# Tsamoudakis
> Multidisciplinary designer focused on creating and maintaining functional web and mobile products, and exceptional digital experiences.
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).
## Pages
### Hello 👋
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/about/
Last updated: 2026-04-19T09:58:25.000Z
I'm Panos, a product designer. My base is Cambridge, UK, though I spend a good chunk of the year in Rhodes, Greece. For over fifteen years, I've been designing and shipping digital products, and these days that's mostly at [Todoist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/todoist-shaping-productivity-through-design/).

## How I work

I translate ideas into interfaces for the web and mobile, and yes, I'm the type of designer who obsesses over pixel alignment and edge cases (so you don't have to). What sets me apart from a lot of designers is that I write code. HTML, CSS, a fair bit of JavaScript, plus the unglamorous stuff like DNS, hosting, and email records. That means I can hand off to developers in a language they actually use, or skip the handoff entirely when a project calls for it.

To date, I've shipped over [50 projects](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/), working with design, development, and marketing teams across early-stage startups and established products. My style leans practical: I want the thing to ship, work well, and earn its complexity. If you're curious about the software I rely on to pull that off, I've written about [my essential apps for the digital citizen](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/essential-apps-for-the-digital-citizen/).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/12/booking.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/12/sidebar.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/12/doist.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/12/peopleperhour.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/12/watchcrunch.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/12/todoist.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/12/fooodlove.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/12/version.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/12/wificatalogue.jpg)

Some of the amazing companies and products I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years

## Currently

A few things keeping me busy:

- **Designing at** [**Todoist**](https://todoist.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), shaping the product day-to-day with a remote team I've grown to love
- **Running** [**theFineBits**](https://thefinebits.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), a small studio building Ghost themes
- **Building** [**Brefast**](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/brefast-a-meal-planning-app-born-from-my-own-macro-tracking-frustrations/), a meal-planning app I wish existed
- **Cooking and writing at** [**fooodlove**](https://fooodlove.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) with my wife Sevi

## Outside the screen

Most mornings start the same way, just in different climates. In Rhodes, it's a swim at my favorite beach before the day begins. In Cambridge, it's a walk through the fields near home. Either way, it's the closest thing I have to a productivity hack.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2023/12/Panos-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/04/rhodes-beach.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/04/cambridge-morning.jpeg)

The two constants: me, and a morning routine (in Rhodes or Cambridge)

When I'm not there or at my desk in Cambridge, I'm usually with my family, cooking something Mediterranean, or getting my hands dirty with a DIY project at home. I travel whenever I can, and I'm happiest near the sea.

## Let's talk

I'm genuinely curious about people building interesting things, especially clean products, well-crafted tools, or weird ideas that might just work. If that sounds like you, drop me a line.

[Say Hello](mailto:panagiotis@tsamoudakis.com?subject=Hello)
### Categories
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/tags/
Last updated: 2024-04-07T12:36:34.000Z
_No content available._
## Posts
### Stop your Downloads folder from filling up with zips
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/stop-your-downloads-folder-from-filling-up-with-zips/
Last updated: 2026-09-08T18:34:24.000Z
You download something. A Ghost theme, or a folder of photos from a client. You double-click the zip, the folder appears right beside it, and you get on with your day. The zip stays exactly where it was. A month later, you scroll through Downloads and half of what's in there is archives you already extracted and will never open again.

I've been dragging those to the Trash by hand for about twenty years. Turns out I never had to.

## The app you've never opened

Every zip you double-click in Finder is handled by an app called Archive Utility, and so is every file you right-click and Compress. It's a normal app with a normal icon, and if you go looking, you'll find it at `/System/Library/CoreServices/Applications/`.

That's a second Applications folder, buried inside macOS and nothing to do with the Applications folder in your Finder sidebar. It holds the small apps macOS launches on your behalf rather than expecting you to open them yourself. About This Mac is in there, which is a fair illustration of the idea: you've opened it from the Apple menu dozens of times without ever picturing it as an app sitting in a folder somewhere.

![Finder window showing Archive Utility inside System > Library > CoreServices > Applications](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/09/043-coreservices-applications.jpg)

Archive Utility, filed between About This Mac and Desk View.

Which is why you've been using Archive Utility for years without ever really seeing it. It starts when you open a zip, sits in the Dock while it works, finishes, and quits.

You can also launch it yourself. Search for it in Spotlight, or [Raycast](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/unleash-your-productivity-with-raycast-for-macos/), or whatever you launch things with. Almost nothing happens, because the app has no window of its own. The one thing that changes is the menu bar, which now reads Archive Utility in the top left.

From there, press `⌘ + ,`.

## What's in the settings

It's a small window, split into two halves.

The top half handles expanding, which is what happens when you open a zip someone sent you:

- **Save expanded files into** the folder the archive lives in, or a specific folder you choose
- **After expanding**, either leave the archive alone (the default), move it to the Trash, delete it, or move it to a folder
- **Reveal expanded item(s) in Finder**, on by default

The bottom half handles archiving, which is what happens when you use Finder's Compress command:

- **Use archive format**, with zip as the sensible default
- **After archiving**, the same four choices applied to the files you just compressed
- **Reveal archive in Finder**

![Archive Utility settings on macOS, with "After expanding" set to move archive to Bin](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/09/043-archive-utility-settings.jpg.jpg)

## What I set, and why

After expanding, I have it move the archive to the Trash. Double-click a zip, get your folder, and the archive takes itself out. Downloads stops accumulating dead weight without you thinking about it.

I don't use delete archive. It skips the Trash entirely, and there's no undo. Every so often a zip is the only copy of something, or the extraction fails halfway, and you want another go at it. The Trash costs you nothing and buys you a month of second chances.

I leave the save location alone. Pointing everything at one folder sounds tidy until you expand a zip sitting on your Desktop and the files land in Downloads, and then you spend two minutes convinced the extraction failed. Expanding next to the archive is the predictable option.

For archiving, leave files alone. You almost never want Compress to eat the original.

## Where this stops working

The setting belongs to Archive Utility rather than to the `.zip` file type, so it only applies when Archive Utility is the one doing the work. If you've set [Keka](https://www.keka.io/en/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) or [The Unarchiver](https://theunarchiver.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) as your default handler, nothing here fires. Those apps have their own cleanup preferences, so it's worth a look in there if you've switched.

