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When an app stops responding on a Mac, the most appropriate action is to force quit the app. This method allows you to terminate the unresponsive application without affecting the entire system or requiring a complete shutdown. It provides a quick solution to situations where the app is frozen or not responding to inputs, enabling you to potentially resolve the issue and return to your previous tasks without significant disruption.

Force quitting the app can often resolve temporary glitches or memory issues the app may be experiencing. After force quitting, you can attempt to reopen the app, and if it functions correctly, you can continue using it.

Alternative actions such as checking Activity Monitor can provide insights into system performance and app behavior, but forcing the app to quit is typically the first step in troubleshooting the immediate problem. Reinstalling the app is a more drastic measure and should be considered only if the app continues to malfunction after being force quit. Force shutting down the Mac is the least desirable option, as it can lead to data loss for any unsaved work and may not resolve the underlying issue with the specific application.