look.
1. Rectangle Pro – The Window Snapping Superhero
At a glance, Rectangle may seem like a simple window manager—but its more advanced sibling, Rectangle Pro, is celebrated on Reddit for completely transforming how users interact with windows. Unlike macOS’s limited Split View, Rectangle Pro brings true granular control over window positioning using keyboard shortcuts or edge snapping.
- Customizable shortcuts allow you to arrange windows in thirds, quarters, or any custom dimensions you want.
- Snap areas can be fine-tuned to your screen, including ultra-wide monitors.
- It’s open-source at its core, with the Pro version adding features like AppleScript support and multiple display profiles.
Reddit users consistently note how smooth and intuitive the snapping is—especially for developers, designers, or anyone juggling multiple apps.
Reddit Tip: Use Rectangle Pro with multiple displays to gain full control over each screen’s layout. Users mention it works flawlessly with external monitors and even virtual desktops.
2. BetterDisplay – The Display Manager macOS Should Have Had
This one flies under the radar, but Reddit’s developer-heavy forums mention BetterDisplay as a game-changer for anyone working with external monitors. Unlike Apple’s default display settings, this app lets users manage resolution scaling, display mirroring, and advanced rotation like never before.
What makes it particularly useful for multitasking is how well it integrates with other tools—especially when you’re using ultra-wide monitors or retina displays:
- Multiple display configuration profiles for toggling quickly between workflows (e.g., coding vs. video editing setups).
- Dithering control for color-critical workflows.
- Ability to fake-native resolutions and trigger DisplayPort features most users didn’t even know macOS supported.
Reddit Tip: Combine BetterDisplay with Rectangle, and you’ll elevate your multi-monitor setup into an ultra-efficient digital command center.
3. Hidden Bar – Your Menu Bar, Your Rules
Mac users have long grappled with chaotic menu bars crowded by utility icons. Hidden Bar is Reddit’s top pick for reclaiming that space. This tiny app lets you choose which icons are visible at all times and which get tucked away—perfect for minimalists who still need access to background tools like VPNs, scripts, and Dropbox.
- Simple drag-and-drop interface for organizing icons.
- Auto-hide feature that responds to time or interaction settings.
- Supports all macOS versions, even older ones that fall behind on newer tweaks.
Unlike competitors like Bartender (which is also popular but paid), Hidden Bar is free and open-source. Reddit users mention its stability and zero-friction user experience as key reasons for recommending it.
Reddit Tip: Pair Hidden Bar with Keyboard Maestro or Alfred to launch hidden utilities via hotkeys, further minimizing distractions.
4. Raycast – The Spotlight Search on Steroids
This tool often gets described as what Spotlight wants to be when it grows up. Raycast is a command palette and launcher that Redditors can’t stop talking about: it speeds up nearly every aspect of working on a Mac by reducing common tasks to keyboard commands.
From opening folders to calculating earnings to sending messages in Slack, Raycast is customizable almost to a fault. Key features include:
- Built-in extensions for GitHub, Notion, Jira, and other developer/designer favorites.
- Scriptable actions via JavaScript or shell commands.
- A snippets manager, calendar integration, and clipboard history all rolled into one.
Raycast is frequently cited in Reddit threads for speeding up task switching, searching files, and even controlling smart home devices via custom plugins. If Alfred feels too complicated or Spotlight too limited, Raycast hits the sweet spot.
Reddit Tip: Combine Raycast with a focused window manager like Rectangle and you’ll rarely ever need to touch your mouse again.
5. Amethyst – The Tiling Window System for macOS Power Users
If you come from a Linux background, you might be familiar with tiling window managers like i3 or xmonad. Amethyst brings this experience to macOS, and Reddit’s productivity fans absolutely love it for coding, scripting, and terminal-heavy work.
This system automatically resizes and positions windows based on well-defined layouts like Fibonacci, Columns, or Fullscreen—no dragging or resizing needed. Highlights include:
- Dynamic tiling with multiple layout algorithms.
- Hotkey-driven layout swaps, window focus, and resizing.
- Complete workspace transformations based on task type.
For workflows that demand laser-focus and keyboard optimization, Amethyst offers a no-frills yet transformative experience. Though its learning curve is steeper than Rectangle’s, Redditors argue that the time saved over weeks and months makes it more than worthwhile.
Reddit Tip: Pair Amethyst with Raycast or a launcher like Alfred to enable near-total keyboard control over your Mac. For those in development or research, this setup delivers near unum productivity.
Final Thoughts
While macOS does a decent job of providing baseline multitasking capabilities, these tools embraced by Redditors breathe new life into everyday computing. Whether you’re a minimalist designer, a high-octane coder, or just a faithful Mac enthusiast, there’s something in this list to fit your workflow and working style.
Best of all, these apps don’t require a monthly fee or steep learning curve (with the possible exception of Amethyst). They’re tailor-made for users who want to streamline multitasking and minimize clutter, all while expanding what macOS is capable of straight out of the box.
Because multitasking isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing better. And with the right tools, it’s entirely within your grasp.