Terminal is its own world. The `unzip` command is a separate program that has never heard of Archive Utility or its preferences, so it leaves the archive sitting there, whatever you've set. If you want the same behavior on the command line, you have to build it yourself, along the lines of `unzip archive.zip && rm archive.zip`, or wrapped in a shell function if you do it often enough to care.

Disk images don't go through Archive Utility either. A `.dmg` gets handled by another one of these invisible apps, DiskImageMounter, and it has no settings to speak of. Double-clicking a disk image mounts it as a volume rather than extracting anything, so there's nothing for an After expanding rule to act on, and ejecting that volume leaves the original file exactly where you downloaded it. Which is why Downloads still fills up with those.

## So how were you supposed to find this?

Say you go looking for it. Right-click the zip, and you get Open, Open With, and Move to Trash, with nothing that sounds like a preference. Try Finder's Compress command, and there's nothing attached to that either, since it's a menu item rather than an app you can configure. Open System Settings and hunt for the pane that would hold this, and there's no Archive pane, no Files pane, and nothing under General that admits to owning it. Spotlight gets you there in one keystroke, but only once somebody has told you the words Archive Utility.

That's the shape of it. The setting has been sitting there for twenty years, and every route to it needs you to know the answer before you start.

Google pulls the same trick with [Calendar's hidden sync settings](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/unlocking-google-calendars-hidden-sync-settings/), which decide whether the calendars you add ever show up in Apple Calendar or Fantastical. Nothing in Calendar's own settings links to that page. I keep the URL in a note, because a note is the only navigation that works.

So when macOS does something I'd rather it didn't, my first move now is to work out which app owns the behavior and go at it by name. Finder shows me the zip. Archive Utility decides what happens to it. That's how I got here.

I doubt I'm alone in that. Hit reply and tell me which macOS setting you found embarrassingly late.
### Your finance app thinks you live alone
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/your-finance-app-thinks-you-live-alone/
Last updated: 2026-08-20T16:32:12.000Z
Most households have a version of the same arrangement. One person knows what's in the accounts, what's due this month, and which subscription renewed without asking. The other person asks how we're doing and takes the answer on faith. Nobody plans it that way. It just settles, usually onto whoever minds least.

My wife and I have spent more than a decade avoiding that. Somewhere along the way we started recording every expense into an app built for exactly this: a running record of what comes in, what goes out, and where it went. Not a banking app, not a budget that scolds you in red, just a shared picture of our household's money that either of us can open. It took years to build the habit, and it's the least glamorous thing we do. It also means neither of us is the bookkeeper, and neither of us has to ask.

Then the app changed the way it worked, and the whole thing came apart in one evening.

Up to that point, everything we recorded lived on the servers of the company that made the app. We logged in with a single account, loaded it onto my phone, my Mac, and my wife's phone, and whatever either of us typed showed up on all three. Then the team behind it decided to hand that job over to Apple's iCloud instead. On paper it was an improvement, and I was happy to see it. Apple would take care of the syncing, and the app could stop maintaining something that wasn't really its job.

What I hadn't thought through is that iCloud doesn't store things for an app. It stores things for a person. Every iPhone is signed in as its owner, and anything synced through iCloud lands in that owner's account rather than in some shared space the app controls. I've run into the edges of that model [before](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/the-missing-piece-in-my-icloud-backup-strategy/), though never this expensively.

I made the switch on a Sunday evening, carefully, because ten years of our records were going through it. It took a while, and it worked. The balances were right. Every category sat where I'd left it, and the charts redrew themselves without complaint. I remember being pleased with how smoothly the whole thing had gone.

Then I picked up my wife's phone to do her side, and found there was nothing to do. Her phone is signed in as her. Mine is signed in as me. Our records had gone into my account, and no setting anywhere would let hers reach them. I couldn't put it back the way it was either, because the old way of syncing had been retired along with everything else.

I assumed a replacement would be easy to find, and in a sense it should have been. There are hundreds of personal finance apps out there, and plenty of them are very good. What I worked out over the following weeks is that almost none of them are built for two people who share their money, which turned out to be a harder problem than the one I'd started with. So I built one. This is the story of how [Quidough](https://quidough.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) went from a weekend fix to a side project with a waiting list.

## A decade of bending tools

It started, as these things do, with a spreadsheet.

I gave it dropdown menus for expense categories so I wouldn't have to type them out. I added charts that were supposed to tell me something useful about where the money went. Then I added a few more things, and a few more after that, until the spreadsheet was spending most of its effort holding itself together and very little of it helping me. It was also, by then, a machine only I knew how to operate. My wife could look at it, but she couldn't really use it, and a shared record that only one of us can touch isn't much of a shared record.

The app we moved to next fixed that, and it fixed it in a way that mattered at the time. I was on an iPhone, and my wife was on an Android, and this app ran on both. It kept track of what we earned and what we spent, sorted everything into categories, and produced a report whenever I wanted one. I paid for the full version once and signed all our devices into the same account. Two people, three devices, one shared picture. For years, that was enough.

The first crack came when the company decided to stop making an Android version and focus on Apple devices only. No website, no plans for one. My wife moved to an iPhone not long after, and I'd like the record to show that was already on the cards and had nothing to do with a finance app. Either way, we carried on as before, still sharing one account, now with everything on Apple.

Looking back, every year of that worked because we were quietly bending the app into a shape it was never designed to hold. One subscription stretched across two people. One login doing the work of two. It held up fine until iCloud came along and took the bend away, and what was underneath was the assumption the app had been making all along: one person, one account, one set of numbers. Sharing between household members was something the team said they wanted to add, with no date attached. In my experience, a feature that arrives with no date is usually one that was never in the plans to begin with.

## Hundreds of apps, the same blind spot

So I started looking, and there is no shortage of choice. Beautiful apps for iPhone. Free ones you can install on your own server if you're the sort of person who has a server. Websites, apps, apps that are really websites, some that connect to your bank and some that don't. I spent a few weeks working through them.

I wanted three things. It had to handle more than one currency, because ours doesn't all sit in one. It had to let me bring ten years of records across. And it had to understand that two adults would be using it.

Multiple currencies turned out to be the easy one. Importing my records ruled out almost everything. Every app stores things in its own way, and none of them have much reason to make walking away with your data easy, so most offered no way to bring a decade of records in.

