Want to know more? Read along as I share my experience of using OnlyOffice features and describe its strengths and weaknesses.

OnlyOffice Desktop Editor – User Interface

The first thing that struck me about the OnlyOffice Desktop Editor was its clean and intuitive user interface. If you have ever used Microsoft Office before, you can navigate through the app with no hassle.

The app offers in-app theme and language customizations. Once you launch OnlyOffice, click Settings and apply your preferred configuration.

From the home page, you can create a new Word document, Spreadsheet, PowerPoint presentation, and PDF form. Besides, the app lets you open local files from your Mac and edit them (more on this later). The best part is that you can connect OnlyOffice with your existing cloud storage to fetch files and documents.

Next, you will find a Templates tab on the home page with hundreds of document templates such as checklists, travel itineraries, resumes, etc.

After you create a new document, whether a Word doc, excel sheet, or slideshow, you can see a ribbon-style toolbar at the top. As I have always used Microsoft Office for work purposes, I found the tools and menus quite similar yet more accessible.

Overall, the design is minimal and doesn’t feel cluttered or overwhelming. Now, let’s explore the offerings of the OnlyOffice Desktop Editor for Mac.

Overview of products offered by OnlyOffice Desktop Editor

OnlyOffice offers a range of products to cater to different user needs.

• OnlyOffice Docs: For personal use, the OnlyOffice Docs suite provides a comprehensive set of tools for creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, PDFs, presentations, etc.
• OnlyOffice DocSpace: For team collaboration, the OnlyOffice DocSpace solution offers advanced features like shared workspaces, high-end security, and seamless integration with popular platforms.
• OnlyOffice Workspace: This package combines document management, CRM, project management, and more into a single, powerful application for businesses.

Since we’re looking at Only Office as a potent Microsoft 365 alternative, I’ll stick to examining the features of Docs and DocSpace in this review. Let’s get started.

Features of OnlyOffice Docs for Mac

The OnlyOffice Desktop Editor is best known for its Docs suite. It’s a free app packed with features that make it a worthy alternative to Microsoft Office 365 and some native Mac apps like Pages, Numbers, and TextEdit.

Here’s a quick rundown of what it offers from its home page:

1. Document editor

To create a new document, you can click the Document tab on the home page. You will be introduced to a feature-rich word processor with support for file formats such as DOC, DOCX, ODT, PDF, ePUB, FB2, RTF, HTML, etc.

The app lets you format text or swap over to the Insert tab to add images, videos, charts, tables, and more. Besides, you can find and replace words, add comments, or see the table of contents directly from the sidebar. Below are some other options you get:

• From the Draw tab, you can doodle anything on your document.
  
• Layout lets you set exactly how your document should look, from margins to page breaks. Also, you can add your watermark to the pages.
• References tab offers citations, footnotes, table of contents and figures, cross reference, add captions to the images, etc. tools. These are essential if you’re writing an academic paper and need to hyperlink your sources!
  
• Collaboration allows you to view, add, and edit comments on shared documents in real-time. You may track changes and accept or reject them.
  
• From the Protection menu, you can encrypt your files with password protection or add your digital signature.
  
• Plugins are where you can use extra tools and add-ons. I like its OCR function for converting images to text. Besides, you will get a photo editor, embed YouTube videos, code editor, and Translator tools by default.
  
  
  You may click the Plugin Manager to install more useful extensions, like ChatGPT, Autocomplete, Telegram, etc., to boost your productivity and efficiency. Note that you must enter an API key to use ChatGPT and edit documents in OnlyOffice Docs.

You can also add the author’s name and tags to the doc from the Document Info section under the File menu. Once done, you can click the save icon at the top left.

The highlight for me was the ability to change File Format while savings the doc. For example, if you are creating an eBook, you can export the document as ePUB.

Next, I’ll take you through the spreadsheet editor offered by OnlyOffice Desktop Editor for Mac.

2. Spreadsheet editor

OnlyOffice’s powerful Spreadsheet editor has all the tools you need to create invoices, record data, perform operations, and just about anything else you’d need an Excel sheet for.

• The Home page lets you input and manipulate data. From the bottom toolbar, you can add a new sheet to the workbook.
• Other tabs such as Insert, Layout, View, Collaboration, Protection, and Plugins consists of many of the same functionalities as included in the Document editor.
• The Formula tab is unique to Spreadsheet; it’s capable of reading data and applying mathematical equations to extrapolate further information.
• From the Data tab, you can import spreadsheets from local CSV or XML files. Besides, you can convert text to columns within the app, saving time and effort. I found its Remove Duplicates and Goal Seek features very useful.
• If you want a more professional approach, worry not! OnlyOffice Spreadsheet Editor features Pivot Table tools.

Much the same as when working in the OnlyOffice Desktop Document editor, ensure to save your work so it can be shared or continued later. You may export it in XLSX, XLTX, ODS, XLTM, OTS, and CSV file formats.

3. Presentation editor

Presentation Editor by OnlyOffice is exactly what you want from slideshow software – create and edit slides with ease. You can even add notes and annotations for your audience.

Like the other two editors, you can format text, insert images, tables, charts, and text boxes, draw shapes, collaborate with others, protect your file, and use plugins. Here’s a bit more you can get:

• Transitions tool provides several slide-changing animations for a smoother slideshow.
• Not only slides, but you can also animate elements into your slides from the Animation tab.

Whenever I need to create a presentation at the last minute, I simply use OnlyOffice Editor’s ChatGPT and draw.io plugins to generate the content and diagrams.

Its diverse customization options help to make a professional-looking slideshow without much hassle.

4. PDF Form editor

Want to create fillable forms or surveys for data collection or your business needs? OnlyOffice has got you covered.

Upon selecting PDF Form from the home page, you will notice its interface and menu tools are identical to the Document editor.

The Forms tab is the new addition. The tools here provide all necessary form sections such as Email Address, Phone Number, Credit Card, etc. Besides, you can add custom text fields, checkboxes, dropdowns, and radio buttons.

What’s more? When you select a text field or predefined section, a sidebar will open with more customization options. After you are done, you may view the form and save it as a PDF to share with others.

You can also open any PDF to annotate and add comments. It allows you to highlight or underline text or doddle on the PDF. Moreover, the editor can convert a PDF into a form and then complete it.

If you want your team to take the above benefits while working in collaboration or sync your OnlyOffice suite across devices, you may create a DocSpace cloud account and use their DocSpace module. Here’s all you need to know about it.

OnlyOffice DocSpace Features

From the OnlyOffice Docs’ home page, go to Connect to Cloud and sign into DocSpace. Once you create an account, it will give you a unique address. Now, using that link and your credentials, you can access your OnlyOffice suite from any device.

So, just create collaboration rooms, create or open your files, invite teammates to join your OnlyOffice rooms, and start working together. What I loved about this module were the advanced collaboration features, especially the co-editing mode and built-in chat support.

Besides, the industry-level security measure truly deserves applause. You may even import your Google Workspace, backup your data, and much more for free.

I hope you have a clear understanding of the OnlyOffice application and its features.

Now comes the main question: Is OnlyOffice as good as the Microsoft Office bundle, and should you download it on your Mac? Let’s face it!

Should you download OnlyOffice Desktop Editors for your Mac?

YES! I highly recommend giving OnlyOffice Desktop Editor a try.

OnlyOffice Desktop Editors is a solid suite of tools to accomplish nearly any file editing or presentation task you may need. It supports all standard file formats and protects your confidential files with strong encryption. I find its interface user-friendly which makes it easy to get started.

Its Document editor rivals other popular word processors. Besides, the Spreadsheet editor can handle large amounts of data and produce accurate results when you apply formulas. Overall, it consists of everything you need for work or school.

Pricing

The OnlyOffice Docs suite is available for free. However, a few premium features require a paid plan segmented into teams and businesses. The pricing is very competitive, especially when compared to the subscription-based model of Microsoft Office 365. Take a look.

For better pricing quotes, you may even contact the OnlyOffice sales team and discuss your requirements.

Download

OnlyOffice Desktop Editors is a reliable and feature-rich office suite. It’s powerful, flexible, and user-friendly. So, you may replace your current productivity tools with this free alternative on Mac.

The post OnlyOffice Desktop Editor – Edit, create, and manage documents on Mac appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

6 Best Android emulators for Mac

Android emulators for Mac have caveats. Some are region-specific, and some don’t support Apple Silicon Macs (M-series chips). I suggest checking each emulator app’s system and regional requirements before downloading. Now, let’s explore these best Android emulators for Mac.

1. Android Studio – Editor’s Choice

While preparing this list of the best Android emulators for Mac, I had not doubt that Android Studio should be my top choice. This emulator is trusted by many developing Android apps on a Mac.

Jointly developed by Google and JetBrains, this emulator boosts Android app development with a comprehensive set of tools for building and testing. Its advanced debugging capabilities and multi-touch gesture support speed up the development process. That’s not all. The emulator integrates with popular tools like Gradle and IntelliJ IDEA quite easily.

