More Drafts Videos

I recently recorded some additional screencasts on how to get the most from Drafts. It’s a series of three videos digging in on some of my favorite Drafts features:

  1. Automating Email with Drafts digs in deep on writing and sending email. Do you want to avoid the tyranny of your email inbox? Watch this video.

  2. Creating Lists in Drafts walks you through how to use the Drafts Action directory resources to auto-create lists. This is a great introduction to the Action directory. Using the the Drafts action directory is like strapping rocket boots to Drafts.

  3. Finally, Building a Journal System in Drafts goes even deeper into some of Drafts power tools to demonstrate how you can easily build your own digital journal system in tools. This is a 13+ minute video and can teach you about a lot of Drafts tools, even if you aren’t intending to build a journal system.

You can watch all of these now on the Drafts YouTube Channel. I’ve also added them to the free Drafts Field Guide. Enjoy.

Pixelmator Pro update adds support for LUTs


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Pixelmator Pro 2.0.8 is out now, and this update adds full support for LUT files so now you can apply a LUT to any layer in your image, changing its colors and transforming its look. The update includes:

  • A custom LUT adjustment to apply LUTs to images. Simply drag and drop a LUT to apply it. You can also browse LUTs with live previews.

  • Export color adjustments as LUTs to use in Final Cut Pro and other compatible graphics, video, and even 3D apps.

  • Using machine learning, Pixelmator Pro can intelligently convert LUT files into color adjustments, so you can fine-tune the LUTs you import.

  • A built-in collection of LUTs, ranging from cinematic looks to grayscale conversion LUTs

  • Full automation and scripting support for applying and exporting LUTs.

In this update, Pixelmator Pro is making LUTs easy to import, export, and apply. Watch the video below to see how to use the custom LUT adjustment. They’ve even partnered with some LUT creators to offer special discounts on LUTs for Pixelmator Pro users. Download the update now and try it for yourself.

Mac Power Users 586: iPhone Productivity



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As the computer that’s almost always in our pockets, the iPhone can become a surprisingly useful tool for getting things done. Join us for the latest episode of Mac Power Users.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • 1Password: Have you ever forgotten a password? You don’t have to worry about that anymore.

  • SaneBox: Stop drowning in email!

  • The Intrazone, by Microsoft SharePoint: Your bi-weekly conversation and interview podcast about SharePoint, OneDrive and related tech within Microsoft 365.

  • DEVONthink: Get organized — unleash your creativity. Use this link for 10% off.

Last Day for MPU Merchandise



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Today’s the last day for the current run of MPU T-shirts. These are the best MPU shirts we’ve ever sold with quality fabrics and a subtle logo on the front. Likewise, we’re running out of the limited run Yeti-brand MPU tumblers. Folks are already getting these and loving them. It’s so much better than your usual coffee mug.

Regardless, time is running out on both so if you’d like either, today’s the day.

Manage Your Business with Daylite (Sponsor)


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This week MacSparky is sponsored by Daylite. For small companies, staying on top of clients, leads, and projects can feel chaotic. Daylite helps you streamline your workflow so you can win more business and get more done.

Daylite is a CRM that helps businesses manage more clients, close more deals, and finish more projects. Daylight integrates with Apple Mail, and you can share it with your team to keep everyone in the loop. It also is fully compatible with Big Sur and M1-powered Macs.

Because Daylite is a native app, it can work seamlessly with many of Apple’s built-in features. You can share contacts between Apple Contacts and your Daylite database. You can use features like Siri and Caller ID on your iPhone. Daylite also includes full support for FaceID and TouchID. One of my favorite integration tricks with Daylite is the ability to create contracts and other documents by pulling data from Daylite into Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.

I’ve heard from readers in real estate, sales, design, and the legal industry, all using Daylite to run their business. No matter what your business is, Daylite can help you track leads, stay on top of clients, and deliver projects on time.

If you sign up for an account, the complimentary onboarding support will help you get started. Want to harness all the power of your Apple hardware for your business? Start your free 30-day Daylite trial today!

Announcing the Disneyland Field Guide



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For years now, I’ve had a little pet project brewing in the background. My wife and I have been writing a Disneyland Field Guide together. So far we have about 30,000 unedited words and a massive pile of ideas. During the pandemic, we’ve been talking about getting this project off the ground when Disneyland re-opened. However, we’ve taken a left turn.