The household requirement was the one that stopped me. A handful of apps offered some form of sharing, but scratch the surface, and it was the same thing every time: an app built for one person, with an invitation screen and a permissions list added on afterward so a second person could be let in. Somebody owns the account. Somebody else gets access to it. That's a landlord and a tenant, not two people who share a life and the bills that come with it.

I'd already lived through what happens when you push two people through a setup meant for one, and I wasn't doing it again. I also wasn't willing to walk away from ten years of records and start over from an empty screen.

## A weekend and a working app

I did what anyone with a geeky streak and an unreasonable attachment to their own data would do. I opened [Claude Code](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/from-claude-code-chaos-to-subspace-running-every-ai-agent-in-one-macos-app/), pointed it at the file where our old app kept its records, and asked it to work out how that file was organized and then build me something that could read it. Nothing fancy. A screen where my wife and I could both see our transactions and add new ones.

There was no product idea here, no plan beyond that weekend. I wanted our records to have a home we could both open.

By the end of that weekend we had one, and it looked better than it had any right to. I spent a few weekends after that smoothing out the parts that annoyed me and adding the small things we'd missed, but the problem was solved. Nothing lost, both of us back in.

I called it Quidough because I needed to call it something.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/08/042-quidough-dashboard.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/08/042-quidough-accounts.jpg)

The dashboard and accounts as they look now, rather than as they looked that first weekend.

## The friend who asked to use it

A month or so later, I was on a call with a friend, the two of us swapping notes on how we'd been using AI lately. I told him this story, and he asked if he could see it. I hesitated, because what I'd be showing him was our actual money, and then thought, why not. He liked it a lot more than I expected him to.

He'd tried finance apps before, he said, and given up on all of them. The apps were fine. What defeated him was everything you have to do before one of them is any use. You have to invent a set of categories that fit your life before you have any real sense of what your categories should be, and then you have to record things day after day until it becomes a habit rather than a chore. Most people fall at one of those two.

If you've ever downloaded a budgeting app in January and stopped opening it by February, that's probably what happened. I don't think it says anything bad about you. It took my wife and me more than ten years of trial and error to land on something that fits us, and there were plenty of months along the way when we let it slide. If you want somewhere to start that isn't another app, I've written about [turning a to-do app into a financial dashboard](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/your-to-do-app-is-already-a-financial-dashboard-you-just-havent-set-it-up-yet/), which is roughly how we got going.

Then he said he'd use this. Then he asked whether he actually could.

That brought me up short, because the honest answer was no. There was no way to sign up, no separate accounts, and none of the security you'd want around something holding another person's financial life. But the question stayed with me, and over the next few days I caught myself describing the thing to other friends, watching to see how they'd react. Enough of them leaned in that it stopped being a household utility and became a side project, which is the [second time](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/brefast-a-meal-planning-app-born-from-my-own-macro-tracking-frustrations/) that's happened to me.

## Why build another one

You might be thinking what I'd be thinking here. There are hundreds of these already, a good number of them made by teams far larger than one person with a laptop. Why add another?

The comparison people reach for is coffee shops. Ten on the same street, all of them fine, all of them with regulars, and nobody thinks the eleventh is doomed. I don't think that quite works. A coffee shop survives on geography, and I can't wander into yours from Rhodes if it happens to be in Lisbon. Software doesn't get that protection. There's one search box and one app store, and attention piles up at the top of the list.

The other half of the comparison does hold, though. What makes a coffee shop yours isn't the machine or where the beans came from. It's whether you feel at home in it. Every finance app tracks transactions, sorts them into categories, and draws you a chart. Where they differ is who they imagine on the other side of the screen, and nearly all of them imagine one person with a full view of their own spending and complete say over it.

That describes plenty of people. It doesn't describe a household, where two adults spend from the same pot, make decisions that land on each other, and both need to see the same numbers without one of them being appointed treasurer.

That's a different idea of who the app is for, and it doesn't get added in an update.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/08/042-quidough-spending.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/08/042-quidough-scheduled.jpg)

Knowing what's coming turned out to matter more to us than knowing what's gone.

## Where Quidough is now

I spent about a month building the parts that let it hold more than two people, and then handed it to the friends who'd asked. They've been using it for over three months now, which means most of the rough edges I've smoothed since then were found by someone who wasn't me.

Most of what I want is in place. There's polish left, and a few things I want to be certain about before anyone trusts it with their own numbers.

It handles several accounts and several currencies, and it works perfectly well if you're the only one using it. But the household part is why it exists at all, and it's built into the foundations rather than bolted on afterward.

If that sounds like your situation, the waiting list is open at [Quidough.com](https://www.quidough.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). I'll send a note when it's ready.
### How I planned a family trip with Claude
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/how-i-planned-a-family-trip-with-claude/
Last updated: 2026-07-15T16:19:45.000Z
We were three days into New York when I noticed the phones. Elena had hers out on the R train, checking something. Stamatina was scrolling in Bryant Park. Sevi was consulting hers over breakfast. All four of us, at different times, opening the same file. Nobody had told them to. It was just the thing you'd check.

The file was a single HTML page sitting on our phones, with tabs for each of the nine days. Every activity showed its time, address, confirmation number, a Google Maps link, and any note that might matter (opening hours, closing days, entry windows, bag rules). Because it ran offline, subway signal was never a problem, and when someone on the platform asked "wait, what time is the FRIENDS thing?" nobody had to dig through email to answer.

I didn't write it. I asked Claude to.

AI is impressive. You already know that. What I want to talk about is how much most of us are still leaving on the table. Getting to the file that ran our trip took an afternoon of work, not a weekend. If you've been treating Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini as fancy search, or as a chat toy, or as an email polisher, you're using a fraction of what they can now do.

Here's what changed for me, and how you can copy it.

## Where I'm coming from

I've written about trip planning before. A couple of years back, I posted [my Craft-based travel template](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/plan-your-next-trip-like-a-pro-with-this-free-travel-planning-template/), which I still stand by. The fundamentals hold up: gather points of interest, group them by neighborhood, structure the trip day by day, and add a Google Maps link to each entry. If you don't want AI in your planning, that template is still a solid starting point.

New York was different. The planning problem outgrew the template, and the tools available to handle it got dramatically better.

## The mess I was working with

Nine days, four of us, and a route that took us across two continents with a stopover in each direction.

