1. Overview
What This Is:
This knowledge base helps you get the most out of your Field Guides. Whether you’re troubleshooting access, downloading videos, or figuring out where to start, you’ll find answers here.
Applies to All Field Guides at learn.macsparky.com.
2. Getting Started
2.1 Which Edition Should I Buy?
Essentials/Standard Edition:
Everything you need to get productive with the topic. Covers the fundamentals thoroughly with clear explanations and practical examples.
Pro/Plus Edition:
Foundation content plus advanced techniques, automation workflows, and deeper dives. If you want to master the topic and push beyond the basics, this is for you.
You can always upgrade from Foundation to Expert later if you want more.
2.2 Your First Steps
- Log in at learn.macsparky.com
- Find your course on the dashboard
- Start with the “Welcome” or “Start Here” module
- Download the supporting materials (workflows, templates, etc.)
- Work through the modules at your own pace
There’s no deadline. Take your time and actually implement what you learn.
Pro tip: Many Field Guide students join MacSparky Labs to work through courses alongside others. Having a community to troubleshoot with and share discoveries makes the learning stick better.
3. Account & Access
3.1 Logging In
Use the email address from your purchase. If you paid with Apple Pay, that’s the email tied to your Apple ID.
Can’t log in?
- Check spam/promotions folders for the password reset email
- Try the email you use for other MacSparky stuff (newsletter, Labs membership)
- Still stuck? Email support@macsparky.com with subject “Login Help”
3.2 Common Access Issues After Purchase
Payment Processing Delays
Sometimes there’s a delay between payment and Memberful (our platform vendor) sending your sign-in link. This usually only takes a few minutes, but occasionally it can take longer. Check your spam folder if you don’t see the email within 15-20 minutes.
Apple Pay and Multiple Accounts
When you purchase through Apple Pay, it sometimes creates a new account using the email address associated with your Apple ID. This means your historic Field Guide account won’t show the new course—instead, it appears under your Apple Pay email address. You essentially end up with two separate accounts.
If this happens to you:
- Log in using the email address associated with your Apple Pay account to access your new purchase
- Email support@macsparky.com with the subject “Apple Pay Account Merge” and let us know both email addresses
- We’ll merge your accounts on the backend so everything is in one place
To avoid this in the future: Check which email is tied to your Apple ID before purchasing, and make sure it matches your existing Field Guide account email.
If you’re having any access issues after purchase, don’t hesitate to reach out: support@macsparky.com
3.3 Lifetime Access
Once you buy a Field Guide, it’s yours. Log in whenever you want to rewatch videos or grab updated materials. No expiration dates, no subscription required for the course itself.
4. Watching & Learning
4.1 Video Playback
- Stream directly in your browser on Mac, iPad, iPhone, or any device
- Videos are optimized for quality without eating your bandwidth
- Use the playback speed controls if you want to speed through or slow down
Video won’t play?
- Try a different browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox)
- Disable content blockers or VPN temporarily
- Clear your browser cache
- On iPad, try Safari instead of third-party browsers
4.2 Taking Notes
Many folks like to take notes as they watch. I use NotePlan for this myself, but use whatever works for you. The key is actually implementing what you learn, not just consuming videos.
Learning with others: Labs members often share their implementations and adaptations in the Discord. Seeing how others apply the same techniques to different workflows can spark ideas you wouldn’t have thought of on your own.
5. Downloads
5.1 Downloading Videos
Each video has a download button beneath the player. Videos are in MP4 format and work on any device. Downloads are for your personal use only—please don’t share or repost them.
5.2 Combined Downloads
Near the end of each course, you’ll find “Combined Downloads” that group related sections into larger files. This makes it easier to grab multiple videos at once without clicking through every single module.
Note: Full-course ZIP downloads aren’t currently available, but the combined downloads should get you most of the way there.
5.3 Supporting Materials
Each course includes downloadable resources:
- Sample workflows and Shortcuts
- Templates and checklists
- Reference PDFs
- Configuration files
Grab these early—they’re designed to use alongside the videos.
6. Updates & New Content
6.1 Incremental Updates (Free)
When Apple releases OS updates or I need to add supplemental content to address new features or changes, those updates are free for existing customers. You’ll get an email notification, and the new content will appear in your course dashboard automatically.
