Tiny Mac automations that don’t waste my time

Photo by Hadi Yazdi Aznaveh on Unsplash

Sometimes my Mac feels like an orchestra without a conductor: windows piling up, files hiding in random corners, and me doing extra clicks I don’t even notice until I’m exhausted. I wanted Mac automations that didn’t take hours to set up, just small fixes that removed friction. What I found are tiny macOS automations that keep me focused without turning my Mac into another project.

And yes, they’re all tools I use through Setapp, which means no juggling subscriptions. The Mac OS automation system that works: Automate, simplify, focus I’m not trying to automate my whole life. I just want my Mac to act like a quiet assistant instead of a needy coworker. After several failed attempts at “optimization,” this is the lightweight system that finally worked for me:

Custom gestures to tame windows and clicks
Smarter search to actually find what I saved
Subtle AI help for repetitive admin clutter

Custom gestures that don’t complicate things Tip: Automations on Mac should feel invisible. If it takes more time to set up than it saves, it’s not worth it There was a time when I was switching windows like it was a competitive sport. Enter BetterTouchTool, which allows me to create custom gestures for my trackpad and mouse. What I appreciate most:

Dozens of presets ready to use. No manual setup headache
Simple tweaks that instantly save clicks
My Mac now feels responsive without being overwhelming

Deep search to find that file I saved… somewhere Spotlight often shrugs at my requests. That’s when I found HoudahSpot, a tool that made file search feel precise. I can filter by file type, content, creation date, or even keywords I half-remember.

It’s like Spotlight with a PhD. Quick, accurate, and flexible. And because it’s part of Setapp, it’s not another one-off purchase. I can experiment with 250+ apps for Mac automation under one subscription, and HoudahSpot just happens to be one of the gems.

Subtle assistance when I need it

I like a clean to-do list. I don’t like the invisible weight of small, repeating admin tasks. That’s where Eney steps in. It feels less like an AI chatbot and more like a calm colleague who quietly notices what I need. Some ways it helps:

Summarizing notes and transcribing meetings
Automating small replies when Slack messages pile up
Setting gentle reminders for things I’d otherwise forget

Eney is accessible exclusively via an invitation waitlist through Setapp.

A tiny sanity tip for closure

If you’re exploring macOS automations, start small. The best Mac automation system isn’t about doing everything; it’s about removing friction. My rule of thumb:

Only automate what bugs you daily
Keep tools light, reversible, and calm
Choose apps that integrate smoothly into your system

Thanks to BetterTouchTool, HoudahSpot, and Eney, my Mac feels like a supportive partner, not a multitasking mess.

Do you use any small automations on Mac that make a big difference? I’d love to hear what works for you!

Read the full article here: https://medium.com/@olena.khodos/tiny-mac-automations-that-dont-waste-my-time-bdba1e07fa5c