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Boost Mac Productivity: PopClip, Path Finder & Menuist

Originally published on LIZHI.SHOP, where selected software is available

The Chinese-made AAA blockbuster Phantom Blade Zero is a massive hit. Within just 72 hours of release, sales across all platforms surpassed 4 million units.

A batch of classic Donnie Yen-related movie scenes has also gone viral along with it:

  • “I want to fight ten!”;

  • “Who's the best fighter in Foshan?”;

  • “This table is so slippery.”

These 3 Mac apps can also “take on ten.” Like masters from martial arts novels, each one can replace several small tools. For users researching Mac app recommendations or wanting to clear out single-purpose tools on the desktop, each tool solves specific bottlenecks.

Here is an overview of what problems each of them can solve.

PopClip [Mac]

PopClip is a Mac selection-based action enhancement tool. Its basic use is very simple:

Select a piece of text on a webpage or in a document, and a row of action buttons automatically pops up, helping users quickly complete tasks that originally required several steps.

What makes it versatile is not just a few basic moves, but over 250 extensions.

Each extension adds capability. After installation, PopClip unlocks new actions, works with other apps, and handles diverse tasks.

PopClip extension library: https://www.popclip.app/extensions/?utm_source=lizhi-shop

Text processing efficiency

Normally, copying a piece of text to split it into lines by comma or sort it alphabetically requires opening another utility.

With PopClip, select the text and click the corresponding extension, and it is done.

In addition, there are extensions for removing extra spaces, toggling case, converting between half-width and full-width symbols, unit conversion, and other functions.

These are small actions, but together they save considerable time.

Search and translation

When encountering an unfamiliar word or term, there is no need to copy it, open a browser, paste it, and search.

Select text to run a Bing search right away, or quickly search in Maps, Music, and Taobao. When translation is needed, users can call up Eudic and view the translation result directly in a pop-up window; looking up a word can also trigger the built-in macOS dictionary.

The entire workflow runs smoothly, focused on getting things done without leaving the current page.

Integration with common apps

PopClip can also work with many common apps.

For example, add selected text directly to Evernote, Apple Notes, Obsidian, and OneNote.

Or create reminders in Due, Todoist, and Things 3.

In addition, there are extensions for text encoding, creating short links, adding to a reading list, text-to-speech, and more.

The official extension library already includes over 250 extensions, covering almost any routine text-processing task.

PopClip supports lifetime use, with a free trial of 150 uses before purchasing. Testing the extensions in action helps decide whether it fits your daily routine.

👉 Get it on LIZHI.SHOP

Path Finder [Mac]

If PopClip is a master specializing in text processing, then Path Finder is the comprehensive file management tool.

It is a professional macOS file management tool designed to replace macOS's built-in Finder.

Its differences from Finder are mainly in multi-file handling and dual-pane operations. Especially when handling many files at once, it covers most of the limitations of the native Finder.

Dual-pane management and Drop Stack

First is classic dual-pane file management.

Two folders can be displayed side by side, so copying and moving files across directories no longer requires repeatedly switching windows.

For users who often organize materials and move files, this feature is very practical.

There is also a functional design: Drop Stack.

When collecting materials from multiple folders, files can first be placed into the Drop Stack area, then dragged to the destination all at once.

There is no need to navigate back and forth every time a file is found, making organizing more efficient.

File comparison and sync

When checking if materials in two folders match or finding which files have been modified, Path Finder can directly compare the differences between both sides and sync them as needed.

For users who frequently back up materials and maintain project files, this eliminates significant manual checking.

It also provides visual analysis of file sizes and hierarchical browsing, showing at a glance which folder takes up the most space and which files are worth cleaning up.

Organization and utility tools

As file counts grow, locating specific items becomes harder.

Path Finder supports filtering content by name, extension, or file attributes, quickly locking onto the target file.

The batch rename feature allows combining multiple custom rules to handle complex renaming tasks at once.

The software's secure delete feature thoroughly erases sensitive files.

In addition, it has built-in tools for archive decompression, calculating checksums, disc burning and erasing, and a hex editor, covering development support features commonly used by programmers.

Path Finder covers nearly every file management capability required for complex tasks.

Path Finder supports lifetime use and includes one year of free updates, making it suitable for users needing long-term file organization and project maintenance.

👉 Get it on LIZHI.SHOP

Menuist [Mac]

The last app solves a common everyday limitation.

It is Menuist, a macOS Finder context menu enhancement tool.

The native macOS context menu can feel minimal, which is why Mac context menu enhancement tools remain in demand.

Users accustomed to Windows often notice that on macOS, tasks like creating a new file, copying a path, or quickly opening Terminal require extra steps.

Menuist's role is to bring a customizable set of practical actions directly into the Mac context menu.

Context menu productivity

Normally, creating a TXT, Markdown, or script file requires opening an editor and saving it manually.

Menuist can create these files directly from the context menu, with support for custom templates to generate commonly used files on demand.

Operations such as copying the full path, cutting and moving files, and calculating hash values can also be executed directly.

Frequently used folders, apps, and scripts can be added to the context menu as well.

Tasks that previously required multiple steps can now be completed with a right-click.

Preview and developer features

For those who write code, Menuist includes additional features.

Selecting a code file and pressing the Space key triggers a quick preview with syntax highlighting support.

This allows inspecting code content quickly without launching an editor every time.

It can also recognize Git repository directories and quickly open Terminal from the menu, which is convenient for developers.

In addition, files can directly generate a QR code, allowing other devices on the local network to scan and download them.

For temporary file sharing, this bypasses extra transfer utilities.

Appearance customization and small tools

In addition to the context menu, Menuist provides menu bar quick access.

Frequently used files, directories, and apps can be placed there for direct access without navigating nested folders.

Folder icons can also change color with one click, making materials from different projects easier to distinguish visually.

It also supports image format conversion, integrating multiple small utilities together.

Menuist offers both a lifetime version and a one-year version, allowing users to choose according to their workflow needs.

👉 Get it on LIZHI.SHOP

Final thoughts

These 3 Mac apps each streamline a distinct part of the operating system:

  • PopClip delivers over 250 quick actions through text selection actions;

  • Path Finder covers advanced file management needs;

  • Menuist fills the Mac context menu gap.

Not every feature is needed every day, but having them available significantly reduces repetitive steps.

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