Published May 27, 2023, 6:46 AM EDT
Abhijith has been writing for the Web since 2011 and has contributed to sites like Beebom and TechWiser. He is curious about making the best of tech accessible to everyone.
He started writing as a hobby after getting a computer at 16. Since then, he has found technical writing a space where he belongs and could make a difference. A curious and self-motivated person, Abhijith's writings focus on productivity, Android, and the Internet.
He holds a Master's degree in English and a PhD in Humanities. Enthusiastic about language, literature, and culture, he works as an Assistant Professor of English.
If not writing or reading, you can find Abhijith playing Chess or CODM.
Customization is not the first thing most people think about when they imagine macOS. However, contrary to this popular opinion, you can customize your Mac, starting with the desktop.
Unfortunately, the built-in options in macOS may not cut it. So, you have to rely on third-party apps. If you don't know where to get started, here are some apps to customize and personalize your Mac's desktop.
1. Folder Colorizer Pro
macOS doesn't offer an easy way to use different folder icons or change colors. You can do it manually, but it can be complicated. Folder Colorizer Pro makes the same task easier, letting you put different colors, emojis, and photos on folder icons.
You can also create combinations of these elements. For instance, you can set up a background image for the folder icon and add a decal. You also get multiple features like automated folder coloring, smart search, and the ability to undo and redo your actions.
Download: Folder Colorizer Pro ($4.99 per month, free trial available)
Have you ever wanted to have informative widgets on your Mac's desktop? Well, you don't have to wait until Apple introduces native support. WidgetWall is a great app to personalize your Mac desktop by adding many widgets to the desktop interface.
You have to keep in mind that WidgetWall does not use the widgets built into macOS. Instead, you have to choose between the widgets from the custom collection of the app. However, WidgetWall lets you change the different aspects of each of these widgets.
Download: WidgetWall ($9.99 per year, free trial available)
3. uBar
The Dock is another part of the desktop you can customize. If you think the built-in dock customization options don't cut it, you should try uBar, one of the best ways to customize the macOS Dock. This app lets you create a Windows-like menu bar that can show different elements like active windows, app shortcuts, etc.
It also brings some features like window previews and multi-monitor support. The developers keep adding amazing features through updates as well. In short, if you want your Mac's desktop to look and work differently, you should try setting up uBar.
Download: uBar ($30, free trial available)
4. iCollections
If adding colors to the folders on your desktop does not sound enough, you can go a step further by checking out iCollections. This app lets you customize and personalize how folders and files are kept on the desktop.
By default, you can see a few collections, such as disks and frequently used folders. But you can create many collections as per your needs. These collections could be as simple as numerous folders or a photo frame to showcase your favorite snaps.
Download: iCollections ($2.99 per month, free trial available)
5. Vanilla
If you consider your Mac's menu bar as a part of your desktop, you must check out Vanilla. If you have a cluttered menu bar with many icons, which happens when you have several macOS menu bar apps, Vanilla will arrange them in an interface you can access with a single click.
Compared to its paid alternatives like Bartender, Vanilla keeps itself minimal in terms of features. So, you may not find as many customization options as you expect. But rest assured, if you want to keep your Mac's desktop away from distracting menu bar items, Vanilla will do the job.
Download: Vanilla (free, premium version available)
Improve Your Mac's Desktop With These Apps
We believe these apps help you customize your Mac desktop as per your needs and taste. But you must keep in mind that macOS customization does not end there.
In fact, there are so many more ways to personalize your Mac experience. For instance, you can set a custom color scheme, add custom sounds, and even change how your mouse or trackpad behaves.