Further, Android Studio allows you to create and customize virtual devices with different screen sizes, resolutions, and hardware configurations. All in all, Android Studio continues to be a preferred choice for developers looking to learn app building from scratch and polish their skills.

Price: Free

Download

2. Genymotion – For high performance

Offering a professional-grade experience to every Mac user, Genymotion is a reputable Android emulator with decent features that allow you to develop and test apps easily. 

If you’re running something heavy, don’t worry. The OpenGL hardware acceleration support will give you all the speed you need. This emulator comes with popular development tools like Android Studio and Eclipse. As a result, developers can streamline their workflow without depending on any other service. There are also a variety of device configurations and versions to choose from.

From my experience, I believe it is the best choice for test automation, security, application development, VDI, and game development. Don’t let this moment slip away, and learn to simulate a variety of device configurations and versions of Android as you desire.

Price: 30-day free trial (Subscriptions start at $0.05)

Download

3. KO Player – For general use

If you’re looking for something casual that gets the job done, KO Player is the right consideration. Designed for very general use, this emulator will give you a very neat and lag-free Android experience on your Mac.

While it may not be a performance-extensive choice, it sure has some amazing features. It is perfect for those looking to play games or use apps that are typically only available on Android devices.

KO Player has a built-in video recording feature that allows you to record your screen time. It also consists of some advanced qualities like keyboard mapping and gamepad compatibility, making it ideal for gaming enthusiasts.

There is a built-in Google Play Store, which you can download and enjoy any app you desire. And if you’d like to manage multiple profiles for various use cases, KO Player will do the job smoothly. In my opinion, every Mac user should try this emulator at least once.

Price: Free

Download

4. Bluestacks X – Most popular Android emulator for Mac

When anyone thinks of an Android emulator, Bluestacks comes as a top choice. Originally, Bluestacks was only available for Windows PC users. Thankfully, with the latest advancements, even macOS users can enjoy popular Android games on their devices.

The seamless compatibility of Bluestacks with macOS ensures that you get a smooth and efficient game emulation experience. With Bluestacks X running on my Mac, I tried several Android games and was amazed at the smooth performance.

Apart from high performance, the emulator allows various customization options like keyboard mapping and power adjustment. Hence, you can personalize your gaming hub to your liking.

With an intuitive design and regular updates, Bluestacks X is a reliable choice for those seeking to run Android apps on their MacBooks. It is a top-notch emulator that caters to the needs of everyone looking for reliability and functionality. However, the reason why it is not at the top of my list is because its functionality is limited to a few regions.

Price: Free

Download

5. NOX Player – For Intel-based Macs

With impressive features, high performance, and a feature-rich interface, NOX Player is the best Android gaming emulator for Mac. It is known to provide a smooth and stable experience while giving a large games library support.

The wide range of customization options will keep you on your toes. NOX Player allows users to customize settings such as CPU allocation, RAM size, and resolution to optimize performance based on individual preferences. All these factors improve the overall experience significantly.

And that’s not it. If you’re an extensive gamer like me, you will love the gamepad integration feature of this emulator. It lets players add an external controller of their choice and enjoy Android games on Mac like before.

Regardless of the Mac operating system you’re on, this emulator will provide you with the best gaming experience. NOX Player stands out as a reliable and efficient Android emulator for Mac with its all-out support.

Price: Free

Download

6. ARChon – Cloud Android emulator

Last but not least, if you don’t want to burden your Mac with an Android emulator app, try ARChon. Unlike traditional emulators, ARChon allows users to run Android apps on their Mac without needing a separate virtual machine. It runs on Google Chrome.

Even though this is a cloud emulator, do not mistake it for something casual. This emulator is known for its seamless performance, allowing users to experience smooth and lag-free app emulation.

ARChon also offers a ton of customization options, such as adjusting screen resolution and orientation to tailor the experience to individual preferences. If you must, it also allows you to install third-party APK files on the cloud itself.

Such features make ARChon a popular choice among developers and tech enthusiasts alike. Overall, it stands out as a top-tier Android emulator for Mac users seeking a high-quality experience with minimal hassle.

Price: Free

Download

Welcome Android on Mac!

In conclusion, Android emulators for Macs offer a great way to experience Android apps and games on a larger screen. Each emulator has unique features and capabilities, making it a great choice depending on your needs and preferences.

Which Android emulator will you download for your Mac? Do let me know in the comments below!

Read more:

• Best iOS Emulators for PC
• Best Windows emulators for Mac
• Best SNES Emulators for Mac

The post Best Android emulators for Mac in 2024 appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

These software, at least some of them, help you fix your iPhone, while others retrieve deleted data. I have tried, tried, and reviewed many paid and free iPhone data recovery software for Mac and Windows and compiled a list of the best ones. 

Before that, let’s know what things you should check before purchasing iOS data recovery software.

Things to consider when choosing iPhone data recovery software

You may find hundreds of iPhone data recovery software. But most may not work for you. So, keep the following factors in mind before you stick to one:  

• Ensure that the software is trustworthy and does not gather any private information, 
• It should have an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
• Verify compatibility with your Mac, macOS, iPhone, and iOS. 
• It should offer good technical support. 
• Supports a variety of data formats and recovery sources. 
• Do check reviews.

I have taken all the criteria while choosing these, so let’s jump in!

1. Tenorshare UltData
2. Dr.Fone by Wondershare
3. iBeeSoft iPhone data recovery
4. TunesKit
5. iMobie PhoneRescue
6. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone
7. EaseUs Mobisaver
8. FoneLab

1. Tenorshare UltData – Editor’s choice

Features:

• Compatibility: up to iOS 15
• Requirements: macOS 10.8+
• iOS system repair capabilities.
• Data recovery directly from backups and iTunes.
• 35 file types are supported.

Tenorshare has received the highest user ratings for iOS data recovery software as it recovers data more quickly than others. Whatever the situation, including shattered screen, locked or frozen phone, system failure, virus attacks, etc., Tenoshare got you covered. It takes only a few minutes to complete the recovery process.

If you have system root done, you can still retrieve your data loss from iCloud, iTunes, and iOS device backup. I loved the feature of selective data recovery, to retrieve only particular files. It supports 35+ file formats, including voicemail, messages, app data, chat attachments, etc., and has several recovery procedures. 

To help you make a purchasing decision, we have made a whole Tenoshare review.

Price: Free to download and preview (Licence starts for $69.95/year)

Download

2. Dr.Fone by Wondershare – For extensive recovery

Features:

• Compatibility: up to iOS 15 
• Requirements: macOS 10.8+
• Supports system repair, screen-unlock, iOS to Android phone transfer, and virtual location features.
• Recovers notes, attachments, voicemails, call history, reminders, and other file types. 
• Transfer, store, and retrieve data from social apps like Facebook and WhatsApp

Like other Wondershare software, Dr.Fone is a dependable and easy-to-use tool. The program restores deleted data from any iOS device, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. It uses a well-known, three-step data recovery technique to preview and restore the selected files. 

You can get back your data, whether it’s accidental deletion, system crash, device damage, stolen device, or ROM flashing. The software retrieves data such as call history, messages, and calendars to all multimedia files from local iPhone storage, iTunes backup files, and iCloud.

The free version only shows previews of data loss and doesn’t allow for saving retrieved files.  I tried it on macOS 12, iOS 15, and Windows 11 devices and loved its simplicity and ease of use. I loved its simplicity and easy-to-use features. Want to know more? Read our detailed Dr.Fone review. 

Price: Free to download and preview (Licence starts for $69.95/year)

Download

3. iBeeSoft iPhone data recovery – Best value for money 

Features:

• Compatibility: up to iOS 15 
• Requirements: macOS 10.14 and older
• Modern data recovery technology for iPhone data recovery without backup. 
• Supports over 20 file formats. 
• Deep scanning feature.

Have you forgotten to create a backup for your iPhone and now accidentally lost all your data? You can still bring your lost data back using iBeeSoft iOS data recovery software. It comes with fundamental data recovery techniques without any complex fancy features. Hence, super easy to use!

You can get back lost or deleted data from your iPhone if there’s a factory reset, stolen, lost, system crash, or something else. It supports all common file types like images, videos, contacts, call history, notes and reminders, voice memos, Safari history, and more, and extracts from iTunes and iCloud backup.

Go through our detailed iBeeSoft for Mac review to get a clearer idea of its features.

Price: Free for preview (Licence starts for $39.95/year)

Download

4. TunesKit – Selective iOS data recovery

Features:

• Compatibility: up to iOS 15 
• Requirements: macOS 10.8+
• Recover over 20 types of lost and deleted data.
• Lifetime free upgrade.
• 24/7 technical support.

TunesKit iPhone data recovery software for Mac saves you from any iOS data disaster by thoroughly and swiftly recovering over 20 types of data from iTunes and iCloud backups. Its smart recovery modes can tackle accidental deletion, device loss, jailbreak failure, system crash, iOS upgrade/downgrade error, wrong password lock, etc.

