98 lines
4.3 KiB
Markdown
98 lines
4.3 KiB
Markdown
---
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title: What software do I use?
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date: 2025-10-24
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modified: 2026-01-31
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description: Showing the software I use on a typical day
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categories:
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- Technology
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---
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Since switching to Mac nearly two years ago, I'm honestly surprised I've never compiled a list of my favourite Mac apps I use on a daily basis. So, here you go!
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## Zen Browser
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[Download Zen](https://zen-browser.app) - Available on macOS, Windows & Linux
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> To-do: add new image
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Zen Browser is a fork of Firefox that recreates the UI and functionality of the [Arc](https://arc.net) browser from BCNY. Unlike Arc, Zen is open-source and won't be discontinued out of nowhere [in favour of an AI browser](https://diabrowser.com)...
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I've been using Firefox and Firefox-based for years, as it's pretty fast & supports older MV2 extensions like the full uBlock Origin.
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## VSCodium
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[Download VSCodium](https://vscodium.com/#install) - Available on macOS, Windows & Linux
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> To-do: add new image
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{{< note title="Update - January 31, 2026" >}}
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I recently switched back to VSCodium after using Zed for roughly 7 months. Zed's auto complete and extension system just do not cut it for me.
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{{< /note >}}
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VSCodium is a freely-licensed version of Visual Studio Code that removes Microsoft's built-in telemetry, AI features and existing marketplace.
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## Affinity
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[Get Affinity](https://affinity.studio) - Available on macOS, Windows & soon iPadOS
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{{< note >}}
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Canva launched a new version of [Affinity](https://affinity.studio) on October 30th, 2025.
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It combines the features of Designer, Photo and Publisher into one **free** application. Login is required and optional AI features are available with a subscription.
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{{< /note >}}
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I use Affinity for designing stuff like logos and the cover images for this website.
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I'm not a graphic designer, but it's something I hope to learn in the future.
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## Ableton Live 12 Suite
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[Get Ableton Live 12 Suite](https://ableton.com/en/live) - Available on macOS & Windows
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> To-do: add new image
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I have used a "LEGITIMATELY OBTAINED" copy of Ableton Live as a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for all of my music since 2021.
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I have no shame in obtaining my DAW and plugins through other means, they're quite expensive.
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I use primarily the Serum 2 synthesiser, various Waves plugins, a few FabFilter plugins and some Kilohearts plugins on my tracks.
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If anyone's interested, a typical vocal chain of mine currently includes (in no particular order):
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- Ableton's built in Gate effect
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- FabFilter Pro Q3/Q4
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- FabFilter DS
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- FabFilter Saturn 2
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- Waves Tune Real-Time from Waves
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- CLA-76 and/or CLA-2A from Waves
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- Slate Digital Fresh Air
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- Manny Marroquin Distortion from Waves
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I find both FL Studio and Logic Pro to be too complicated.
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## Mail (Apple)
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[Learn more](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Mail) - Available on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and visionOS
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> To-do: add new image
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There's not much to say about this one. Apple's Mail app on desktop does the job for me and so does the mobile version.
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I've never felt the need for any of those paid apps like Notion Mail or Superhuman.
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It also supports the Custom Email Domain feature with iCloud+, which I for this website's domain and a few others.
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## KeePassXC
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[Get KeePassXC](https://keepassxc.org/) - Available on macOS, Windows & Linux, with an official browser extension and other third-party KeePass apps available
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Using KeePassXC, I moved all of my passwords and passkeys to a KDBX database, rather than relying on iCloud or Firefox Sync to store my passwords.
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Databases are encrypted and require a password + key file to unlock.
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I sync those two files between multiple devices using [Syncthing](https://syncthing.net) between my laptop, phone and PC.
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