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How I set up my computer for max productivity

As someone who spends 8+ hours a day architecting systems, writing specs, and toggling between client projects, my computer setup needs to be…

As someone who spends 8+ hours a day architecting systems, writing specs, and toggling between client projects, my computer setup needs to be frictionless. After years of fine-tuning, here’s how I’ve configured my Mac for maximum speed, clarity, and flow.

Mac Apps

📸 Shottr

Blazing-fast screenshot tool with pixel precision, annotation, and OCR. If you take a lot of screen grabs, this is the one.

📋 Maccy

Clipboard history manager that lives in your menu bar. Lets you paste anything you’ve copied in the past with just a few keystrokes. Essential.

🧊 Ice

Menu bar manager that gives you full control over what appears up top in the menu bar, and when. Hide clutter, focus better.

🔍 TextLens

$6 one-time purchase that lets you instantly copy any text on your screen, even if it’s inside images or video. Saves me time every day. I used to manually type, or use ChatGPT and a screenshot to decode OCR, but this tool is better and faster for every scenario. Shottr also does OCR, but I use this for OCR and Shottr just for screenshots and markup.

🪟 Rectangle

Free window manager that lets you snap and resize windows with keyboard shortcuts. Once you memorize the keys, you’ll never use a mouse to move a window again. I have a huge widescreen monitor so this is essential to control windows efficiently.

🌫️ HazeOver

Subtly dims background windows to keep your current task in focus. Great for reducing visual noise during deep work. Can be easily switched on and off, since sometimes you want all your windows bright.

🔐 Password

I store all logins, API keys, and sensitive notes in 1Password. Clean interface, autofill support, and biometric login keep it fast and secure.

✅ TickTick

My go-to task manager. I use it for daily and weekly planning, recurring reminders, and lots more. Cross-platform and fast.

🤖 ChatGPT Desktop App

I keep the ChatGPT app open like a second brain, it’s perfect for code, content, and working through ideas.

🎥 Cap.so

Cap is the fastest, cleanest free way I’ve found to record short screen videos and share them instantly. One keyboard shortcut records your screen, and within seconds you get a shareable link. No editing needed, no upload lag. Perfect for walkthroughs, bug reports, or async updates. Free tier is generous, and the UI feels buttery.

Browser Setup

I’ve recently switched to the Dia Browser for its clean interface, integrated AI chat window, and privacy-first design. Here’s how I’ve customize it:

📌 Bookmarks

🧩 Chrome Extensions

Final Thoughts

None of these tools are super flashy but together, they create a system that keeps me focused, responsive, and efficient. If you’re a power user, consultant, or just want to tighten your digital environment, give this setup a try.