At this meeting, held on Friday 4th September, we had a demonstration of Automator and lots of interesting suggestions from members.
App Development Update
DaveK kept us up to date on the app he’s currently developing and got member’s feedback on his latest ideas. The Zenopolis website has information about Dave’s current apps.
Whiteboard
DaveK demonstrated Whiteboard by Nidi a simple whiteboard app for iOS which is useful for creating quick sketches that can then be shared. We also found it works well when sharing your screen in an online conference.
Automator
Robert demonstrated the Automator application included with macOS, useful for automating repetitive tasks. He created two demonstration workflows:
- Resize multiple images - Quickly resize multiple selected images to a preset size. He then showed how this workflow could be run from a Finder Quick Action for easy access.
- Presentation Setup - a Workflow to configure your Mac for making a presentation by launching appropriate applications, opening web pages and setting the desktop background. The workflow could also Quit applications, adjust the system volume amongst other things.
Apple have an Automator User Guide if you’re interested in finding out more.
Suggestions
- DaveB showed us that if you take photos on your iPhone using the Portrait mode Pixelmator Pro can automatically separate the subject from the background.
- Denesh mentioned the long running dependable image editing and conversion app Graphic Converter.
- Ben talked the Adobe Photography plan which includes access to Lightroom and Photoshop.
- The Suffolk Mac User Group is running a two part Affinity Photo class on 28th October and 4th November. See their meetings page for more information.
- DavidB pointed out that Apple has added Exposure Notification Express in iOS 13.7. Using this feature (not currently available in the UK) users can opt into COVID-19 exposure notifications without installing an app.
- Ben recommended Anthony Morganti’s YouTube videos on Lightroom, Photoshop and more.
- DavidB suggested Jordan Harrod’s videos on AI and technology also on YouTube.
- DavidB also recommends “Ted Lasso” on Apple TV+ saying it’s funny and has a humanity lesson too.