Productivity tools - 2026

Some tools are so ingrained in my workflow that it seems impossible to live without them! Here are my favorite tools at the beginning of 2026.

Note taking - Obsidian

Obsidian is a great free note-taking tool powered by the Markdown format. What I particularly appreciate is that there's also a mobile version that allows free cloud synchronization using the 5GB of storage offered by macOS.

Benefits:

• Based on the Markdown format.
• Powered by an ecosystem of extensions.
• Flat file storage system, compatible with most syncing services (iCloud, Dropbox, etc.).
• Option to use iCloud for free cloud-based syncing.

Screenshots - Shottr

I take screenshots dozens of times a day, and Shottr has simplified all the related operations. In just a few seconds, the area to capture is selected, annotations are added, and the content to be hidden is erased.

Benefits:

• Integrates seamlessly with macOS.
• Adds arrows and text in seconds.
• Copies text from an image (CMD+O).
• Copies the hexadecimal code of a pixel (TAB).
• Drags the result directly into an email or message without saving it first.
• Adds a background to images based on the current wallpaper.

Password manager - 1Password

As a developer and business manager, I have to log in to dozens of external services every day. Each login contributes to my mental fatigue and potentially poses a security risk. Fortunately, 1Password has been coming to my rescue for several years now!

Benefits:

• Efficient management of Passkeys and TFA/MFA/2FA.
• Simple password sharing.
• Canadian product.
• Makes unique passwords usage very simple.
• Delightful double encryption approach that reduces the risk of data breaches.

Drawback:

• It is now impossible to do without the annual subscription.

App Launcher - Alfred

I use Alfred about 25 times a day. Using a keyboard shortcut, a text box appears where I can enter commands:

• Launching applications.
• Searching for files.
• Establishing an SSH connection.
• Performing mathematical calculations.

I save valuable time each time (especially when searching for files)!