You can effortlessly recover all deleted or lost data with three easy clicks. First, connect the device to Mac and then scan for the lost data. The selective recovery feature displays all data clearly in one location to pick certain retrieved files to save. It makes the recovery process more precise and versatile. 

TunesKit especially focuses on data privacy. Your account is only accessible to you. Also, stay relaxed about existing data because it doesn’t overwrite the restored files. So, should you go for this iOS recovery software? Go through our TunesKit review. 

Price: Free to download (Licence starts for $39.95/year)

Download

5. iMobie PhoneRescue – Repair and recover iOS

Features:

• Compatibility: up to iOS 15 
• Requirements: macOS 10.8+
• Remove iPhone lock screen.
• Screen time password recovery.
• Save iPhone/iPad from Breakdowns.
• Encrypted iTunes backup files recovery.

Besides attempting data recovery, PhoneRescue also resolves iOS system problems. You can repair frozen iPhones, iOS devices in Recovery or DFU Mode, and White, Blue, or Black screen of death. If you accidentally forget the Lock Screen or Screen Time Passcode, it can erase them. 

With only three clicks, you may restore 31 types of lost data, even from damaged backups. It uses several cutting-edge technologies such as NO-DATA-LOSS, ForceRestore, Thunder-Extraction, SmartCompare, etc. Hence, you receive secure, thorough, simple, and quick data recovery with a straightforward interface.

This iPhone data recovery software for Mac gave me complete access to my iOS devices. On my iPhone 13 Pro Max, it analyzed data in an hour. So, the recovery speed is quite lengthy compared to others. But the results were excellent except for video recovery. Before recovery, it offered deleted files as thumbnails (download option only for the paid version). 

I have comprehended all my experience in the iMobie PhoneRescue review. Read here!

Price: Free for preview (Licence starts for $69.99/year)

Download

6. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone – Privacy-centric software

Features: 

• Compatibility: iOS 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, and below 
• Requirements: macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, or earlier 
• Retrieve erased data from an encrypted backup. 
• ‘Deep Scan’ for up to 100% data recovery. 
• Delete third-party apps data and iPhone data permanently. 

Losing iPhone data is a common issue. Sometimes it arises because of a virus attack, while other time it happens because of our clumsiness. However, with Stellar data recovery software for iPhone, you do not have to worry about losing your important data ever. Be it the data from iCloud or iTunes- Stellar’s data recovery data saves it all.  

The software recovers lost or deleted photos, videos, audios, contacts, call history, Notes, encrypted data, etc. from iPod Touch /iPhone/iPad/iTunes and iCloud backup. All these features are accessible with the basic Standard edition. Though, you can choose the Toolkit edition for additional features like iOS system repair, iPhone data eraser, and removal of configured Apple ID. 

One of the best features of Stellar data recovery software for iPhone is the data deletion facility. It lets you delete any unnecessary third-party apps data from your core iOS system data with ease. Also, the data erasing feature permanently deletes iPhone data. Hence, no other data recovery software for iPhone can retrieve it, assuring your data is secure and confidential.  

Price: Free for preview (Licence starts for $39.99/year)

Download

7. EaseUs Mobisaver – One time payments

Features:

• Compatibility: iPhone 13 and older
• Requirements: macOS 10.14 and older
• Sort scanning results by file type.
• Retrieve a missing partition.
• Recover over 1000 different data types.
• Technician license for the businesses.

If you want to avoid paying a regular membership charge, EaseUS MobiSaver, with free lifetime updates, is for you. That means you need to pay just once to handle any data loss. With 18 years of experience, EaseUS offers the perfect iPhone data recovery software for Mac named MobiSaver.

In the free edition, it allows for only one picture or video recovery and five contacts from your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. With the Pro Edition, you can restore unlimited iOS data, including texts, Kik messages, and WhatsApp history. Besides, it provides data recovery from non-responsive and malfunctioning devices.

If you are an IT provider and need to fix multiple iOS devices, you can opt for the Technician edition. I had a faced problem using it as I had macOS 12, and it doesn’t support that. Also, it was unable to store a few retrieved files. Know what features I explored in the EaseUS MobiSaver review.  

Price: Free (Licence starts for $79.95/year)

Download

8. FoneLab – Quickest data recovery software

Features:

• Compatibility: up to iOS 15 
• Requirements: macOS 10.7+
• View in-depth details on your missing data.
• A broad range of third-party app recovery support.
• Capable of recovering 19 different kinds of data.
• Recover images from third-party apps like Instagram.

Aiseesoft Fonelab is the ideal for recovering data as soon as possible with its quick scanning performance and data recovery speed. It can access over 19 different data types from your iCloud, iTunes backups, and iOS devices. But the iCloud backup should not have two-factor authentication enabled.

Fonelab features a user-friendly design and big preview icons. With its high success rate, it completes the task at hand. The only problem I had with FoneLab was that it categorized some of my photos differently. Later I found them in the Camera Roll. 

Price: Free for preview (Licence starts for $69.95/year)

Download

So, that’s all, folks!

Always try to create a backup for your iPhone so that the iOS data recovery will be easier. Before purchasing a license for an iPhone data recovery software, check their preview. Thus, you will know what files you may get back. Which one seemed the most reliable software for Mac to you? Let me know in the comments below.

Read more:

• Best Backup Software for Mac (Free and Paid)
• Decoding iPhone data recovery myths: What you can’t restore?
• How to put your iPhone or iPad in Recovery Mode?
• iOS System Recovery Software for Mac – iMyFone Fixppo

The post Best iPhone data recovery software for Mac and Windows in 2024 appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

While other PCs can work well with these apps, the apps run efficiently on MacBooks. This is thanks to the superb computing power and software optimization that only Apple is known for. So, let’s dive into the list and check out these apps, shall we?

1. Logic Pro – Editor’s Choice

For professional music producers who use MacBook, there’s little reason to go beyond Logic Pro. This audio editing app is designed specifically for Mac. The proverbial saying “a match made in heaven” stands true for Logic Pro and your MacBook.

The app features all the tools that you’d need for audio editing. This includes, but isn’t limited to, tools for songwriting, editing, and mixing. Moreover, the app is relatively easy to use, thanks to a modern interface that works in tandem with the tools themselves. Apart from this, you’ll find samples, instruments, loops, and effects to experiment with for your song.

To put things into perspective, Logic Pro has over 5900 instrument and effect patches, 1200 instrument samples, and almost 15,000 loops designed by Apple. Overall, you can’t find a similar wholesome toolkit to edit your audio on Mac.

The only major con of this software is that it’s significantly expensive. Not everyone can afford to shell out close to $200 for the software.

Price: $199.99

Download

2. Audacity – Supports many file formats

There’s no bigger disappointment than paying for an audio editing app to find out that it doesn’t support some file formats. Fortunately, with Audacity, you won’t have to worry about this issue. This audio editing software for Mac supports all the major file formats, as well as some of the less-used formats out there. Moreover, it’s free to use, open-source, and supports multiple PC platforms.

Another major advantage of Audacity is that it’s easy to use. Regardless of your level of expertise, Audacity ensures that audio mixing and editing become something that even a beginner can manage. Additionally, it doesn’t take up much storage space in your Mac. Furthermore, its open-source nature allows third-party integrations for your projects as well.

The only issue with Audacity is that you’ll have to work slightly harder to lay multiple tracks together.

Price: Free

Download

3. Adobe Audition – Great for podcasts

Adobe produces some of the best software suites you’ll find on the market today. However, Adobe Audition has become a favorite of audio engineers, streamers, and more specifically, podcasters. While there are plenty of other tools you can use as a podcaster, Adobe Audition’s all-rounder performance takes it to the top of the list.

This audio editing software for Mac has pretty much everything that you need. Whether you want to add a background score to your podcast intro or edit various podcast segments, Audition can cover it all.

Moreover, if you’ve been facing issues with background noise or white noise during your recording sessions, Adobe Audition’s audio clean-up tool is one of the best available today. Without a doubt, the best podcasts available today have used or still use Adobe Audition as their audio editing software!

However, I wouldn’t recommend this tool to beginners, as it can be quite difficult to use. Moreover, it works on a subscription service that can be expensive in the long run. Nonetheless, if you’re a podcaster and have money to spare, Adobe Audition is the way to go!

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $31.49)

Download

4. WavePad – Decent free features

Free audio editing apps for Macs tend to hold all of their best features behind expensive paywalls. However, if you want a taste of premium audio editing without spending the big bucks, WavePad could be what you’re looking for. This app is completely free to use, with in-app purchases for other features.

In terms of audio file format support, WavePad provides support for multiple file types, such as AAC, AMR, GSM, OGG, MID, and M4A, to speak of a few. Apart from this, you can use effects such as echo, amplification, and noise reduction to edit your soundtracks. WavePad also features Audio Units which give its users access to thousands of different tools and effects.

Overall, this app is quite versatile and flexible in its usage and can be utilized for multiple different types of projects.

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $99.99)

Download

5. RX Post Production Suite 7 – Best for professionals

If you’re a professional music producer and want the absolute best tool for audio editing on Mac, RX Post Production Suite 7 should be your first pick. This tool is only used by advanced users and audio editors who work on big-money projects. After all, this tool comes from the brilliant minds at iZotope, which has been leading the audio editing field for a few decades.