By the time we sat down to plan, I had accumulated a pile that looked like this:

- **Airlines.** Three flights across two carriers, each with its own bag rules, terminal quirks, and check-in windows. One connecting airport had our two carriers operating from different terminals, easy to miss when you're skimming a PDF at 11 PM.
- **Ground transport.** A stopover hotel on the way there. Two airport taxi confirmations, one each way, with a service that promised to track our flight so the driver would wait if we ran late.
- **The hotel.** A welcome PDF that quietly listed perks nobody was going to read: a bike pass, discounts on a couple of nearby attractions, 10% off Krispy Kreme.
- **Paperwork.** ESTA approvals for all four of us.
- **Pre-booked tickets.** A couple of things reserved ahead, each with its own entry window and confirmation code.
- **Four wishlists in four formats.** My daughters' shared Instagram saves. Sevi's rooftop bar bookmarks. My own list including Micro Center, a 30,000 square foot tech store I'd been circling for months. Screenshots, Threads posts, verbal "we should see this" from the family chat.
- **A geography.** Activities scattered across four different neighborhoods, with no natural order to them.

This is the sort of pile that used to eat weekends: cross-checking dates, building a shared spreadsheet, chasing down confirmation numbers, sorting activities by neighborhood. It's not hard work. It's just slow, and nobody in a family of four is queuing up to do it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/07/tsamoduakis-new-york-01.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/07/tsamoduakis-new-york-02.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/07/tsamoduakis-new-york-03.jpeg)

## The move most of us aren't making yet

[Claude](https://claude.ai/referral/oRLFIfKscQ?s=cowork&v=apps&ref=tsamoudakis.com), ChatGPT, Gemini, and a handful of others have quietly gotten very good at the same thing: absorbing unstructured input and giving you back something structured and specific. The result is a working artifact you can actually use.

Most people never point them at a real mess. That's fine, but they can handle far more than we're asking of them.

The move almost nobody makes is this: "Here is every document, email, note, PDF, and screenshot I have on this project. Read them all. Figure out what matters. Give me back something I can actually use."

My most useful prompt this year: "Here's everything, help me make sense of it."

The gap between what people think these tools can do and what they can actually do is now measured in days or weeks of skipped work.

## What I actually did

Here's the workflow, at a level of detail you could copy.

**Started a dedicated Claude Project** (a workspace where all my files and chats stay together). Every file I uploaded and every conversation stayed in one place. ChatGPT has the same feature with its own projects, and if your tool doesn't offer that, a single long thread works fine too.

**Fed it everything.** Booking PDFs, confirmation emails, the hotel welcome document, the wishlists, notes I'd made on my phone. I didn't retype anything. I didn't clean anything up. I forwarded emails as they arrived, dropped PDFs in without opening them, pasted screenshots straight from my camera roll. The whole point was not doing that work.

**Prompted with intent, not instructions.** Not "make me an itinerary" but something closer to "four of us, nine days, here's what everyone wants to see, here's what's already booked, here are the constraints. Group things by neighborhood. Keep energy levels in mind, so the day after the transatlantic flight is a light day. Sunday will be dedicated to family we're meeting there. I want Empire State at sunset."

**Went back and forth with Claude over a few sittings.** The first draft had days that were too dense, so I moved things around. One food stop felt orphaned, and when I flagged it, Claude paired it with Micro Center that same afternoon. I hadn't told it they were two blocks apart; it worked out the geography on its own.

**Asked for the deliverable I actually wanted.** Not "give me a document" but something specific: a single-file HTML page I could open on my phone without an internet connection, tabbed by day, color-coded by category, with a Google Maps deep link on every activity and booking confirmation sitting inline with the thing they were booked for. That level of specificity turned out to matter more than any clever prompt.

I used Claude. If you prefer ChatGPT or Gemini, the process is nearly identical. The tool you pick matters less than giving it the whole picture.

![The Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island, seen from the water on a partly cloudy spring day during our New York City family trip](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/07/tsamoduakis-new-york-04.jpeg)

## Why it held up in the field

There's a difference between a plan that looks good on paper and a plan that survives contact with a subway platform. Here's what made this one work.

**Every answer was where I needed it.** The FRIENDS card had the 3:00 PM entry, the 30-minute window, the address, and the confirmation number all on the same card. Empire State had the 6:30 PM slot, the order reference, and the price. The hotel perks were pulled out of the welcome PDF and dropped into day two, so nobody missed the Citi Bike Pass or the observatory discount. When one of my daughters asked about the Krispy Kreme code on day five, I didn't have to look for it.

**Details that would have caused real trouble showed up early.** One of our flights only included small cabin bags by default. Hold luggage had to be added in advance through the booking site. Claude flagged it as a task to handle before we left, not a surprise to discover at bag drop. The terminal shuttle at our connecting airport was factored into the arrival day because our two carriers operated from different terminals, and I would have overlooked it. A photobooth we wanted to visit only fits two or three people, so Claude noted that a family of four would need two rounds. Small catches, but the kind of small catches that turn into arguments when you're tired.

**It filled in what I didn't.** Some of the shops on my daughters' list came from TikTok videos: just a name and a vibe, no address. I dropped the names in without doing any lookup work, and Claude came back with a full Google Maps link on every one. I hadn't asked. It just did the work.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/07/tsamoduakis-new-york-05.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/07/tsamoduakis-new-york-06.jpeg)

**The format was built for the way we'd actually use it.** We'd be on a phone, on the move, checking something in three seconds while a train pulled in. A sticky tab bar at the top let anyone jump between days without scrolling. Every card was small enough to answer one question at a time. Even the subway lines were rendered in their real MTA colors, so when the page said "take a red 1/2/3," it looked like the signs on the platform.

**It worked offline.** There was nothing to install and nothing to sign into, and I never had to worry about an update prompt appearing at the worst possible moment. It lived in iCloud, opened as a bookmark on all four phones, and never once needed a connection.

By day three, nobody was asking me for details anymore. They just checked the file.

## This isn't just about travel

The workflow I've described has nothing to do with travel. It's about what happens when you take a pile of documents you'd normally sort through by hand and hand the whole pile over.

The same shape shows up everywhere once you look for it: house renovation quotes from three contractors you're trying to compare, wedding logistics, researching a big purchase across fifteen open tabs, a project handoff at work, moving countries, tax paperwork. Anything, really, where the problem is "I have a lot of unstructured material, and I need something specific out of it."

