The story behind TheiPadFan
TheiPadFan is for anyone who moves between a Mac and an iPad a dozen times a day and still wants their desktop apps to feel like they belong. If you've ever opened an installer on a Mac and immediately wondered how that program will sit alongside the things you already do on an iPad, you're in the right place.
The name and the tagline
I hear it a lot: "You're called TheiPadFan but you catalog Mac apps?" That's exactly the point. The tagline — "Mac apps for people who live on Apple devices" — came out of years of using an iPad for reading and light work while still reaching for a Mac when I needed a proper plugin chain or a game that demanded a bigger screen. The name isn't a category; it's a point of view. I like the iPad, and I like the Mac. The catalog exists where those two things overlap.
What you won't find here
I keep the catalog focused. You won't find iPhone-only apps, subscription services, web apps masquerading as downloads, or programs that demand a constant internet connection for no good reason. There are no ads on the site and no sponsored placements. I don't run a newsletter — if you want to know what's new, browse recently updated pages or watch your favourites list.
About the author
I'm Jordan Lee. I started using iPads and Macs side by side in school and never really stopped. TheiPadFan began as a personal list I kept for myself — a messy text file of programs I'd tested, versions that worked, and quick notes on what broke after an OS update. Over time that list grew into something worth sharing. Every page reflects that habit: looking at a desktop app and asking how it holds up when your workday keeps jumping between devices. If you need to reach me, write any time at [email protected].
What the catalog covers
The catalog organizes 636 programs across sections that mirror how Mac users actually work. You'll find:
- macOS — utilities, launchers, system tools and everyday helpers
- Final Cut Pro Plugins — transitions, effects and workflow tools
- Games — native Mac titles, ports and emulator-ready classics
- VST Plugins — audio units and virtual instruments
- Office — word processors, spreadsheets and project organizers
- CAD & 3D — modeling and drafting tools for Apple Silicon
- Audio — recording, editing and mastering software
- PDF — readers, annotators and lightweight editors
Reading a program page
Every listing follows the same structure. At the top you'll see the current version number and file size. Below that, a compatibility block tells you which macOS releases the program supports, whether it runs natively on Apple Silicon, and any known hardware quirks. Install notes cover things like Gatekeeper warnings and extra steps — like dragging an Audio Unit component into the right folder. I keep older builds listed too, so if you're holding onto a Mac that can't run the latest OS, you can still grab a version that works.