With the seventh iteration and update to the Production Suite, this audio editing software for Mac provides even more potent tools that take audio editing up by a notch. You’ll find tools such as RX Advanced, Neutron 4, Insight 2, and Nectar 3 Plus, among others. Combine them together, and you have pretty much everything that you need for post-production audio.

Moreover, all the tools that you’re using provide visual feedback. This gives you a decent idea of what you may need to change or where you’re going wrong. Basically, as a professional audio editor, there’s little else that you need.

However, this audio editing app is far too expensive for most people. Beginners will also have to face a steep learning curve when using the app’s tools.

Price: $999

Download

6. Fission – Can process audio in batches

Sometimes, you’ll have to produce audio in bulk instead of working on intricate audio. In such cases, it can be challenging as most audio editing apps don’t allow batch processing of audio. However, Fission provides this capability and makes you work smarter, not harder.

You won’t find too many advanced tools in Fission. It’s a very simple piece of software designed to edit and create lossless audio. From cutting and trimming the audio to editing audio metadata, Fission provides the necessary tools for you to process audio easily. Nonetheless, it shines when you have to process plenty of audio files together and change them to various file formats, such as .aac, Apple Lossless, or even FLAC.

With Fission, what you see is what you get. This editing tool is designed to process audio faster and therefore lacks the more complex features you might see in other audio editing apps for Mac.

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $35)

Download

7. ocenaudio – Best for beginners

From the advanced post-production process of RX Production Suite 7, we move to ocenaudio. This Mac audio editing app is perfect for beginners who want to understand the concept and nuances of audio editing. Furthermore, the editing app is free to use, thanks to its open-source nature.

The user interface for ocenaudio is very clean, with no complicated buttons or options to overwhelm the user. Despite this simplicity, the developers have ensured that there’s some element of modernity in the overall UI. Apart from this, you’ll find the basic audio editing tools, such as track cutting and the ability to preview effects in real-time.

You’ll also be able to work on large projects with this tool, as it can handle bigger files than most other editing apps. This is a nifty addition, considering others fail to handle files of multiple GBs. To sweeten the deal, ocenaudio also supports Virtual Studio Technology plugins.

In terms of disadvantages, you won’t be able to edit or process multiple tracks together. Considering the importance of this feature, advanced users may be disinterested in the app quite easily.

Price: Free

Download

8. GarageBand – Syncs with iCloud

For a completely free audio recording and editing tool on your Mac, GarageBand is a pretty decent option. Moreover, if you’re a beginner who wants to explore the world of audio editing, you can use GarageBand to start your journey.

Despite being a free app, it comes with all the necessary tools you require for audio editing. Moreover, it comes with a simple interface that doesn’t perplex users or create unnecessary complications. Along with this, beginners can make use of the visual EQ to understand the process better and rectify their mistakes.

Although it comes with a host of features, its biggest flex has to be the fact that it syncs with iCloud. You’ll be able to import or export all your songs directly through iCloud on GarageBand. Whether you want to experiment with a new song or want to save your remix, GarageBand’s iCloud integration is a boon.

However, since the app is free, users will find that plenty of top-tier features are missing from the audio editing software.

Price: Free

Download

9. Reaper – Constantly improving

Most audio editing apps for Mac scarcely release updates. They add new features to a new version and charge the full cost. However, with Reaper, you won’t have to worry about this issue. Reaper is one of the most advanced music editing software out there. For a one-time cost, you’ll get plenty of the premium features that you’d find in the more expensive editing apps.

For example, Reaper is so tightly coded that you’ll be able to install it from anywhere – whether that’s directly from the cloud or through a portable drive. Moreover, it supports all the bit depths and sample rates imaginable. If that’s not enough, Reaper also supports thousands of third-party plugins for virtual instruments.

Nonetheless, what truly sets Reaper apart from the competition is its constant updates. You’ll frequently receive updates from Reaper after the full purchase. These updates will contain bug fixes, interface improvements, and even new features. The best part? These updates are frequent and FREE.

My only gripe with Reaper would be that it has a steep learning curve. Beginners will find it quite complex to use.

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $60)

Download

Summing up

If you want to edit your audio to produce a few masterpieces, you’re going to need the right tools for the job. With this list of the best audio editing software for Mac, you’ll reach a few steps closer to your goal. I’ve covered these apps based on varied use cases. If you have any recommendations, let me know in the comment section below. I’ll be sure to check them out!

Read more:

• How to use Podcasts app on iPhone and iPad
• Best music player apps for iPhone and iPad
• How to see your Apple Music Replay 2023 playlist on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
• Best tax software for Mac

The post Best audio editing software for Mac in 2024 appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

1. Doratoon

Doratoon is the best animation software with commendable features and working procedures. It allows you to create animated videos with their preferred sound effects and background designs on different photos. 

Its easy-to-use interface integrates the user with a collection of features. With multiple templates to work on, Doratoon introduces AI across its system, improving the workability by leaps.

Its most helpful features include Format Painter, Animation Effect, Intelligent Drawing via AI, and AI Intelligent Dubbing. This means that you can draw any character or object, and Doratoon’s AI will assess and recommend similar objects to insert in the video. Further, it enables users to convert their texts into a speech.

Price:

• Basic: Free
• Pro: $19/Month Billed Yearly
• Pro+: $49/Month Billed Yearly

Try it

2. Crello

Crello is a well-known free animation maker tool enabling the creation of videos and graphic designs. This is especially helpful for social media, web-based graphics, and prints.

You can edit a photo by removing the background or using wonderful visuals with background erasers. You can make shapes of stickers and scatter them on the canvas. Further, it’s easy to create animated characters on Crello.

Price:

• Starter: Free
• Pro: $10/Month Billed Annually

Try it

3. Blender

Blender provides simple and easy steps to edit a video with minimal effort. It assists in adding music to MP4 videos, animations, and pictures. 

Besides, the software boasts thousands of tracks in the built-in media library. You can choose from there or add your music. With Blender, you can also animate objects on the artboard, change fonts, use filters and overlays to transform your video.

Price: Free

Download

4. Powtoon

Powtoon is another free animation software that helps make interactive videos for work, studies, or personal use. If you can’t grab enough attention, use Powtoon to engage people.

Powtoon provides video templates that you can edit or use in their original form for different events. And they have a template for nearly any event of life, covering marketing, sales, virtual events, and development domains.

Price:

• Pro: $19/Month Billed Annually
• Pro+: $19/Month Billed Annually
• Agency: $29/Month Billed Annually

Try it

5. Biteable

Biteable is another source of making an animation for free. You need to sign up or log in to your Biteable account from your phone or desktop. The next step requires you to pick up a template and work on it.

With Biteable, you can add texts, music, and pictures after choosing scenes you want to merge. Biteable puts the scenes according to your preferred setting and duration. Once done, save the video or share it on your socials.

Price:

• Free: $0
• Ultimate: $49/month billed annually
• Teams: $2500 per year

Try it

6. Animaker

As obvious from the name, Animaker is another animation creator that makes animation easy due to its drag-and-drop feature. With its powerful character builder, you can create millions of free characters.

Animaker has 100M+ videos and photos that you can use for creating different kinds of videos. It enables you to pick from 1000 templates catered for 100 different occasions.

Price:

• Basic: $10/month billed annually
• Starter: $19/month billed annually
• Pro: $49/month billed annually

Try it

7. Canva

Canva has a drag and drop interface that helps create graphics within minutes. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, Canva has it all accommodated for you. 

There are thousands of templates covering every important and general event of life. 

You can take a template from its storage, edit it accordingly, and save graphics on your device. It allows editing, cropping, blurring, and adding stickers and captions.

Price:

• Free: $0
• Pro: $119/Year

Try it

8. Pencil2D

Pencil2D is another animation software permitting users to create 2D sketches for different projects. Using the software is straightforward, allowing both beginners and experts to use it smoothly.

Animations are stored in bitmap or vector drawings. Vector workflow is used to manage animations with Pencil2D effectively. Pencil2D is a free animation software and open-source.

Price: Free

Download

9. Adobe Spark

Adobe Spark, a stream of Adobe editors, allows you to instantly design, edit, and share your desired videos on different social media platforms. 

Big brands use this animation software to put forward their story in front of an audience.

Whether innovative ideas or old-school themes, the tool helps make every video seamlessly. It is an easy-to-use online tool and you can get started for free!

Price:

• Starter: Free
• Individual: $99.99/Year
• Team: $239.88/Year

Try it

Prominent factors in the best animation software

We have differentiated 9 different and top-class animated applications available. However, if you are confused, here’re some prominent factors that must be present in any animation software.

1. Built-in animated characters and templates
   The best animation software has wonderful built-in characters and templates. Check whether your chosen animated software has a wide range of attractive animated characters and templates covering every department of official and personal life.
   