The bottleneck was never the AI. It's how much of the mess we're willing to hand it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/07/tsamoduakis-new-york-07.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/07/tsamoduakis-new-york-08.jpeg)

## What to try next

We already have a couple of trips forming for later this year, and I'm not planning any of them the old way. The Craft template will still get its use when I'm helping friends plan without walking them through AI tools. But for anything my own family is taking on, the workflow is settled: gather everything, describe what I want, iterate, ship a phone-friendly artifact.

If you've been using Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini for tidy little tasks, try something small this week. Forward a batch of newsletters you've never opened and ask which are worth keeping. Drop a folder of receipts in and ask what you spent last month. Both take a couple of minutes to set up, and either one might change how you think about the tool.

The worst-case is that you save an afternoon. The best case is your teenage daughter starts opening the file on the R train.
### From Claude Code chaos to Subspace: Running every AI agent in one macOS app
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/from-claude-code-chaos-to-subspace-running-every-ai-agent-in-one-macos-app/
Last updated: 2026-04-28T16:33:52.000Z
![audio-thumbnail](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/media/2026/04/ElevenLabs_040_From_Claude_Code_chaos_to_Subspace_Running_every_AI_agent_in_one_macOS_app_thumb.jpg)

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You know that moment when you've sent Claude Code a complex request, the cursor's been blinking for two minutes, and you decide you might as well spawn a new instance to keep things moving? That's the kind of small friction that quietly stacks up over a workday. Multiply it by switching between projects, juggling terminals, hopping between agents (because Claude isn't always the right tool for the job), and you've got a workflow that's faster than ever and somehow more chaotic than ever.

I've been testing tools that try to solve this. The most recent one, [Subspace](https://www.subspace.build/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), genuinely surprised me. Enough that I committed to paying before my trial was even up. Here's why.

## A quick note on how I actually work

Product design isn't what it used to be. The traditional flow (design in Figma, hand off to dev, hope the result doesn't make you flinch) is being replaced by something more direct. Most of the time, when I want to test an interaction or validate a UI idea, I just ask Claude to build it in code. It's faster than mocking up the same thing in Figma, and there's a decent chance the dev ends up using my code anyway. I touched on this broader trend in my piece on [vibe coding](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/how-vibe-coding-is-shaping-the-future-of-product-design/), and a bit earlier on [leveraging AI as a product designer](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/leveraging-ai-as-a-product-designer-to-enhance-my-workflows/). It keeps becoming more true.

This means I'm running AI agents almost constantly. Building [Brefast](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/brefast-a-meal-planning-app-born-from-my-own-macro-tracking-frustrations/), iterating on all my Ghost themes (including [theFineBits](https://thefinebits.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)), prototyping ideas on the side. Multi-agent juggling isn't a power user fantasy for me; it's the default Tuesday.

## So, what is Subspace?

Subspace is a macOS app that lets you run Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, and a growing list of other agent CLIs side by side in a single workspace. The tagline is "All your Agents. One app. Zero amnesia," and once you understand what that "zero amnesia" part actually means, it stops sounding like marketing.

You get your agents alongside terminals, files, a browser, git, and docs. Everything is organized into projects you can switch between in a fraction of a second.

## Cross-agent memory is the feature that sold me

Most multi-agent tools I've tried do the obvious thing. They let you run several agents in different panes. Useful, but each agent still lives in its own bubble. Hand a task off to Codex after Claude Code has been working on it for an hour, and you're back to re-explaining what's been tried, what failed, and what you eventually decided.

Subspace builds memory in the background. Every conversation gets compressed into structured notes (decisions, blockers, progress), and that memory belongs to the workspace, not to any one agent. So when I'm working on Brefast and Claude Code gets stuck on something gnarly, I can spawn a fresh instance, or switch to Codex entirely, and the new agent already knows the context. No catch-up. No copy-pasting the last forty messages.

This sounds like a small thing on paper. In practice, it's the difference between a smooth handoff and a five-minute reset.

## All my tools under one roof

We're in an era where almost everyone is coding one way or another. Designers, marketers, founders, hobbyists. The old separation between "tools for builders" and "tools for everyone else" is dissolving. So having the terminal, files, browser, git, and your AI agents living together in one app stopped feeling like a nice-to-have and started feeling necessary.

![Subspace command palette showing agent and action shortcuts](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/04/040-subspace-commads.jpg)

Subspace nails this. The keyboard-first command palette (Cmd+K) handles almost everything: launching agents, switching workspaces, opening files, and running shell commands. If you've enjoyed [Raycast](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/unleash-your-productivity-with-raycast-for-macos/), you'll feel right at home. I barely touch the trackpad when I'm working in Subspace.

The browser pane is another quiet surprise. Highlight a piece of UI on your live site, leave a comment, and the agent gets the request with the exact source file and React component already attached. For a designer who likes to point at things and say "fix this," it's hard to go back to anything else.

## Spawning new agents and switching projects

Remember that opening scenario? This is where it pays off. When Claude Code is grinding away on something complex, I just open the command palette and spawn another agent. The new instance automatically picks up the workspace's memory, so I'm not starting from scratch. One agent can refactor while another writes tests, both in the same window, both aware of what's been happening.

Switching between projects is just as fast. Brefast in one workspace, theFineBits in another, side experiments in a third. Project switching is genuinely under 100ms, which sounds like a marketing number until you actually feel it. No waiting, no reloading, no losing your place.

## The Conductor question

If there's a tool I'd call a real competitor to Subspace, it's [Conductor](https://www.conductor.build/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). Equally polished, feature-rich, clearly built by people who care about the craft. But Conductor's worktree-only model feels like overkill for my solo setup. I don't always need that level of git isolation, and having it forced on every session adds friction I'd rather not deal with.

Worth trying if you're curious. For me, Subspace's looser, more workspace-oriented approach was the better fit.

## About the pricing

Subspace is $12/month or $99/year, with a 14-day free trial that doesn't require a credit card upfront. There's also a free plan, but it caps you at one project (read-only for extras), offers only basic features, and, crucially, no memory. Enough to kick the tires, not enough to feel what makes Subspace worth using in the first place.