We’re throwing all the words overboard and we’ve decided to make this Field Guide as a YouTube / Instagram / Blog thing. We’re going to start making short videos with our piles of tips and ideas for ways to enjoy the Disneyland Resort. We’ve got a little gear and a pile of good ideas and we’re just going to build this out slowly. Future topics range from the best way to get attraction reservations to where the cleanest (and least busy) bathrooms are. Daisy and I have been castmembers/passholders for decades and we know a lot of tricks.

So the Disneyland Field Guide is official as of today, but there isn’t much content … yet. Tomorrow we will be attending the (re) opening day and we’ll start getting more uploaded after that.

Our goals with this project aren’t to take over the world so much as have fun making something together. Our kids are growing up, and we’d like to spend years building up this channel. That said, we want to bring good production values to the table and make this a resource that people really can use and enjoy.

If you’ve got any interest (or want to help a fellow nerd get some juice on YouTube), check out the YouTube, Instagram, and Website. Taking a few minutes to watch some of our videos in the first few months would also be appreciated as we are hoping we can get this channel off to a good start. The first video (which is more of a test than anything else) is some 360 video in the Resort Esplanade we shot over the weekend just outside the Disneyland Main Gate.

Focused #124: Reading and Learning



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In this episode of Focused, Mike and I talk about PKM planets and how we read, process, and learn from books and other media.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Memberful: Best-in-class membership software for independent creators, publishers, educators, podcasters, and more. Get started now, no credit card required.

  • PDFpen, from Smile: Powerful PDF editing on your Mac.

  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.

  • * Cross Promo: Clockwise: Four people, four tech topics, thirty minutes. Listen now.

Naming the Next Mac Apple Silicon

Yesterday we got reports from Asia that the successor to the M1 is now in production. I’d expect this is the chip for the next round of Mac upgrades (MacBook Pro, big iMac, upper-tier Mac mini). I’d also expect this looks a lot like the M1, except it has more performance and graphics cores.

On the marketing side, I’d be surprised if they call it the M2. Presumably, they will make a successor to the M1 at some point as the current lower performance/more battery life chip for things like the MacBook Air. Naming the higher performance chip M2 would put them in a weird place where an M3 (for MacBook Air) could be slower than an M2 (for MacBook Pro). The more I think about this, the more convinced I am that the performance chip currently in production will get an entirely different name, like X1, allowing them to have two chips for Macs. (Or possibly three once the Mac Pro releases.)

iOS 14.5 Improvements and Tips

iOS 14.5 is out and it’s a doozy. Here are a few highlights worth your consideration.

  • Make sure to install the accompanying update on your Apple Watch. It is that combination of iPhone and Apple Watch updates that allows you to use the unlock-while-I’m-wearing-a-mask mode. You’ll also need to go on your iPhone to Settings>FaceID & Passcode and tick the box for Unlock with Apple Watch. (It’s off by default.)

  • The new App Tracking features is a win for consumers. I actually don’t mind some apps tracking me, so long as I get to make the decision. I also find the ad industry’s outrage hilarious. Apple makes its position pretty clear with this video.

  • Siri’s new voices are way better. Go to Settings>Siri & Search>Siri Voices to try them out. Lately, I’m digging American (Voice 1).

  • There isn’t much to report on iPad. I really hope Apple comes loaded for bear at WWDC with new iPad OS features. Right now, iPad OS feels very dated.

If you’d like to learn more about the new updates, I recommend the comprehensive 9to5 Mac video from Jeff Benjamin or Federico Viticci’s detailed write-up.

Mac Power Users 585: Spring Loaded



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In the wake of Apple’s spring event, Stephen and I cover the new iMac and iPad Pro, and also discuss changes to the Apple TV and some of Apple’s services in the latest Mac Power Users episode. In short, everything should be more colorful and some things more powerful.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • Privacy: Smarter payments. Get $5 to spend on your first purchase.

  • 1Password: Have you ever forgotten a password? You don’t have to worry about that anymore.

  • Memberful: Best-in-class membership software for independent creators, publishers, educators, podcasters, and more. Get started now, no credit card required.

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code MPU at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.