2. Easy-to-use interface
   The software must have an easy-to-use interface to use with lesser technical information. 
   
3. Reasonable pricing strategy
   Animation is great but not the end of the world. Therefore, you should wisely choose which software you want to spend money on. The best animation software has valuable features that the majority can afford at a reasonable price.
   
4. Availability of desired features
   Before buying an animated software, check whether the features you desire are present in the application. Some helpful features might not be available in every software.

These characteristics are already available in Doratoon, the best-animated software for beginners to experts. You can get high-quality features with sufficient pricing plans and an easy-to-use interface in Doratoon.

That’s it!

I hope this article helped you choose the best animation software for your Mac and make the work smoother. Have more queries? Share in the comments below.

Read more:

• Why is my Mac fan so loud and how to fix it
• Best video converter apps for Mac
• SD card not working on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBooks?
• Best CAD software for Mac

The post Best animation software for Mac in 2024 (Free and paid) appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

On the other hand, these apps can also be used to play pranks on your friends! In this article, let’s check out some of the best voice changer apps for Mac.

1. Clownfish Voice Changer – Editor’s choice

Clownfish is a gaming-centric voice changer. The Chrome extension changes your voice in real-time. It integrates seamlessly with popular apps, including Google Hangout, Discord, Skype, etc. I am particularly fond of the inbuilt text-to-speech converter.

What I liked is that you can edit specific parts of the soundtrack. Furthermore, the inbuilt text-to-speech feature works with great accuracy. The list of voice effects includes alien, atari, clone, mutation, fast mutation, slow mutation, male pitch, female pitch, helium pitch, custom pitch, etc.

Moreover, Clownfish alters the soundtrack across Steam, Skype, Hangouts, Viber, Ekiga, Jitsi, Mumble, Discord, etc.

Price: Free

Download

2. MorphVox JR – High on accuracy

MorphVox JR (Free) is Mac’s extremely popular voice changer app. The MorphVox Pro is a better option if you are a professional. On the other hand, MorphVox VR is completely free. It offers a limited set of features for casual users. You can choose between Man, Tiny Folks, and Woman voice.

I had a lot of fun using MorphVox Jr. The app can record high-quality audio whilst weeding out background noises. It is a light application and uses very few computing resources.

If needed, you can also add a catchy background score to your track. The hot-swap mode lets you change your voice instantly. Super useful when you are on a call. MorphVOX reserves a custom pitch feature for the pro version.

Price: Free (MorphVox Pro 4 starts at $39.99)

Download

3. Voxal Voice Changer – Gamer’s delight

Voxal Voice Changer is the most comprehensive of the lot. It is compatible with major VOP apps and game streaming services. It offers plenty of voice effects segregated into People, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Strange and Silly, and effects. The bottom line is that there is something for everyone.

Voxal Voice Changer lets you listen to your modified voice in real-time. This way, you can tweak it if needed. You can set the stage by adding background noises. Or prank your friends by adding funky background noises to the mix. It is best to create voices for characters in audiobooks.

Price: Free (home edition), Commercial price starts at $34.99

Download

4. Voicechanger.io – Get creative with voice effects

Voicechanger.io started as a hobby project. In its current form, the service is limited. However, Voice Changer offers captivating sound effects, including alien, anonymous, Sonic The Hedgehog, and more. Just go to their website and give it a go.

The Voicegenerator feature is useful for creating audio from text. The best part, it is completely free and offers decent offline support. Furthermore, you can adjust pitch speed and download Google TTS audio format. However, I noticed that the quality of downloaded recordings was not up to the mark.

Price: Free

Try Voicechanger.io

5. Voice Spice – Add funky accents to your voice

Voice Spice Recorder is a basic free voice changer for Mac. You can type anything, and text-to-speech will convert it into another language and gender. You can also record audio and add voice effects in post-processing. I was impressed with the accuracy of the accent.

One of the biggest downsides is the lack of real-time features. Each time you have to wait for processing. And if the audio is not up to the mark, you have to redo it from scratch. With Voice Spice Recorder, you can directly upload recordings to the cloud.

Price: Free

Try Voice Spice

6. Female to Male Voice Changer – Simplifying speech therapy

Female to Male Voice changer is centered around changing a male voice into a female. Choose from different voice options like mountain troll, extremely low pitch, slightly higher pitch, even higher pitch, much higher pitch, extremely high pitch, and chipmunk.

The app can be used on the browser. You can also upload pre-recorded audio clips. The app can be used on the browser. You can also upload pre-recorded audio clips.

Moreover, the tool is suitable for voice therapy or change pitch. It is especially useful for those who have undergone reassignment surgeries.

Typically, speech therapy involves listening to others’ voices and learning from them. The app helps people understand how their voice would sound after modulation. The sample is used to practice speech therapy.

Price: Free

Try Female to Male voice changer

Why should you use a voice changer app?

Some might be wondering why we should use a voice changer app. The Voice changer app can be helpful in many scenarios. You can use it to create professional-grade content. Or use it for casual purposes. Below are some of the use cases for voice changer apps for Mac:

1. Use Voice Changer to prank your friends
2. Some people use it for privacy
3. Get creative and make some engaging videos
4. Gamers can mask their voice in chats
5. More affordable than hiring voice-over artists

The best part is using these apps to change voice on Discord. No matter what, it is always a good idea to have a dependable voice changer by your side.

How to change voice on Discord?

Most of the voice changer apps support Discord. Select a voice effect, and you are good to go. You can sound like a guy or girl on chats. Clownfish Voice changer works well with Discord and Voxal Voice Changer.

I hope you had fun trying out voice changer apps on Mac. Make sure that you use it responsibly. Misuse of the voice changer app could land you in trouble with the law. Share your experiences with voice changer apps in the comments below.

Read More:

• Best audio editing software for Mac
• Best Voice Recorder Apps for iPhone
• Teleprompter apps for Mac
• Best iPhone Call Recorder Apps

The post Best voice changer for Mac in 2024 appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

The list is not merely suggesting the names, but I’ll be digging deep into each software to help you decide which one works best for you.

How to choose the right CAD software?

While a lot depends on your skill and talent, a significant portion also depends on your software. So, learning, adapting, and employing the right CAD software is absolutely necessary. But how do you find the right match? Consider the below points:

• Your design need – What do you do or intend to do? Will you be doing 2D drafting or 3D modeling, or both? Will you be designing buildings, jewelry, interiors, furniture, or cars?
  
• Features – This stems from the previous point, what features will you need to design your object. Every CAD software does not support all kinds of tools. So, look for the industry-specific tools you require.
  
• User interface – Once you’ve narrowed down the type of CAD software and specific tools, the next step is to judge the interface. How steep or shallow is the learning curve? Will it suit your style and skill set (beginner, intermediate or professional)?
  
• Market expectation – What skill does your job profile require? Does the industry prefer AutoCAD designers over Rhino3D or vice versa?
  
• Budget – Generally, CAD software are on the expensive side, so you’ll have to think hard before you swipe your card. A thorough comparison of price vs. features and subscription vs. one-time purchase is necessary.
  
• Compatibility – CAD software are CPU/GPU-intensive programs, so having the right compatibility is a must. Check whether the software of your choice is compatible with your Mac and macOS versions.

5 Best CAD software for Mac

1. Rhino3D
2. Autodesk AutoCAD
3. TurboCAD
4. Fusion360
5. Blender

1. Rhino3D – Editor’s choice

• Interface: Beginner to intermediate level
• Great for: Industrial design, product and jewelry design, and architecture
• Compatibility: Mac (Intel and M1 via Rosetta 2), Windows
• Software overview: Getting Started with Rhino 7 by Rhinoceros3d

Rhino3D takes a different route for 3D designing. Instead of a polygon mesh-based approach (used by most CAD software), Rhinoceros employs a NURBS mathematical model (produces a mathematically precise representation of curves).

In simpler terms, the software gives you better freedom for drawing curvaceous designs and manipulation. So whether it’s an automobile, jewelry, furniture, machinery, architecture, or graphic design, you get better output.

Furthermore, it can be used as a standalone app or paired with other CAD, CAM, MCAD, CAE, and BIM programs.

Ease of use

Rhinoceros has a similar interface to Autodesk products, so the learning curve is significantly shallow if you’re a designer. But even if you’re a newbie, a few video tutorials from Rhinoceros3d or fellow creators would suffice.

And not just tutorials, you’ll also find a host of inspiring images and videos of what can be achieved.

Design and simulation tools

Rhino3D enables you to create, edit, analyze, document, render, animate, etc. In fact, the software claims that there are “no limits on complexity, degree, or size beyond those of your hardware.”

Accordingly, it is jam-packed with tools of all kinds, including model creation, editing, rendering, presentation, drafting, mesh, digital fabrication, etc. Furthermore, the latest Rhino 7 has the most significant upgrade in its history, so the tools keep getting better.

Templates and customization

Customization is a key feature of Rhino3D. You can personalize the interface completely to suit your needs. You can create custom commands and menus, save them as templates, or use default templates from the app.

