The Field Guides
In 2012, I ditched the glacial pace of traditional publishing and started making my own video courses, teaching in real time about the tools I actually use. They became the MacSparky Field Guides. Focused, no-fluff deep dives that show you how to use your tech with intention.
Every guide starts as a fix for a real problem in my own workflow. If a tool saves me time and keeps me focused on what matters, it earns one.
and growing
I use every day
yours to keep
The Two Most Popular
If you only look at two, look at these. They’re where most people begin.
Robot Assistant
Field Guide
Build a personal AI assistant. No code required.
Build a persistent assistant with Obsidian and Claude that knows your projects, manages your tasks, and handles the work around the work. Ten foundation videos plus a live workshop series.
Productivity
Field Guide 2026
Ancient and modern productivity combined.
More life philosophy than app tutorial. A roles-based system that borrows from modern productivity theory and a couple of old Stoics, built to help you do what actually matters.
Popular Next Picks
Obsidian Field Guide
Master the app that helps you master your thoughts.
Shortcuts Field Guides
Make your Mac, iPhone, and iPad dance.
DEVONthink Field Guide
Make AI do your bidding.
Automation
Productivity & Tasks
Knowledge & Files
Quick Wins & Fun
What People Say
I’m a Red Cross volunteer with a bunch of donkey work to do with spreadsheets and reports. After the “Create Your First Skill” video, I built several that blew through work that usually took a couple of hours in about 15 minutes.
– Timothy A.I’m not a developer. I don’t write code. But the method David teaches made the whole thing feel like following a recipe. My robot assistant was running by the end of the first weekend.
– NguyenDavid is the Bob Ross of technology; calming, enjoyable and instructive. I have learnt an unquantifiable amount from him and his Field Guides.
– MatthewMacSparky’s OmniFocus Field Guide can be life changing if you’re struggling with overwhelm. It’s so easy to learn and integrate OmniFocus. A+++ quality.
– Steve M.I love his references to Plato, Aristotle, and Marcus Aurelius, which put productivity in the context of our humanity rather than as a mechanical device.
– Debra H.Sparky did it again. He took an app I barely understood and made me a power user.
– Grace L.Claude Cowork and Obsidian are new to me. But by video four, I’ve already built my first skill , and it addresses a major pain point.
– Caroline C.He has an uncanny ability to explain apps so beginners can understand, while giving tips even experienced users will find valuable. Each video feels like advice from a trusted friend.
– Dr. Roy W.I am loving the DEVONthink course. Finally the software is making sense to me and I am finding my way around it with renewed confidence.
– Andrew W.My favorite thing about the Obsidian Field Guide is the way the instructor doesn’t try to force me into a box. He gave me the tools to make Obsidian work for me.
– Adi K.“The Paperless Field Guide” is no exception. In all excellent work there is talent, technique, and a toolset helping that work excel. Your Field Guides are that good.
– Dan L.Keyboard Maestro is an indispensable app. David, as usual, does an excellent job at showing you how to use this app to change your life.
– Shawn BlancIf you get into automation, or wish you did if it weren’t for all the coding, then Shortcuts on iOS should be on your radar. And David Sparks has just the thing.
– Brett TerpstraDavid Sparks just released a Photos Field Guide. I trust what I’d learn. MacSparky guides have taught me most of the efficiency techniques I use.
– CathyNeed a Hand?
Every Field Guide is a one-time purchase, yours to keep. If you already own one and get stuck, the Knowledge Base has answers to the common questions.
Field Guides Knowledge Base