Examples of incremental updates:
- New iOS features added to existing modules
- Updated techniques for macOS changes
- Bug fix demonstrations
- Additional examples or workflows
6.2 New Editions (Discounted for Prior Customers)
Sometimes the changes are significant enough that I need to rebuild a course from scratch—new structure, completely re-recorded content, substantially expanded coverage. When that happens, it’s released as a new edition and requires a new purchase.
Prior customers always get a discount When there is a new edition, prior edition customers receive an email with a significant discount code.
Examples that would trigger a new edition:
- Complete course redesign with new structure
- Major Apple platform overhauls requiring full re-recording
- Significant expansion (e.g., doubling the content)
- Moving from single-tier to Foundation/Expert model
6.3 How You’ll Know
When new content is available, you’ll be notified via:
- Email to your account address
- Announcement in your course dashboard
- MacSparky Labs feed (if you’re a member)
- Newsletter mention
Check the “What’s New” section in your course to see recent additions.
7. MacSparky Labs: Where Learning Continues
7.1 The Relationship Between Field Guides and Labs
Field Guides are comprehensive video courses on specific topics. You buy them once and own them forever. They’re self-paced, structured learning that gives you the foundation you need.
MacSparky Labs is where that learning comes alive. It’s an ongoing membership community where we work on productivity experiments together, troubleshoot implementations in real-time, and push each other to actually use what we’re learning.
| Field Guide Purchase | Labs Membership |
|---|---|
| One-time purchase | Monthly/annual subscription |
| Focused learning on one topic | Community, experiments, live sessions |
| Lifetime access to course | Access to ongoing Labs content |
| Self-paced video instruction | Live Q&A, jam sessions, meetups |
| Learn the techniques | Apply them with community support |
7.2 What Happens in Labs
Live Sessions:
- Monthly “Momentum” sessions where we work on projects together
- Topic-specific “Jam Sessions” diving deep into productivity challenges
- Live Q&A when new Field Guides launch
- Zoom meetups for focused discussions
Community Support:
- Active Discord with channels for every productivity topic
- Share your implementations and get feedback
- Troubleshoot problems with people who’ve been there
- Discover workflows you wouldn’t have thought of alone
Experiments & Bonus Content:
- Monthly productivity experiments to try together
- Behind-the-scenes content on my workflows
- Early looks at Field Guide content in development
- Labs-exclusive tutorials and deep dives
Field Guide Perks:
- 20% discount codes for all Field Guide purchases
- Early access to new Field Guides before public launch
- Dedicated Q&A sessions for new course releases
- Community discussion threads for each Field Guide topic
7.3 Why Labs Members Learn Faster
Here’s what I’ve noticed: People who work through Field Guides while in Labs tend to actually implement more of what they learn. Having a community to share with, ask questions, and see different approaches makes the difference between watching videos and actually changing how you work.
You don’t need Labs to get value from Field Guides. But if you’re serious about productivity and want ongoing support as you build these systems into your life, Labs is where that happens.
7.4 Already a Labs Member?
Make sure you’re taking advantage of:
- Your 20% Field Guide discount (check the Labs dashboard for current codes)
- The Discord channels related to your Field Guide topics
- Labs-only Q&A sessions when you finish a course
- The “Show Your Work” threads where members share their implementations
8. Common Questions
8.1 “I bought the Essentials/Standard edition. Can I upgrade to Pro/Plus?”
Yes. Email support@macsparky.com and we’ll send you an upgrade link with credit for what you already paid.
8.2 “Where’s my Labs discount code?”
Check your Labs member dashboard or the latest Labs newsletter. Codes are usually announced there first. Not a Labs member yet? Join here.
8.3 “Can I download all videos at once?”
Not as a single ZIP file, but use the “Combined Downloads” sections to grab larger chunks. I know this isn’t ideal—it’s a limitation of the platform we’re working to improve.
8.4 “Can I gift a Field Guide?”
Absolutely. Email support@macsparky.com with subject “Gift Purchase” and we’ll set you up with a gift code or direct link for your recipient.
8.5 “Do these work on Windows/Android?”