What’s more? Rhino supports hundreds of different CAD, CAM, CAE, rendering, and animation products. So, you can import and use numerous file formats in Rhino; plus, the openNURBS libraries allow other applications to read and write Rhino’s native 3DM files.

Collaboration

Rhino3D is not designed to compete with other designing software. Instead, the multi-limbic software complements and supports them by offering extensive compatibility. Though, the key strength of the software is plug-ins.

Depending upon the task, these plug-ins help you delve deeper into industry-related tasks or automation. Some of the most popular Rhino plug-ins include LunchBox, Kangaroo Physics, Flexible BIM, and Ladybug.

Final words

Rhino3D’s use case is almost endless; while designers use it to create lifelike objects, 3D printing, fabrication, and more, some also use it for reverse engineering. Currently, it is becoming an in-demand skill.

If you’re a budding designer, I advise you to tip your toes into the water and test it at least once. The software doesn’t follow a subscription fee, and the one-time purchase price is pretty decent. However, you might have to chip in extra to get the latest update and features.

Price:

• Trial – 90 days
• Rhino 7 – $995

Download

2. Autodesk AutoCAD – The most popular option

• Interface: Beginner to intermediate level
• Great for: Architects, decorators, engineers, construction professionals, etc.
• Compatibility: Mac (Intel and M1 via Rosetta 2), Windows
• Software overview: AutoCAD beginners tutorial by Skills Factory  

AutoCAD is among the pioneer of Computer-Aided Design software; consider it the Photoshop equivalent of this industry. It started as a 2D tool and later progressed to include 3D design.

Furthermore, the recent updates have improved the Mac app drastically. It now boasts features almost at par with the Windows alternative and includes additional advantages like trackpad and Touch Bar support, multitouch gestures, split screen, etc.

Although, support for the native M-series chip is still missing. It works via Rosetta 2, but that certainly affects the performance and speed.

Ease of use

The basic interface is pretty generic; an extensive menu on the top and toolbars on the left and right corners of the frame. AutoCAD is quite intuitive; even new users can find the required settings in a few clicks (if not less).

Moreover, the platform’s popularity guarantees a host of step-by-step tutorials on YouTube and third-party blogs. So self-learning, creation, and exploration are super accessible and easy.

Design and simulation tools

AutoCAD brings a lot to the table, starting with basic drawing and editing tools like geometric shapes, trim, extend, mirror, rotate, merge, group, etc. Plus, advanced features like 3D modeling and visualization, mesh modeling, photorealistic rendering, object selection and isolation, 3D Navigation, etc.

Furthermore, you can write scripts to automate repetitive tasks, record and run action macros, create custom line types, hatch patterns, shapes, text fonts, define command aliases, etc. The AutoCAD 2024 also boasts features like floating windows (multiple monitor support), drawing history, My Insights, etc.

The software can simulate and illustrate how the object will look in real life. But it cannot animate the object and how it will move or react; Autodesk Simulator might help you with that.

Templates and customization

The great thing about using AutoCAD is the number of resources available. AutoCAD brings an array of pre-build DWTs (custom drawing templates) for starters. And some online communities and websites share special templates, similar to how video creators share/sell their Final Cut Pro plug-ins.

You can create a drawing template suiting your requirements or mold an existing one to suit your needs. Moreover, AutoCAD incorporates several subsets with industry-specific toolsets to cater to specific design areas, like mechanical design, product design, electrical engineering, architecture, etc.

Collaboration

AutoCAD boasts an extensive ecosystem with Mac, Windows, mobile, and web apps that enable seamless integration between one or more devices. And if you’re part of a team, you can collaborate or annotate drawings, quickly gather drawing data, and share it safely and securely.

AutoCAD also inculcates 1,000+ third-party apps support, APIs, and more to smoothen out users’ workflow.

Final words

AutoCAD supports both 2D and 3D designs plus boasts industry-specific tools. So, we can safely call it an all-in-one solution. Looking into its offerings, I won’t call the software super expensive. But it can be difficult for freelance designers and beginners to chip in that much.

Although, if you only deal with 2D designs, a cheaper Autodesk AutoCAD LT can be a worthy contender.

Price:

• Trial – 30 days
• Monthly – $235
• Yearly – $1,865

Download

3. TurboCAD – Cost-effective AutoCAD alternative

• Interface: Beginner-friendly
• Great for: AEC industry, woodworkers, and furniture designers
• Compatibility: Mac (Intel and M1 via Rosetta 2), Windows
• Software overview: TurboCAD beginners tutorial by TurboCAD Design Group

TurboCAD offers a similar feature set as AutoCAD. It enables users to draw free-form 2D renders and 3D designs. Although, TurboCAD takes a more beginner-friendly approach with an easier to adapt learning curve and cost-efficiency.

Let’s put it this way, the concept/functionality of drawing and creating design is similar. However, the tools and UX are a bit different. In fact, the developers provide an interesting ebook resource that helps users transition from AutoCAD to TurboCAD.

Ease of use

TurboCAD is a great place to start if you’re new to 2D or 3D modeling, as the learning curve is not as steep. Furthermore, the developers offer a range of step-by-step tutorials on YouTube to help you grasp the basics and master the new features.

Additionally, they also host Community Forums, where designers of every level can interact and resolve their queries. Although the forums seem to be a bit of a dud, you can always search on Google or ask on Quora and Reddit; the software is popular enough to get your answers.

Design and simulation tools

TurboCAD is packed with tools for 2D drafting, 3D surface and ACIS® solid modeling, 3D printing, assembly, advanced architecture, woodworking, and whatnot. It also excels at photorealistic rendering with thousands of built-in symbols, materials, decals, etc.

The latest TurboCAD Mac Pro v12 further brings advanced features like split mesh, wrap, mesh booleans, photo-rendering, best fit line/circle, weight and volume tables, etc.

Templates and customization

TurboCAD doesn’t have a pre-cooked template gallery, but you can create, save, and edit templates to be used later. Interestingly, the software supports import/export DWG and DXF (AutoCAD extensions), Adobe Illustrator, PDF, SketchUp 2020, etc.

So, you can use these resources and their pre-built templates to build your designs. While the software offers plenty of customization tools, it lacks in the automation sector, like you can’t create macros to repeat certain menial tasks.

Collaboration

TurboCAD doesn’t have dedicated mobile apps, but it has the next best thing. The software seamlessly integrates with various mobile apps such as TuroSite, Turboreview, DroneScout, etc.

Thanks to it, you can import live feedback from the field and collect aerial data via DJI Phantom Series drones. There’s also an expensive TurboCAD for teams/professionals edition offering a complete set of collaborative tools.

Another smart feature in TurboCAD is the extensive support for the import/export of various file types. While adding a step still allows users to share and collaborate without chipping in extra.

Final words

If you compare TurboCAD and AutoCAD in features and output quality, the latter will lead. However, TurboCAD stands as a perfect candidate for beginners; it’s affordable and easier to use.

Notably, many designers/companies/institutions use TurboCAD as a stepping stone. Once they became deft, they advanced to AutoCAD. Although, you should note that TurboCAD is not as low-priced.

It smartly offers the basic tools for a base price for a single user. And when you need the latest features, add collaborators, or get specific-advanced tools, you’ll have to pay extra for what you need.

Price:

• Trial – 15 days
• TurboCAD Mac Pro v12 – $699.99 (professional 2D/3D design and rendering)
• TurboCAD Mac v12 PowerPack for Deluxe – $299.99 (extra for 3D printing tools, mesh tools, and more)

Download

4. Fusion360 – Cloud-based 3D modeling software

• Interface: Intermediate level
• Great for: Product designers, 3D printing, prototypes
• Compatibility: Mac (Intel and M1 via Rosetta 2), Windows
• Software overview: This is Fusion 360 by Autodesk Fusion 360

From the house of Autodesk (creators of AutoCAD) comes another CAD software, Fusion360. And while there are some similarities, a lot is different between the two. For one, Fusion360 is a cloud-based 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE tool that concentrates heavily on 3D modeling.

Furthermore, it is an entirely cloud-based system with unlimited storage and access. It keeps the data safe and secure plus makes cross-platform access and real-time collaborations a breeze.

Ease of use

With 3D modeling at its forefront, Fusion 360 has a slightly complex UX and a steep learning curve. But as usual, there are plenty of resources from product documentation and videos to community forums that’ll make things easier.

What’s great is that the software fuses freeform modeling and solid, parametric, and mesh modeling. So once you get the hang of it, achieving great results is a certain possibility.

Design and simulation tools

Fusion360 is a complete 3D modeling software, and accordingly, it has all the tools one would need, from a full suite of sculpting tools to simulation tools that can test fit, motion, and pit designs against real-world conditions.

Furthermore, it integrates CAD and CAM, allowing users to streamline additive and subtractive manufacturing and 3D printing enthusiasts to create prototypes. Fusion360 also employs extensions to make workflow seamless.

Thanks to it, you unlock various complex capabilities like machining strategies, generative design, and additive manufacturing workflows.

Templates and customization

Fusion360 can seamlessly adapt to AutoCAD drawing templates (DWT), which means you have a host of pre-built templates at your beck and call. You can also build a custom template and employ extensions to suit your workflow.