![Subspace subscription panel showing Monthly, Annual, and Free plan options](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/04/040-subspace-subscription.jpg)

The trial is the better introduction, and it sold me on it. The speed, quality, and rate at which the team ships updates do most of the work. If you're already burning through AI tokens daily, $12/month is a reasonable line item, and it pays for itself the first time cross-agent memory saves you from re-explaining a complex task.

## Closing thoughts

We're somewhere in the middle of a big shift. Designers, developers, and everyone in between are finding their workflows reshaped by AI agents that are increasingly capable and increasingly plural. The tools we use should reflect that, and most of them haven't quite caught up yet.

[Subspace](https://www.subspace.build/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is the cleanest answer I've found to the multi-agent juggling problem. It's not perfect (cross-agent memory currently spans Claude Code, Codex, and OpenCode, with more on the way), but it's the only tool I've used that treats memory as a first-class workspace concept rather than an afterthought. For someone juggling [Brefast](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/brefast-a-meal-planning-app-born-from-my-own-macro-tracking-frustrations/), [theFineBits](https://thefinebits.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), and a handful of side projects at once, that upgrade matters more than it sounds.

If you're spending half your day in conversation with one AI agent or another, give it a shot.
### Brefast: A meal planning app born from my own macro-tracking frustrations
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/brefast-a-meal-planning-app-born-from-my-own-macro-tracking-frustrations/
Last updated: 2026-02-17T18:52:33.000Z
![audio-thumbnail](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/media/2026/02/ElevenLabs_https_www_tsamoudakis_com_brefast-a-meal-planning-app-born-from-my-own-macro-tracking-frustrations_-3_thumb.jpg)

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A couple of years ago, I decided to get serious about my nutrition. Not in a "join a gym and post transformation selfies" kind of way, but in a quiet, practical, "let me actually understand what I'm eating" kind of way. What started as a personal experiment with calorie counting eventually turned into something I didn't expect: a side project that's now live and looking for its first users.

This is the story of [Brefast](https://www.brefast.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), a meal-planning app I built to solve a problem that no existing tool quite addressed. If you've ever tried to organize your meals around specific nutritional goals without being told what to eat, this might resonate.

## It started with a spreadsheet (sort of)

Like most people who start paying attention to nutrition, my first instinct was to track everything. I wanted to understand calories, protein, carbs, and fats across my daily meals. Not to obsess over numbers, but to make informed choices that would stick long-term.

I didn't reach for a calorie-tracking app, though. Instead, I turned to AI. At the time, I was already [exploring AI in my design workflows](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/leveraging-ai-as-a-product-designer-to-enhance-my-workflows/), so it felt natural to use the same tools for meal planning. I'd open ChatGPT, describe the foods I had at home, and ask it to calculate a day's worth of meals that hit my macro targets. It worked surprisingly well. Within minutes, I'd have a balanced meal plan built around the actual products sitting in my kitchen.

For a while, this was my system. Every few days, I'd prompt the AI, get a plan, and follow it. It felt efficient and flexible. But like most manual processes that depend on repetition, cracks started to show.

## When the novelty wore off

The thing about using AI prompts for meal planning is that they work beautifully until they don't. The process itself was sound, but the *repetition* of it became a chore. Every few days, I'd have to re-describe my available products, re-state my goals, and re-prompt for a plan. There was no memory, no continuity. Each session started from scratch.

I also realized I was buying the same products at the supermarket week after week. Most of us do. The items in our trolley don't change dramatically from one trip to the next. Yet every time I sat down to plan meals, I was essentially rebuilding the same foundation over and over.

That's when the idea started to take shape: what if I had a tool where my products were already stored, my meals already defined, and all I had to do was arrange them across the week?

## Then my wife joined the kitchen

The real tipping point came when my wife decided to follow a similar approach to her nutrition. Suddenly, we had two people in the same household, sharing the same kitchen and grocery runs, but with different nutritional goals and meal preferences.

The coordination problem was immediate. Who's eating what on Monday? Are we cooking separate meals or sharing? If I'm having chicken breast with rice for lunch, is there enough left for her dinner? And when we go to the supermarket, whose plan are we shopping for?

I tried to resolve this using shared notes, Google Sheets, and a shared [Todoist project](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/how-i-use-todoist-to-organise-my-life/). None of it stuck. The tools weren't built for this specific kind of problem. They could hold information, but they couldn't *connect* it. A product's nutritional values, the meals it belongs to, the day it's planned for, and the grocery list it generates are all related components that need to communicate with each other. A spreadsheet can do that in theory. In practice, it's a maintenance nightmare.

That's when I stopped thinking about this as a personal workflow and started thinking about it as a product.

![Brefast landing page showing the meal planning app tagline and weekly plan preview](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/02/039-brefast-landing-page.jpg)

## What is Brefast?

Brefast is a meal planning app for people who already know what they want to eat and just need a better way to organize it.

That distinction matters because the meal planning space is crowded, but not in the way you'd expect. After researching what's already out there, I noticed that most apps fall into one of two categories. There are recipe-driven planners like Mealime, eMeals, and MealPrepPro that build meal plans *for* you based on their recipe libraries. And there are calorie trackers like MyFitnessPal and Yazio that log what you've *already eaten* and tell you how you did.

Brefast does neither.

It doesn't tell you what to eat. It doesn't have a recipe database. It doesn't log your past meals or guilt-trip you about yesterday's pizza. Instead, it gives you a clean, structured space to define the products you buy, combine them into meals, spread those meals across a week, and see at a glance whether your nutritional targets are on track.

Think of it as the organizational layer that sits between "I've figured out my nutrition" and "I need to actually plan my week." Brefast doesn't replace your nutritional knowledge. It helps you put it to work.

## How it works

The workflow is straightforward and mirrors how most of us already think about food:

### Step 1: Add your products

Start by adding the foods you regularly buy. Each product includes its nutritional information (calories, protein, carbs, fats) and the portion sizes you typically use. These are your building blocks.

![Brefast products screen showing a list of saved food items with macros](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/02/039-brefast-products.jpg)

To speed things up, I've integrated [Open Food Facts](https://world.openfoodfacts.org/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), an open-source database of food products from around the world. When you're adding a new product, you can search this database and pull in the nutritional label automatically, instead of typing everything by hand. It's not perfect for every product (especially regional or unpackaged foods), but it saves significant time on the everyday items you pick up at the supermarket.

