
Default Folder enhances every open and save dialog in macOS, as well as offering a system menubar item and options to add navigation in Finder windows.ĭefault Folder adds super-intelligence to navigation windows. I can’t remember how long I’ve been using Default Folder ($35), because it’s been a constant companion since I first discovered it years ago. I’m confident I’ve saved hundreds of hours over a decade across in sub-second and multi-second increments. In some cases, you have to purchase a tool, because there’s no alternative. Some apps estimate how much time you saved, and others reduce clutter and frustration, which can make you work more efficiently. However, I like to think of these utilities as having a return on investment, as I believe my time (as well as yours) has value.

(Always look for discounts on the more expensive products: some appear regularly in charity and seasonal bundles, and some Apple-oriented sites offer significant membership discounts on popular software.)

Opt for alternative recommendations of utilities below and omit a couple you don’t need, like file-transfer software, and the price tag comes down closer to $100.

Some of the paid products might seem pricey on their own, and the price tag altogether may be too much for many people’s budget to buy all at once: it’s over $300 if you purchase all my main recommendations.
