workflow

Write your own Automator-Action in Xcode

Automator now allows for custom actions, enabling users to incorporate open source libraries like ImageMagick and PIL. A recent guide on macnn.com details how to create these actions using XCode. While familiarity with Objective-C is necessary, this opens up new possibilities for automating various tasks efficiently.

Enhance your Workflow with Text drag and drop

Learn how to effectively use text drag and drop functions in Mac OS X, which differ between Carbon and Cocoa applications. Carbon allows straightforward dragging, while Cocoa requires a brief pause after selecting text. Additional details explain how different applications respond when dragging text onto their dock symbols, potentially enhancing your workflow.

High Speed Wikipedia search

Wikipedia can be slow at peak times, leading to frustrating wait times for information. Lumrix offers a high-speed alternative for searching Wikipedia, providing faster results than Google by frequently indexing its database. This service can enhance productivity for research or learning about topics like the 'Frutiger' font.

Keep your FTP updated, with an Automator action

Sending large files can be cumbersome, often resorting to outdated methods like FTP due to limitations with email and instant messaging. An Automator action streamlines this process by automatically uploading files to an FTP server when saved in a designated folder, simplifying the task greatly. This efficient solution offers a modern alternative for file sharing.

Safarilicious - Export your Safari Bookmarks To del.icio.us

I developed a Mac OS X application called 'Safarilicious', which allows users to export their Safari bookmarks to their del.icio.us accounts. Although released several weeks ago, I hadn't yet mentioned it on the blog.

Update: Safarilicious 0.7.7

I updated Safarilicious to version 0.7.7, which includes several bug fixes: resolving crashes from 'Index Errors' and error responses from del.icio.us, along with improved Unicode support for titles and tags. The app’s GUI displays Unicode correctly, enhancing user experience.

Native Gimp (read: no X11 anymore) coming to Mac OS X

Gimp may soon be usable on Mac without X11, enhancing performance. Gtk+, originally developed for Gimp, is now Gnome's official toolkit and has been ported natively to Mac OS X. This opens access to numerous Gnome applications, which align closely with Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines, promising a seamless user experience.

More Control over your TimeMachine Backup

Time Machine provides an intuitive interface for accessing past data, but Tms by FernLightning offers a command-line alternative for those preferring a list style. This tool allows users to see differences between file versions and snapshots, making file version management more straightforward. Documentation for Tms is also available for further guidance.

Mac OS X RAW Support for Sony Alpha a 300

Apple's recent OS X update added support for Sony Alpha a200 and a350 RAW files, but omitted the a300. Despite hardware similarities, the a300 lacks compatibility. To address this, a script has been created to convert a300 RAW files to a200 format, available as a command-line script or an Automator Action, simplifying the process for users.

New App: GlobeTrotter - The Timezone Calculator

GlobeTrotter is a new iPhone app designed for those working across multiple timezones. It enables quick and accurate timezone calculations, allowing users to set up unlimited timezones and easily compare them. This app is an ideal solution for anyone frustrated with the limitations of the built-in iPhone timezone features.