The videos stream and download on any device with a web browser. However, many of the techniques are Apple-specific (Shortcuts, Calendar, Reminders, etc.). If you’re not in the Apple ecosystem, you won’t be able to implement most of what’s taught.
8.6 “How long does it take to complete a Field Guide?”
That depends on you. Video content ranges from 2-6 hours depending on the course and edition. But the real learning happens when you pause to implement what you’re watching. Give yourself time to actually build the workflows and habits.
Labs members often work through courses over several weeks, discussing implementations in the Discord and trying things out between sessions.
8.7 “What’s the difference between an update and a new edition?”
Incremental updates are free and address changes within the existing course structure. New editions are complete rebuilds that require a new purchase, though prior customers get a substantial discount.
8.8 “Should I join Labs if I just bought a Field Guide?”
That’s up to you. If you want community support as you work through the course, Labs is great for that. If you prefer to learn solo and just want the course content, that works too. Many people start with a Field Guide and join Labs later when they realize they want the community aspect.
9. Technical Support
9.1 Video Playback Issues
- Switch browsers (Safari often works best on Apple devices)
- Disable content blockers and VPNs temporarily
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Try a different device to isolate the problem
9.2 Download Problems
- Right-click the download button and choose “Save Link As” or “Download Linked File”
- Larger combined downloads may take a moment to start
- If your connection times out, contact support for alternative download methods
9.3 Missing Content
If you can’t see a module or video that should be there:
- Log out completely and log back in
- Check that you purchased the edition that includes that content (Expert vs Foundation)
- Contact support if it’s still missing
Labs members: You can also ask in the Discord #tech-support channel where other members might have encountered and solved the same issue.
10. Policies
10.1 Refunds
I want you to be happy with your purchase. If a Field Guide isn’t working for you, contact support@macsparky.com within 14 days of purchase. We’ll issue a refund if you’ve watched less than 25% of the course.
10.2 Privacy & Security
Your purchase information is handled through Stripe (payments) and Memberful (course access). I don’t sell your data or share your email address. You’ll only hear from me through the newsletter you opted into or course update notifications.
10.3 Personal Use Only
Field Guides are licensed for your personal use. Don’t share login credentials, repost videos, or distribute course materials. If your company wants to train multiple people, contact support about team licensing.
11. Getting Help
11.1 Email Support
For purchase issues, technical problems, or account questions:
📧 support@macsparky.com
Response time: typically 1-2 business days
11.2 Community Support (Labs Members)
If you’re in MacSparky Labs, you can ask implementation questions in the Discord or during live sessions. That’s where we help each other figure out how to apply what you’re learning to your specific situation.
The Discord has dedicated channels for:
- Shortcuts and automation
- Task management and calendaring
- Apple productivity tools
- General workflow questions
- Tech troubleshooting
You’ll often get answers from other members who’ve already solved the problem you’re facing.
11.3 Content Feedback
Found an error or outdated information? Let me know at support@macsparky.com with “Course Feedback” in the subject line. I genuinely want to keep these courses accurate and helpful.
12. What’s Next
Once you finish a Field Guide, don’t just move on. The real value comes from implementation:
- Build the workflows you learned
- Adapt the techniques to your specific needs
- Give it time to become habit
- Come back and rewatch sections as you get more comfortable
Making It Stick
Here’s what I’ve learned about productivity education: Watching videos doesn’t change your workflow. Implementing what you learned does. And implementing is easier when you have a community working on the same things.
MacSparky Labs exists because I kept seeing people finish Field Guides and then struggle with the implementation phase. They’d have questions about adapting a technique to their specific situation, or they’d get stuck on a technical detail, or they’d just lose momentum after the initial excitement wore off.
Labs gives you a place to:
- Work through those stuck points with people who get it
- Share your adaptations and learn from others’ implementations
- Stay motivated with monthly experiments and live sessions
- Get direct access to me during Q&A sessions and meetups
You don’t need Labs to succeed with Field Guides. But it helps. A lot of people join after finishing their first Field Guide and realizing they want ongoing support for the next one.
If you’re curious, check out the MacSparky Labs to see if it’s right for you. There’s no pressure—Field Guides work great on their own. But if you’re the kind of person who learns better with community support, Labs might be exactly what you need.