A wave of highly focused utilities is reshaping Mac and iOS workflows. Real-time shortcut overlays with XCut are gaining traction; native ultra-wide capture arrives with Ultra Wide for Insta; Quick Look upgrades come from Folder Preview Pro. [1][2][3]
XCut automatically shows shortcuts for the app you're in, lets you search by command, and deep-scans dynamic menus in complex apps. The overlay is customizable—drag, resize, adjust opacity, and pin on top or toggle with a global hotkey. [1]
Ultra Wide for Insta lets you shoot in native ultra-wide format on iPhone. The app is free to try, with a $9.99 IAP to remove the watermark. [2]
Folder Preview Pro extends Quick Look with actions and thumbnails, adds a larger Icons view, and lets you navigate folders via the Path Bar. Full Disk Access is required for some features. [3]
- JuxtaText — free diff version of its bigger brother, JuxtaCode. [4]
- FileMerge — accessible from Xcode's developer tools. [4]
- BBEdit (free version) works great. [4]
- VS Code — diff mode is powerful and free. [4]
- Meld — open-source diff tool. [4]
- P4Merge — free visual diff/merge tool. [4]
- Sublime Merge — free personal license. [4]
- Codelime — diff tool with 3 modes. [4]
On depth-effect chatter, people ask for free options; focos is a paid workflow, while Relens and Tadaa pop up as alternatives. [5]
These tiny, focused tools point to a thriving niche on Apple platforms—watch for more targeted utilities in the months ahead.
References
Anyone interested in trying a real-time shortcut overlay app? Looking for beta testers!
XCut beta overlays shortcuts for active apps; compares to KeyCue/KeyClu; users propose features and discuss alternatives like Raycast/Menuwhere in beta
View sourceUltra Wide for Insta
Discussion of iOS app Ultra Wide for Insta; native ultra-wide video capture; free-to-try with $9.99 watermark IAP; seeking feedback today.
View sourceFolder Preview Pro: Quick Look Folders with Actions and Thumbnails
Folder Preview Pro launch adds actions, thumbnails, and icons view; mixed feedback cites performance issues and upgrade code prompts online.
View sourceVisual diff tool on mac (preferably free??)
Mac diff-tools thread comparing free options (JuxtaText, VSCode, Meld, P4Merge, BBEdit, FileMerge) with budget and subscription trade-offs.
View sourceis there a free alternative to the focos app for adding depth effect in post processing?
Seeking free depth effects alternative to Focos; Relens praised; Tadaa suggested; iPad version criticized; pricing discussions ongoing by users here.
View source