### Step 2: Create your meals

Once your products are in, you combine them into meals. A meal might be "Greek yogurt with honey and granola" or "grilled chicken with rice and salad." Each meal calculates its total nutritional values based on the products and portions you've selected.

![Brefast meals screen with breakfast recipes and nutritional breakdown](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/02/039-brefast-meals.jpg)

This is where the "bring your own knowledge" philosophy really kicks in. You're not choosing from someone else's recipe library. You're building meals that reflect *your* kitchen, *your* taste, and *your* goals.

### Step 3: Build your weekly plan

Once your meals are ready, assign them to the weekly calendar. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, whatever structure your day follows. As you fill the week, Brefast shows you a running overview of your daily nutritional intake right at the end of each day, so you can spot gaps or adjust portions before your next grocery run.

![Brefast weekly meal plan with daily macro tracking and progress bars](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/02/039-brefast-weekly-plan.jpg)

All the macro calculations you see throughout the app are tied to the daily targets you set in your preferences. You define your calorie goal, protein, carbs, and fats, and Brefast uses those numbers to show whether each day is on track. It's not about obsessive tracking. It's about awareness at a glance.

![Brefast settings screen with daily macro targets for calories, protein, carbs and fat](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/02/039-brefast-daily-targets.jpg)

## Two people, one kitchen

One of the features I'm most proud of is the ability for two people to coordinate their meal planning within the same household. This is the problem that pushed me to build the app in the first place, and it's something I haven't seen addressed well by other tools.

My wife and I have different caloric needs and different meal preferences, but we share the same fridge and the same supermarket trip. In Brefast, each of us maintains our own products and meals, completely private and tailored to our individual goals. But here's where it gets useful: we can share our weekly plans with each other through a secure, private process.

![Brefast shared plans feature for household meal coordination](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/02/039-brefast-shared-plans.jpg)

That means I can see what she's planned for the week, and she can see mine. When we're standing in the supermarket aisle wondering whether to grab an extra pack of chicken breast, the answer is right there. No more "Did you account for the eggs I need for Thursday?" conversations. No more guessing what the other person has planned. Just two people, planning independently, but with full visibility into each other's week when it matters.

## What Brefast is not

I want to be upfront about this because the meal planning space invites certain assumptions.

Brefast is **not** a calorie tracker. It doesn't ask you to log what you ate after the fact. It doesn't sync with a fitness band. It doesn't gamify your eating habits or award you badges for staying under a calorie limit.

It's **not** a recipe app. It doesn't suggest meals, generate shopping lists from curated recipes, or offer cooking instructions. If you're looking for dinner inspiration, there are wonderful apps for that, but Brefast isn't one of them.

It's **not** a diet program. I'm not a nutritionist, and the app doesn't pretend to be one either. It doesn't prescribe macros, recommend meal plans, or offer dietary advice. The nutritional information you see is based entirely on the data you provide.

Brefast is an **organizational tool**. It's for people who've already done the thinking, consulted the professionals, or simply figured out what works for their body, and now need a structured, visual way to plan their week around it.

## The tech behind it

For the curious (and I know many of you are), Brefast is a Progressive Web App (PWA). That means you access it through your browser, but you can install it on your phone's home screen and use it like a native app, no App Store required. It works on any device with a modern browser, including iPhone, Android, tablet, and desktop.

I chose the PWA route for a few practical reasons. It lets me iterate faster without dealing with app store review cycles. It keeps the app lightweight and accessible. And it means I can focus on the experience rather than maintaining separate codebases for different platforms.

The name, by the way, has its own story, which I'll save for another time. 😏

## What's coming next

Brefast is live and usable right now at [brefast.com](https://www.brefast.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), and it's completely free during this early access phase. But there's plenty more in the pipeline.

- **Supermarket list generation.** This is the feature I'm most excited about. Once you've built your weekly plan, Brefast will automatically generate a grocery list based on the products you need for those meals. No more mentally cross-referencing your plan with your fridge. Just plan your week, check what you already have, and head to the store with a clear list.
- **Recipe importing from food blogs.** I've been working on the ability to import recipes directly from popular food blogs. Instead of manually adding each product and portion from a recipe you found online, you'll be able to paste the URL and have Brefast pull in the relevant information. This bridges the gap between discovering recipes elsewhere and organizing them within your plan.
- **More integrations and refinements.** The Open Food Facts connection is already live, but I'm looking at ways to make it smarter and more reliable. The roadmap also includes UI improvements, onboarding refinements, and quality-of-life features driven by real-world usage and feedback.

Running an app like Brefast comes with real costs (servers, databases, third-party integrations), so a paid tier will eventually be necessary to keep things sustainable. For now, during the early access phase, everything is free.

## Why I'm sharing this

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know I have a soft spot for [side projects](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/the-journey-of-building-and-selling-my-first-ghost-theme/). Building things outside my day job has always been part of how I learn, grow, and scratch creative itches. Brefast follows that same trajectory, born from a personal need, shaped by real constraints, and built one evening at a time.

But unlike a Ghost theme or a wallpaper pack, Brefast solves a problem I haven't outgrown. I use it every week. My wife uses it every week. And the more we use it, the more ideas surface for how it could be better.

That's where you come in.

## Try it and tell me what you think

I'd genuinely love for you to give [Brefast](https://www.brefast.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) a try. Not because I think it's perfect (it's very much not), but because early feedback from real people shapes a product into something worth keeping.

Here's what would help me most:

- **Does the workflow make sense?** Is the flow from products to meals to the weekly plan intuitive, or did you get stuck somewhere?
- **Is something missing?** A feature, a piece of information, a way to view your data that would make Brefast more useful for your situation?
- **Would you actually use this?** Honestly. Not out of politeness, but because it solves a real problem in your week.

You can sign up and start planning at [brefast.com](https://www.brefast.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). It takes a few minutes to add your first products, and once you've built a couple of meals, the weekly planning starts to click.

