macOS Productivity Stack 2025: My Current Setup
Every year I refine my macOS setup, and 2025 is shaping up to be the year of "invisible productivity" – tools and automations that work so seamlessly, you forget they’re there.
Core Philosophy
The best productivity system is the one you don’t have to think about. Every app, shortcut, and automation should reduce friction, not add complexity.
The Essential Apps
Window Management
Rectangle Pro – Because life’s too short for manual window sizing
- Custom shortcuts for perfect layouts
- App-specific rules that just work
Launcher & Search
Raycast – Alfred’s spiritual successor with superpowers
- Custom scripts for everything
- Extensions that actually extend functionality
- Lightning-fast file search
Note-Taking & PKM
Obsidian with a minimal setup
- Daily notes template with auto-backlinks
- Canvas for visual thinking
- Sync across devices without the subscription drama
Game-Changing Shortcuts
Text Expansion
- Email signatures that adapt to context
- Code snippets with smart placeholders
- Meeting templates with auto-filled dates
System Automation
- Auto-focus modes based on calendar
- Clipboard history with smart search
- File organization that happens invisibly
The Automation Layer
Using Shortcuts.app and Keyboard Maestro to create "magic moments":
- Screenshots auto-organized and optimized
- Meeting prep that happens in the background
- Context switching that preserves your flow state
What Changed This Year
I’m using fewer apps but getting more done. The secret? Every tool has to earn its place by solving a real friction point, not just looking cool in screenshots.
Resources
Productivity isn’t about having the perfect setup – it’s about having a setup that perfectly serves your work.