02-Software to Install When Using a MacBook for the First Time

Preface

On the first day of getting my MacBook, I immediately install these software tools to ensure smooth operation for future Mac usage.

For any paid software mentioned, if a price is specified, it indicates that I purchased it myself.

Prerequisite Software

Screenshot Tool: Snipaste

Used to capture and archive information such as computer serial number, specs, storage space, etc.

Disk Analysis: Tencent Lemon

Use Tencent Lemon’s deep cleaning feature to analyze disk file usage proportions. After using the Mac for one or two years, you can compare disk space usage to identify which folders have become overly full.

Scientific Internet Access

Scientific internet access involves two steps: proxy tool + service — both are essential. (1) Install the proxy tool first; (2) then purchase the service.

1. Download the proxy tool ClashX:

• Download link (third-party): https://github.com/bannedbook/ClashX/releases
  (Note: The official ClashX project has been discontinued; third-party sources are available for downloading the installer.)

• Reference guide: https://github.com/githubvpn007/ClashX

1. Internet service: AgentNEO:

• Purchase link: AgentNEO
  Once the service is set up, you can proceed to download subsequent software like Chrome, Dropbox, etc.

Essential Software

Browser: Chrome Browser

The gateway to the internet. Log in with your Google account to sync bookmarks and browser extensions.

Input Method: Sogou Input Method

I’ve used Sogou Input Method for over a decade and have written 4 million characters, accumulating 230,000 custom entries.

Screenshot + Simple Screen Recording: iShot Pro

• Download: App Store
• Price: ¥78 (one-time purchase, perpetual updates)

Change the default screenshot shortcut from Ctrl + A to F2:

Snipaste uses F1 for screenshot and F3 for paste. iShot Pro uses F2 for paste. This way, the three shortcuts (F1, F2, F3) are grouped together, making them easier to remember and use in sequence.

Also, enable “Launch at login” in the General settings.

Launcher: Raycast

Replaces the built-in Spotlight.

With Raycast, you can quickly launch any application, search for local files, and even use it as a calculator. Its clipboard history feature is particularly useful — once you use it, you won’t want to go back.

1. First, disable the Spotlight shortcut Cmd + Space and assign it to Raycast.

To disable Spotlight's shortcut:

Search for “Spotlight” in System Settings:

Then navigate to “Keyboard Shortcuts”:

Uncheck both options in the screenshot above.

1. Assign a keyboard shortcut to Raycast:

Open Raycast’s settings and change the default shortcut Option + Space to Cmd + Space.

1. Configure Raycast’s clipboard history feature:

By default, it has no shortcut. Assign the shortcut Option + Cmd + C and set the history retention period from the default 7 days to 1 year (longer is better).

Effect of Raycast’s clipboard history:

1. Launch any application on your Mac via Raycast:

For example, to launch Chrome with Option + C, configure it in Raycast like this:

Shortcuts I’ve set for frequently used applications (to be installed later):

• Chrome browser: Option + C (C for Chrome)
• Typora: Option + M (M for Markdown)
• WeChat: Option + W
• VS Code / Cursor (coding tools): Option + V

Password Manager: 1Password

• Download: https://1password.com/downloads/mac
• Price: ¥253/year

Download the latest version from the official website — do NOT use the App Store version, as it hasn’t been updated in two years.

Cloud Sync: Dropbox

Synchronize content written on other computers to the new one, allowing seamless continuation of work.

Writing: Typora + Image Upload Tool: PicGo

Typora is a worthwhile paid tool. Set PicGo as Typora’s default image upload tool for convenience.

1. PicGo Configuration:

If image filenames have unwanted suffixes like .pngundefined, resolve by first setting a value in “Set URL Suffix” and then clearing it. Reference: Image filename bug

1. Set PicGo as the default image uploader in Typora:

Version Control: Git + GUI Tool: Tower

1. Store Markdown articles in private GitHub repositories, using Git for version management.

Installing Git on Mac can be done in multiple ways. The easiest way is to install Command Line Tools for Xcode. After installation, Git will be available.

Alternatively, on macOS Mavericks (10.9) or higher, simply run git in Terminal for the first time — it will prompt you to install command-line developer tools:

$ git --version

1. Also install a GUI tool for visual management. Git’s official website lists dozens of GUI clients — feel free to explore. My preferred GUI client is Tower.

When launching Tower, a popup will ask you to configure your username and email:

Use the following to connect Tower with GitHub:

Token configuration guide: https://blog.csdn.net/weixin_41010198/article/details/119698015

Journaling: Day One

• Download: App Store

Messaging: WeChat, QQ

• Download: App Store

NAS: ZSpace (极空间)

• Download: https://download.zspace.cn/

I purchased a ZSpace NAS device and use its software for convenient file backup and management.

Eye Protection: f.lux

• Download: https://justgetflux.com/

Reduces screen color temperature, minimizes blue light, and protects your eyes.

After launching, the app automatically detects your location. My settings:

• Daytime (sunrise) temperature: 5700K
• Sunset temperature: 4300K

Menu Bar Management: Hidden Bar

• Download: App Store

A minimalist tool that hides unwanted app icons from the menu bar.

Hold Cmd and drag app icons from the menu bar to hide them.

Calendar Tool: Itsycal

• Download: https://