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Developer Spotlight - Ryan Hanson
Most Mac power users recognize Ryan Hanson's apps, even if they don't know his name. Hanson's portfolio of Mac interface enhancements has earned him a reputation as the editor in chief of the UI improvement cohort. His apps are a staple of how I use my Mac. His most recognizable work is Rectangle/Rectangle Pro, regarded by many as the pinnacle in Mac window management.
Rectangle Pro / Rectangle
Rectangle Pro is the full-featured window manager powerhouse, and Rectangle is the free open-source version that many Mac users still recommend as a must-install tool for arranging windows quickly.
Basic overview: free/OSS window snapping & keyboard control for macOS. Pro adds workspace saving, multi-window actions, custom shortcuts, and cursor-movement positioning.
What I like:
- Powerful keyboard shortcuts for tiling and resizing windows -- faster than Mission Control.
- Pro adds workspace macros and custom behaviors many pro users love.
- A reliable, native-feeling alternative to paid tiling managers.
Learn more: https://rectangleapp.com/comparison
Free/$9.99
Charmstone
Charmstone is a spatial app switcher that lets you launch and switch apps by pressing a modifier and moving your cursor in a direction -- a fast alternative to Cmd+Tab or the dock.
What I Like:
- Intuitive spatial app access once learned
- Keeps your hands on keyboard+trackpad, reducing friction switching.
- Minimal learning curve
Product Page https://charmstone.app - $9.99
Superkey
Superkey blends keyboard navigation with screen text search: type what you see and click it -- all without the mouse. It also includes built-in Hyperkey functionality
Product page: https://superkey.app/ - $15.99
Multitouch
A gesture engine for macOS that unlocks custom multi-finger gestures, clicks, actions, and shortcuts beyond what Apple provides.
What I Like:
- Advanced gesture customization and automation for power users.
- Incorporates window actions, key remapping, and click gestures.
- Deep control for workflows involving lots of trackpad/mouse interaction.
Product Page: https://multitouch.app - $15.99
Middle
A focused utility that provides a middle-click with gestures or Magic Mouse/trackpad combinations -- something macOS doesn't include natively.
What I like:
- Simple and effective -- solves a real missing macOS feature.
- Makes tasks like opening links in new tabs and terminal pastes much easier.
- It just works - with minimal fuss.
Product Page: https://middleclick.app - $7.99
Others
- Hyperkey - A small, free tool that turns an unused key (often Caps Lock) into a combined modifier -- Control+Option+Command+Shift -- unlocking tons of shortcut potential. Free
- Scroll - A simple scrolling utility that lets you scroll with one finger on Apple trackpads or tame overly sensitive Magic Mouse horizontal scroll. - $9.99
- KeyLimePie - A keystroke visualizer that shows your shortcut presses -- handy for screencasts or demos. - $4.99
- Space Capsule - A spatial organizer that puts macOS Spaces into a grid layout for faster navigation. - $9.99
- Filebar - A fast file-path management bar -- ideal for editing/working with file paths without opening Finder. - $4.99
- HighTop - A lightweight macOS file browser with tight integration -- great for quick access to local and cloud files. - Free
Hanson’s apps aren’t flashy. They don’t try to reinvent macOS. They focus on one thing: removing friction from everyday interactions. What I appreciate most is that these tools don't try to be ecosystems. They're focused utilities. Lightweight. Native-feeling. Built around speed and control. In a Mac ecosystem that increasingly pushes services and subscriptions, it's refreshing to see software that just makes your machine more responsive to your desires.