Collaboration

Thanks to the cloud-based design, Fusion360 enables synchronized bi-directional changes. That means you can invite multiple team members and make simultaneous changes in the projects. Naturally, you can also track changes.

Final words

In many ways, Fusion360 is the advanced version of AutoCAD. It makes processes like sculpting, fabrication, live simulation, and collaboration quite simple. If your major workflow is surrounded by 3D modeling, prototyping, or printing, there’s barely any product better than this.

It’s like taking advantage of all the perks of AutoCAD and then some at a considerably lower price tag.

Price:

• Trial – 30 days
• Monthly – $60
• Yearly – $495

Download

5. Blender – Best free 3D modeling software

• Interface: Beginner to intermediate level
• Great for: Game design, digital sculpting, CGI, character animation, illustration
• Compatibility: Mac (Intel and M1 via Rosetta 2), Windows
• Software overview: Blender 3.0 Beginner Tutorial by Blender Guru

Blender is the answer to all the prayers of students, beginners, and hobbyists. The free and open-source software brings some strong tools to the table. Plus, an equally strong community to support and encourage your endeavors.

Furthermore, it is the real jack of trade. You can render, model, animate, rig, sculpt, simulate, create VFX, edit videos, etc.

Ease of use

Blender isn’t the most beginner-friendly software. The UI can get daunting between the many features and toolsets. However, everything becomes smooth sailing once you get the hang of it.

You can even expedite the workflow by customizing the keyboard and mouse shortcuts and training them to do your bidding. And thankfully, there are endless resources and support. Whether you prefer step-by-step written or video tutorials.

One of the key strengths of Blender is its community. You can easily interact with fellow beginners, professionals, students, etc., to clear out doubts or get inspiration.

Design and simulation tools

Blender is a multipurpose software, and its tool belt is packed with some exclusive and fine tools designed to smoothen a 3D artist’s workflow.

The users are also privy to UV editing, rigging, texture painting, rendering engines (built-in and third-party), and the usual drawing and editing features.

Furthermore, Blender offers organic and exceptionally smooth 3D modeling tools that aid digital artists in sculpting natural shapes with unparalleled fluidity.

Templates and customization

The benefit of a strong community is that you’ll find a jarring array of Blender templates online. You can make a specific Google search or check out the demo files published on the main website.

And whether you want to explore modeling, sculpting, fluid simulation, or geometry nodes, demos, and templates are readily available for almost every tool/feature.

Collaboration

Quite like plug-ins in Rhino3D, Blender has an add-on. And while most of them are built to automate, enhance, and smoothen out the workflow, a few allow real-time collaboration. The three that I personally feel work best are multi-user add-on, Mixer, and Evercast.

Final words

Blender is a blend between CAD and CGI software, which gives it some obvious benefits, such as the 3D modeling being more natural. However, it might not be suited for architects, engineers, etc., as the tools and calculations you need for precision are missing.

But if you’re a product designer, animator, graphic designer, or game designer, Blender is a worthy option.

Price: Free

Download

Signing off…

I hope I was able to help you find the right CAD software for Mac. If you have any other suggestions or would like us to explore and review some other apps, share the recommendations in the comment section below.

Other interesting Mac apps you should check out:

• Auto clickers for Mac in (Free and paid)
• Best voice changer for Mac
• Mac cleaner apps and software
• Best 3D modeling apps for iPad

The post Best CAD software for Mac in 2024 appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

1. Adobe Premiere Rush

Adobe software and apps are well known all over the world. The company makes some of the best video, photo, and sound editing tools. The Adobe Premiere Rush is one such software that’s an easier-to-use version of the more powerful Adobe Premiere. For budding YouTubers, the Rush variant is the best tool as it allows for easy and fast video editing, hence the name Rush.

The software offers pre-developed graphics templates that makes it easier to stitch videos and make your YouTube video. You can also use this tool on your smartphone, allowing you to create videos on the move.

Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS

Price: $9.99/month

Get Adobe Premiere Rush

2. iMovie

If you’re a Mac or iOS user, then you may already know about iMovie. This is an Apple developer tool that is available on both macOS and iOS. It is a free offering for all Apple users and is best for creating quick videos. If you want to create a simple video with basic effects, filters, sound, etc., then iMovie is a great choice. It’s free and is probably the best video editing software for YouTube beginners.

You can also use this app to make some complex movies or ads, but it’s mainly targeted towards basic filmmaking. iMovie is only available on iOS and macOS though.

Supported platforms: macOS, iOS

Price: Free

Get iMovie

3. AVS Video Editor

AVS is a super easy-to-use video editing software for Windows. The straightforward, intuitive interface guides you in trying all the options step-by-step.

It supports all the usual formats you could possibly deal with, such as MP4, DVD, AVI, MOV, VOB, WMV, MKV, WEBM, etc. You can import media, capture footage from an attached camera, or record your desktop screen. Then, let your creative juices flow as you trim, cut, split, merge, rotate, and mix clips to get the desired result. AVS also has over 300 innovative effects, transitions, and overlays to make your video stand out.

Further, you can process video in any resolution such as HD, Full HD, 2K Quad HD, 4K Ultra HD, and DCI 4K. It also supports features like in-app voice-over recording, picture-in-picture, titles, and a DVD menu creator. Although you won’t find many advanced options, AVS is an excellent tool that simplifies and streamlines the video editing process.

Supported platforms: Windows

Price: $39.00 per year (Special Offer Price. Regular Price: $69.00 per year) 

Get AVS Video Editor

4. Clipify

Clipify is an automatic video editing program perfect for beginners, home video collectors, etc. You have to select a template and add the video and soundtrack. That’s it! Your movie is done.  

You can, of course, trim the videos’ length, add text, apply 150+ eye-catching effects and filters and choose a fitting sound from over 200 royalty-free tracks.  

It also boasts advanced tools like video speed alteration, video cropping and stabilization, and even a chroma key. Oh yes, you can amp up or down the background in your videos as per need. 

However, the freemium version comes with a watermark and video-length restriction; you can pay a one-time fee to enjoy premium benefits for a lifetime.  

Supported Platforms: Windows  

Price: Free (Pro programs starting at $42 $29.40)
(Special offer) 

Get Clipify

5. Movie Maker

This is the same as iMovie, but for Windows only. If you’re looking for a free and feature packed video editing tool for Windows 10, then you should try out Movie Maker. Since Windows Movie Maker is no longer available, you can use this to create your videos. It offers similar features and ease-of-use.

Movie Maker is not developed by Microsoft, but it is available for download from the Microsoft Store. The app is free to download, but you can pay for an upgrade. However, I’d recommend that you stick with the free version as it is more than enough for basic video editing. Again, a great free video editing app to start your YouTube career.

Supported Platforms: Windows

Price: Free (Paid upgrade to Pro)

Get Movie Maker

6. VideoProc Vlogger

VideoProc Vlogger is a beginner-friendly video editor that boasts features at par with any pro software. You are privy to visualized speed ramping, wholesome motion editor, smooth color grading, and studio-grade audio editing. 

Plus, 60+ transition presets, video effects, split-screen, PiP mode, green screen, and whatnot. And while you can customize things to the T, VideoProc Vlogger also houses awesome presets for quicker and smoother editing. 

For more info on the software, check out our hands-on review. All we can say here is that this no-strings-attached, free software can enhance your editing game.

Supported platforms: macOS and Windows 

Price: Free

Download

7. Blender

If you’re looking for something more powerful than the above mentioned tools, then Blender is a good choice. It is not a video editor as such but does have powerful tools that should make it easy to create a great YouTube video. Blender is a 3D rendering tool, but also has several features that can be used for video editing.

Blender offers a total of 32 slots, which can be used for all your videos, audio, effects, images, and more. The app is also available for Linux users.

Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux

Price: Free

Get Blender

8. Final Cut Pro X

Now, let’s talk about the big boys. Apple’s Final Cut Pro X is the latest in the Final Cut Pro series, and is probably the best video editing tool out there. Once again, this is only available for Mac users, and offers several advanced features when compared to iMovie. If you have been creating videos for a while now, then maybe it’s time to try out a powerful tool to improve those videos.

Final Cut Pro X can also take advantage of Mac specific features such as gestures, Metal graphics API, the Touch Bar found on the MacBook Pro, and others, to provide better user experience. It is an expensive affair though, so I suggest that you look at this only when you’ve become an intermediate at video editing.

Supported platforms: macOS

Price: $299

Get Final Cut Pro

9. CyberLink PowerDirector 365

The CyberLink PowerDirector 365 is a reputed video editing tool and is also available as an Android app. Several YouTubers use this software to edit videos as it has a long list of features and is well-suited for Windows. CyberLink offers a subscription service where you can pay monthly for extra features.

Although this is a great video editing tool, it is not comparable to other software from Adobe, Apple, etc. It is similar to iMovie on Mac and provides a better experience than the standard YouTube editor.

