I often get asked how to convert numbers (123) to words (one hundred twenty three) in Numbers. This isn't a great solution, but better than nothing. It is a Shortcut that will convert any number selected in text to words. So you can use it in Numbers and elsewhere by selecting the number text (not the cell) and triggering the Service or with a keyboard shortcut. Here's a link to get the Shortcut: <a href="https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/7a66e201b7474b2b90821a774300c1c5" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/7a66e201b7474b2b90821a774300c1c5</a>
While TextEdit is usually used for plain text or RTF documents, you can also create and edit very simple HTML documents. These can be used for notes, documentation and other things. They have the advantage of being able to be viewed on any computing device without special software. Could be a good alternative to sending PDF or other files in some situations. (Sorry if I ramble on a bit in this one)
I tried out the augmented reality exhibits at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Interesting. I think we are just at the start here with AR. This same app with the same exhibits works at many other U.S. Botanic Gardens.
macOS Monterey includes a handy little app you can access in the Terminal to get your network quality. No need to use "speed test" websites anymore.
Hidden in the Apple Gifts page is a little Keynote template you can download. You can use it to learn a little about using Keynote or to create holiday cards using graphics from artists and your own photos. Found at <a href="https://www.apple.com/shop/gifts" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.apple.com/shop/gifts</a>
If you launch some apps from the Terminal, you can force them into standard resolution mode instead of using the retina/HiDPI screen. While this makes text and images look pretty bad, it does require less graphics power and memory so it could be useful in some situations. The parameter to add is this. Remember if it doesn't work with an app, that just means the app doesn't support it. <h3>-AppleMagnifiedMode YES</h3>
There was one time, for 18 months, where I had to use Windows for work. I almost chose another job (and another life) because I wanted to choose Macs instead. But it turned out I made the right choice.
There's been a lot of talk about SF Symbols 3 being a new "feature" of macOS Monterey. Besides the new app with new symbols, it seems to work the same for me. But it is worth mentioning again as this is pretty neat.
Radar charts got overshadowed by Pivot Tables in the latest Numbers release. They are apparently used to find values that stand out in your data. Take a look and let me know if you'll be using them.
Found this version of the MacOS 9 emulator SheepShaver that is actually easy to install and use. You can even transfer files to and from it. I was able to get some of my old projects working and a copy of MacWrite from my old archive drive. Here's the link: <a href="http://www.columbia.edu/~em36/macos9osx.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.columbia.edu/~em36/macos9osx.html</a>
I tested out the macro photography feature, the 3x zoom, and the new "Styles" feature. I did this video in 4K so you can see the stills clearly, if you have the bandwidth to watch it at that size.
Got these this morning and been playing with them all day.
Busy making a lot of tutorials today. But between those I can't stop playing With iOS 15 Visual Lookup. Here are some tests I did with plants, animals, landmarks, artwork and album covers.
Here's what I'm thinking about the new iPads, iPhones and Apple Watch.
These two new privacy features are coming to macOS Monterey. One lets you create as many email aliases as you want, so you can sign up for sites and services and keep your real email address private. The other is very close to a VPN service.
Which art tools can you get for the Mac that are truly free, no strings attached? I found some good image editing apps, vector graphics apps, a 3D app and an audio editor. Can you think of any more? Tools: <a href="https://www.gimp.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">GIMP</a>, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/seashore/id1448648921?mt=12" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Seashore</a>, <a href="http://audacityteam.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Audacity</a>, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vectornator-design-software/id1219074514" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Vectornator</a>, <a href="https://www.blender.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Blender</a>, and <a href="https://www.designer.io/en/pricing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Gravit Designer</a>. (After recording this video, I'm not so sure about Gravit anymore. Seems to be more of a pay-to-get-the-real-app thing).
Here's a simple method for creating random passwords using Numbers. I have a video coming up on how to generate random passwords outside of Safari or a password manager. This method didn't make the cut as it is kinda, well, silly? But maybe not. After all, if you live in Numbers all day it would make sense to do this in Numbers instead of another tool, maybe. I'll attach the document too.
Link to video in case you don't see it above: <a href="https://vimeo.com/588895323" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://vimeo.com/588895323</a> Here's another location in case that doesn't work: <a href="https://archive.org/download/the-super-secret-mac-keyboard-shortcuts-almost-no-one-knows-about-macmost-2511/2511KeyBindings.mp4" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://archive.org/download/the-super-secret-mac-keyboard-shortcuts-almost-no-one-knows-about-macmost-2511/2511KeyBindings.mp4</a> I'm very excited about this video I just finished for next week. It describes a way to create text entry keyboard shortcuts, "macros" and text insertions that I don't think many other people have ever even talked about. These are called Key Bindings and you can use them to do all sorts of interesting stuff. I thought I'd post it here early and we can discuss it. I'll attach the file I create for reference. Here are some of the links I mention at the end of the video: <a href="https://ss64.com/osx/syntax-keybindings.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://ss64.com/osx/syntax-keybindings.html</a> <a href="https://github.com/ttscoff/KeyBindings" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://github.com/ttscoff/KeyBindings</a> <a href="https://www.hcs.harvard.edu/~jrus/site/cocoa-text.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.hcs.harvard.edu/~jrus/site/cocoa-text.html</a> <a href="http://www.hcs.harvard.edu/~jrus/Site/selectors.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.hcs.harvard.edu/~jrus/Site/selectors.html</a> <a href="https://www.hcs.harvard.edu/~jrus/Site/system-bindings.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.hcs.harvard.edu/~jrus/Site/system-bindings.html</a>
Since so many enjoyed how I built a custom green screen, here's how I made a custom mounting system for my camera and the lights. Very low budget, but not on purpose. They simply don't make anything like this. A tripod would take up too much space. I said a foot or so in the video, but the legs would have stuck out way more than that actually. Here are some links to some of the items I bought: WALI Single LCD Monitor Desk Mount <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018MT6ZEK" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018MT6ZEK</a> WALI Dual Fully Adjustable Arm <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BHY3CNM" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BHY3CNM</a> Pergear Q02S DSLR Camera Tripod Ball Head <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T5RBQLD" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T5RBQLD</a> Diffusion Film Filter Sheet 6 Packs Kit <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PTCGTX9" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PTCGTX9</a> SMALLRIG Left Side Cold Shoe Adapter Relocation Plate <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RWC8Y6J" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RWC8Y6J</a> 2 Pack Set Magnetic Flexible Gooseneck Metal with Alligator Clips <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XNSYK6F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XNSYK6F</a>
