I started this catalog because I kept losing track of the tools that actually helped me run my shop. When you teach yourself how to edit product photos, balance the books and keep a five-year-old Mac running smoothly, you collect a lot of software along the way. Some of it is wonderful. Some of it just gets the job done without drama. SoyaSoftware is my way of organizing all of that — a browsable collection of 636 Mac programs, games and plugins that I think are worth a look for other self-taught makers and small shops.
Who this site is for
If you run a tiny business, handle your own design work or just prefer to figure things out on your own terms, this catalog is for you. I built it with people like me in mind: someone who needs a solid PDF tool on a Tuesday morning, not an enterprise document management platform. The sections span Design, Mac Cleaners, macOS utilities, Audio software, Games, Adobe tools, VST Plugins, Photo editors, Mac Apps and PDF utilities. Everything is organized so you can browse by category and find what you need without wading through marketing fluff.
How to use the site
You can browse and read every page without creating an account — no signup walls, no nonsense. If you want to keep track of programs you like, a free account unlocks a few simple features:
- Favourites – save programs you want to remember or try later, all in one list.
- Update notifications – when a saved program gets a new version, you will see a notification right here on the site.
- Comments – leave your own notes or ask questions on any program page. Every comment is moderated before it appears publicly, so you will see your own post marked "awaiting moderation" until I have had a chance to read it.
Each program page lists the current version, file size, compatibility details and any install notes worth knowing. I also keep older builds listed where possible, because not everyone upgrades their Mac the moment Apple ships a new operating system.
What you will not find here
This site carries no ads and no affiliate links. I do not send marketing emails or run a newsletter. I do not review software in the traditional sense — you will not see star ratings or "best of" roundups. Instead, the catalog simply describes what each program does, what it costs and where to get it. The commenting system exists because other makers often notice things I miss, but you will not find sponsored placements or paid endorsements here.
Why "SoyaSoftware"
The name is a small nod to my shop's roots. I sell handmade soy candles and similar goods at a storefront in Seattle, and when I needed an online home for this catalog, the name felt right — practical, a little personal and easy to remember. The tagline, "Useful Mac software for makers and small shops," is exactly what I aim for. Not every program in the catalog is built for business owners, but every one of them is something I would genuinely point out to a friend who asked, "What do you use for that?"
Who runs this site
My name is Mei Lin Zhou. I run a small handmade-goods shop in Seattle, and I taught myself design, photo editing and bookkeeping software because hiring out those tasks was not in the budget. That process — figuring out which tools actually help and which ones get in the way — is what led me to build this catalog. I maintain it myself, adding and updating entries as I discover new programs or revisit old ones. If you have a question, a suggestion or a program you think belongs here, you can reach me at [email protected]. I read every message and answer when I can.