Supported platforms: Windows

Price: Free (Subscription available)

Get PowerDirector 365

10. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a powerful video editing software that’s available on Windows, macOS, as well as Linux. It has a plethora of features, most of which, you may never use. Therefore, this is a tool for someone who’s already well versed with video editing and creation. Yes, you can use it to create YouTube videos, but you can also do much more. All of this is going to cost you money though, as this isn’t a free tool.

Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux

Price: $299

Get DaVinci Resolve

Wrapping Up

The list includes software and apps that can be used for basic as well as powerful video editing. Based on what you need, you can select the best editing tool and get started. If you’re a beginner, then I’d suggest that you use the free editing tools instead of spending a lot of money. Once you’ve got a hang of it, you could invest in a powerful tool and take your videos to the next level.

You may like to read:

• macXvideo – Free Video Editing Software for Mac
• 14 Ways to fix YouTube videos not playing on Mac’s Safari
• Steps to screen record while playing music on an iPhone

What do you think of this software and apps for YouTube? Which one would you like to try out first? Let us know all that in the comments below. You can also add other software and app names that you believe could be added to this list.

The post Best YouTube video editor software and apps in 2024 appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

But before we move on, here’s a brief introduction to auto clickers – why are they important and who loves and who hates them.

What is auto clicker for Mac?

Auto clickers are software that can help you manipulate and manage mouse clicks. Simply put, they are macro recorders and players that automate clicks. And anyone and everyone who has click-heavy repetitive tasks on their hand will benefit from them.

They can be time and life-saver for developers to test their programs, data recorders to quicken their workflow, and gamers to get the chicken dinner (win). And whether you own a wired or wireless mouse or rely on Mac’s native trackpad, these accommodate all.

However, I must warn gamers here. While auto clickers are great for click-based games, they are banned at a professional level. So, use them wisely.

Which are the best auto clickers for Mac

1. Mac Auto Mouse Click

Need more than the app just clicks at the same place? Then this software is your best bet as it allows you to create an elaborate workflow with multiple clicks at multiple points across the screen.

You can dictate the exact coordinates of the click, number of clicks, the interval between them, and choose an action from an exhaustive list of options, including executing Apple Script.

Moreover, you can record custom keyboard shortcuts to initiate the clicking workflow, save them as projects, load and update them as needed. And if you ever need to schedule an auto-run, that can also be managed with just a few clicks.

The great thing is that It is super smooth and doesn’t require you to be a scripting ninja. Plus, the tutorial video and step-by-step instructions give you an easy start.

Price: Free (6 months free trial at $9.87)

Download

2. Auto Clicker for Mac by IO Auto Clicker

IO Auto Clicker is the perfect app for all your Mac games and tasks. It offers an infinite click function for games like cookie clicker and Roblox. It comes with a Windows overlay function and a dark mode for that aesthetic gaming feel. This auto clicker won’t disappoint you even if you set the click intervals to Milliseconds and the application is completely safe to download.

Automate your left, middle, or right clicks with this tool. You even get the double-clicking functionality for selecting work files and items with just a tap. The best feature? You can record your clicks by using the Record and Playback function and use the settings on any of your preferred games or tasks.

The software offers a free 3-day trial, and you don’t have to enter any card information to activate the trial period. Simply download the application and start automating clicks on your macOS.

Price: Free to download ($10 for 12 Months on 1 Mac, free trial available)

Download

3. Auto Clicker by MurGaa – Robust mouse automation utility

It’s effective, customizable, and supports an infinite number of clicks at the selected spot with one click. Actually, you might not even need a click. The program can run via keyboard shortcut or from the Auto Clicker app.

You can configure the number of clicks and the interval between those clicks at your convenience. Whether it’s 1, 10, or 100 times in 5 seconds. Plus, the software lets you set a limit to the clicks, a great hack for click-based games and programs, so you are not caught and banned.

And the possibilities don’t end here! You can decide the click’s action, i.e., left, right, center, double click, or scroll up or down. Yes, it is not the most beginner-friendly software, but it’s smooth sailing once you get the hang of it.

MurGaa creates some of the best automation utilities, and this one is certainly amongst their greatest works. There’s just one issue; it only supports Intel 64 bit Machines, so, sorry M1 users!

Price: Free (6-month free trial at $5.99)

Download

4. Mac Auto Clicker by Filehorse

Don’t be fooled by the free tag. Mac Auto Clicker carries all the necessary features. You can manage the number of clicks and intervals, set auto-stop limits, and decide between left, right, or double click.

Moreover, you don’t need to enter the exact number of seconds and milliseconds every time. The program allows you to scale between very slow and very fast. Most importantly, it’s pretty easy to understand and use. The overall UI is pretty basic and gives you an old-school feel.

However, the program primarily supports macOS Yosemite (OS X 10.10) and earlier. And since most of us have moved on from those OS, you’ll have to use an ‘unofficial fix‘ to enable it in macOS X 10.15 Catalina and later.

Although the fix is not too complex, it is a few extra steps for setup. I guess that’s the price you pay for free software.

Price: Free (In-app purchases)

Download

5. Dwell Click – When you don’t want to click at all

Now, did I confuse and intrigue you with the title? Well, then mission accomplished! And I assure you this is not clickbait. So keep reading if you have injured your hand or are just too lazy to click.

DwellClick takes the term clicking automation quite seriously and allows you to click across the screen without actually clicking your mouse or trackpad. Oh yes, all you need to do is hover the cursor over a button, tab, image, etc., and the program will click it on your behalf.

Interestingly, the software can automate left, right, and double clicks for you. You can even drag and drop windows anywhere on the screen without clicking once. There is also a provision to record shortcuts and perform these actions from your Mac’s keyboard.

That’s not all! You are also privy to many interesting customizations, from adjusting the click’s delay to a floating panel as shared in the screenshot.

Price: Free

Download

Every click matters!

Happy clicking (or shall I say not clicking :D). I hope you enjoyed this article and found the right match for your clicking needs. And if you have any queries, questions, suggestions, or more, feel free to reach out via the comment section.

Read more:

• Best tax software for Mac
• How to right-click on Mac
• How to left click on Mac

The post Best auto clickers for Mac in 2024 appeared first on iGeeksBlog.

The importance of video calls has increased drastically over time, especially for team collaboration, learning, podcast recording, and more. When it comes to video conferencing apps, you’ll find a ton of apps available.

However, if you’re using those apps, you won’t get the best video and audio recording. As a result, you might end up with a bad video call recording that you might not use later. In such cases, you can use Waveroom to take your recording to the next level.

What is Waveroom?

Waveroom is a next-gen virtual recording studio that lets you record and edit high-quality videos online without the need for external software. I tried Waveroom on my M1 MacBook in the Arc browser, and here is my review of the same.

Waveroom – Features and user interface

Waveroom is accessible via any web browser; you’ll need to create an account to use it. As soon as you log in to your account, you’ll see the option to create a new room to record the video call.

The user interface is minimal, and it won’t take long to understand the basics. If you’re familiar with other video conferencing apps, you won’t find using Waveroom challenging.

High-quality video and audio recording

Most video call recording apps don’t allow you to record high-quality video and audio. Although there are a few exceptions, most of them are expensive. On the other hand, Waveroom offers high-quality video and audio recording up to 4K and 48KHz, respectively.

Once the recording is done, Waveroom will store the uploads in the same room you recorded so you can find them easily. Lastly, you can download the recordings once uploaded to the cloud.

Video editing tools

Waveroom plans to add video editing tools in the future, allowing you to edit your videos instantly right after the recording session. You’ll be able to cut, trim, and add effects to your video.

Noise and gap removal

Noise and gap removal is another upcoming feature in Waveroom that removes pauses, gaps, silences, and unwanted noise from the video. It also enhances the existing audio to make it sound better.

How to use Waveroom on any browser

Using Waveroom is fairly easy compared to any other video conferencing tool. Here’s how you can create a room and start recording your video with Waveroom:

1. Open Waveroom.com and log in with your account in any browser on your computer.
2. Click the Create Room option.
   
   
3. Give a name to your room and configure the video, audio, and recording settings.
4. Copy the link to the room and share it with the other person(s).
5. Select the Start Now option when everything is ready.
   
   
6. You can start recording the room by clicking the Record button once you’re in the room.
   
   
7. Once done, click the Stop button to end the recording. The recording will start uploading to the room.
   
   
8. Select the Cross (X) option to end the call.
   
   

Should you get Waveroom?

Waveroom is excellent for those who usually record many videos and save them for later purposes, and one such good example should be teachers. Provided that Waveroom is free for everyone to a reasonable extent, I would suggest you get Waveroom without a second doubt.

However, note that Waveroom is in beta, and some features are yet to arrive. As a result, you can record videos up to 1080p for now, but the team is working on bringing 2K and 4K options soon.

Pricing

Regarding pricing, you get 120 minutes of free recording when you sign up on Waveroom as a trial. You’ll have to upgrade to Waveroom Premium for more minutes and high-quality video recording options.

Download

The post How to use Waveroom to record and edit videos from any browser appeared first on iGeeksBlog.