To set the context for the other posts on this blog, I wanted to share the apps that I use on a daily basis to get my work done, since I will often reference them in my posts.

DEVONthink

I recently began using DEVONthink as a replacement for Evernote, my note-taking app of choice for many years. I was drawn to DEVONthink because the updated version of Evernote did not have some of the functionality of the legacy version, and I did not want to use the legacy version over the long term. In addition, I love that DEVONthink can act as both a place for your notes as well as your project files, which I now store in the same place. I can also access all of my files via the mobile app. Finally, the artificial intelligence in DEVONthink is impressive in terms of predicting where I want to store files, as well as in finding items I am searching for.

Drafts

Drafts is an app that you can use on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac to take quick notes. The beauty of this app is that when you open it, you are presented immediately with a blank page and can begin typing your thoughts without getting distracted by opening a new document or navigating an organizational structure. Once you type your notes, you can then decide what to do with them through various actions, such as sending them as text messages, sending them to another app, creating a calendar event in your app of choice, and more.

I use Drafts to take quick notes throughout the day, as well as to write emails before sending them. When I process my inbox in Drafts, the notes I created become either tasks, reminders, journal entries, calendar events, etc. based on the content of the note. Drafts is a great way to record ideas before you know what you want to do with them.

Due

Due is another task manager, but its value is in reminding you of tasks at the precise time they need to be done. I use Due to manage tasks that must be done at a certain time of day, including reminders such as when to put the trash out for collection, taking medications, and other critical tasks. Whereas Things helps me keep my projects moving, Due helps me to remember time-sensitive tasks.

Fantastical

Fantastical is my favorite calendar app, and works across all Apple platforms. The app features a very easy way to enter new calendar events, using natural language and displaying the details of the event as you typ. There are lots of other features, many included in the free app, although I subscribe to the app to have features like multiple calendar sets, event templates, and more.

Keyboard Maestro

Keyboard Maestro is a program on the Mac that allows you to create keyboard shortcuts to trigger automations. I use it to create setups so that I can use keyboard shortcuts to open all of the programs and windows I use in various contexts, such as at work, reviewing finances, writing, and more. In addition, I use it to quickly manage windows on my two screens, as well as provide a several other conveniences.

LaunchBar

LaunchBar is an alternative to Spotlight on the Mac, and allows you to quickly open programs, find files, access your clipboard, and much more. By simply pressing a keyboard short cut and typing what you want, you can quickly open apps on your Mac, switch between open apps, search for files, and more.

MindNode

MindNode is my mind mapping tool of choice. I use it when I am gathering ideas for a project. I love the ease of use and attractive design of the mind maps. This app works on the Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

PopClip

PopClip, an app for the Mac, provides a pop-up menu when you select text, from which you can select various options for taking action on the item. Besides offering ways to quickly cut or copy text, I can send highlighted text to Things, DEVONthink, Messages, and other apps. This makes it very easy to take my to-dos from a note in Drafts and move it into Things, fore example.

TextExpander

TextExpander is an app for Mac and iOS that allows you to create text snippets, which you trigger using keyboard strings. For example, when I want to add salutations at the end of an email, I can either type “.ty”, which adds “Thanks, Scott” to the end of the email (for casual emails), or “.sinc” to add “Sincerely, Scott Reindl.” While this is a very simple example, TextExpander can also create text templates with fill-in boxes for additional information, and much more.

Things

Things is my task manager of choice. Like most task managers, Things allows you to create to-do lists for multiple projects, tag items, set start and due dates, and more. I enjoy Things simple design and the ease of use. In addition, each project allows you to keep notes, which appear right at the top of the project page, making it easy to keep notes, add links to my projects in DEVONthink and Google Drive folders, and more.