If you have thoughts, questions, or ideas, you'll find a feedback widget at the bottom of every page once you're logged in. Use it to share bugs, suggestions, or anything else that comes to mind. That's the fastest way to reach me. 😉

Of course, the comments below work too, and every piece of feedback helps me [prioritize](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/prioritize-the-quiet-superpower-of-doing-less/) what to build next.
### The missing piece in my iCloud backup strategy
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/the-missing-piece-in-my-icloud-backup-strategy/
Last updated: 2026-01-10T14:50:27.000Z
I'm one of those people who obsess over backups. Not in a casual "I should probably do that" way, but in a "what if a meteor strikes Google's data center" way. This particular quirk has followed me since I first touched a computer, back when ZIP drives were cutting-edge and leaving a floppy disk on a speaker meant saying goodbye to your files forever. (I'm showing my age here, and yes, I learned that lesson the hard way.)

You'd think decades of backup paranoia would mean I'd never lose anything. You'd be wrong. Power outages that fried entire PCs. Disks that mysteriously corrupted. That one time I "temporarily" stored photos on a drive I then reformatted. Each loss only deepened the obsession.

## The cloud solved everything (sort of)

Fast forward to today, and most of my digital life lives in the cloud. iCloud, specifically. Being deep in Apple's ecosystem, the integration is genuinely convenient. My files follow me across my MacBook, iPhone, and iPad without thinking about it. I can pull documents from iCloud Drive within any app because it's woven so deeply into the system. It just works.

> But here's the thing about convenience: it creates dependency. And dependency, for someone with my particular brand of backup anxiety, creates a new kind of unease.

My photos, my work files, my notes: they're all sitting in a data center I'll never see, managed by a company I have no control over. I know Apple's infrastructure is infinitely more robust than anything I could build at home. I know the odds of iCloud simply vanishing are astronomically low. But that's not really the point, is it? Sometimes it's about the *feeling* of control, the satisfaction of knowing you have a copy that's truly yours.

## The gap in my backup strategy

For years, I've kept a Synology NAS on my desk, dutifully mirroring my cloud storage. It's been my safety blanket, a local copy that doesn't care about internet outages or subscription lapses. The problem? iCloud doesn't play nice with third-party sync solutions.

My workaround was [Carbon Copy Cloner](https://bombich.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). I'd set up tasks to copy my iCloud Drive folders to an external drive on a schedule. It worked, technically. But it came with two catches: everything had to stay downloaded locally, and Carbon Copy Cloner releases paid updates nearly every year. The app itself is solid, but those recurring upgrade costs add up. When my iCloud storage was under 100GB, keeping everything local was fine. Now that I'm nearing half a terabyte, my MacBook's SSD is starting to sweat.

I eventually switched to `rsync` commands in Terminal, which solved the cost problem (free forever), but not the fundamental one. If I wanted to back up my iCloud data, I still needed to keep all of it on my Mac first. That's not a backup strategy; that's a storage sacrifice.

## Enter Parachute Backup

About a month ago, I stumbled across [Parachute Backup](https://www.parachuteapps.com/parachute?ref=tsamoudakis.com), and I'm fairly certain it was built for people exactly like me. The pitch is simple: back up your iCloud data to any location *without* filling up your Mac's disk space.

That last part is the key. Parachute Backup works file by file: it downloads a file from iCloud, copies it to your backup destination, and immediately offloads it back to iCloud while respecting whatever storage rules you've set. The result? Your Mac's SSD never fills up beyond what it was before you started the backup. It handles both iCloud Drive and your Photos library, creating an exact mirror wherever you point it.

The setup took about five minutes. I connected my external SSD, selected what I wanted to back up, chose "Mirrored" as my backup mode, and scheduled it to run weekly. Done.

## How I'm actually using it

I considered pointing Parachute Backup at my Synology, but I travel often enough that having everything on a palm-sized SSD feels more practical. When I'm home, I plug it in before my scheduled backup. When I'm traveling, the SSD comes with me. If I forget to connect the drive? The backup simply doesn't run that week, and I can trigger it manually whenever I remember.

What I appreciate most is how it handles changes. Delete a file from iCloud Drive? It disappears from the backup on the next run. Update a document? The new version syncs over. Because I'm using the "Mirrored" mode, my backup stays an exact reflection of my cloud storage (no bloated archives, no duplicate versions eating up space). There are also "Full" and "Incremental" modes if you prefer keeping historical copies.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/01/038-parachute-backup-screen-01.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/01/038-parachute-backup-screen-02.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2026/01/038-parachute-backup-screen-03.jpg)

## The small details that matter

Parachute Backup isn't a flashy app with endless settings and toggles. It's a utility that does one thing well. A few things I've noticed:

- **No subscription.** You buy it once ($4.99 for macOS), and it's yours. No recurring fees, no unlock tiers.
- **You're not locked in.** Your backups are just files on a drive. If you stop using the app tomorrow, your data is still there, accessible like any other folder.
- **iOS and iPadOS versions exist.** Same feature set, same one-time purchase ($3.99). Handy if you want to back up directly from your [iPhone or iPad](https://www.parachuteapps.com/parachute-mobile/?ref=tsamoudakis.com).

## Is it perfect?

No app is. The first backup takes a while if you have a large library (mine was around 400GB, so I let it run overnight). And if you forget to connect your drive for a few weeks, you'll have a gap in your backup coverage. But those are user problems, not app problems.

For anyone who's been looking for a way to keep a local copy of their iCloud data without surrendering their Mac's storage, [Parachute Backup](https://www.parachuteapps.com/parachute?ref=tsamoudakis.com) fills a gap I didn't think anyone was addressing. It's not trying to replace Time Machine or compete with enterprise backup solutions. It's just a thoughtful tool for a specific, real-world problem.

And for someone who's spent decades trying to outrun data loss, that's exactly what I needed.
### Reflecting on the year and building for the next
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/reflecting-on-the-year-and-building-for-the-next/
Last updated: 2025-12-25T09:35:53.000Z
The holidays have a way of making you pause and reflect. As this year winds down, I find myself looking back at a journey that started with simple curiosity and has grown into something I'm genuinely proud of. So, grab a warm drink, and let me tell you about [theFineBits](https://thefinebits.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com).

## How it all started

My fascination with Ghost began years ago through my work at Doist. The company used to run its blog on Ghost, and I was immediately drawn to the platform's elegance: the clean interface, the focus on writing, the thoughtful design decisions baked into every corner. I knew then that I wanted to move my WordPress-based website to Ghost. I just needed the right moment.

That moment came in early 2024\. I finally sat down to make the switch, but as I browsed the available themes, something didn't quite click. Don't get me wrong: there are plenty of beautiful Ghost themes out there. But as a product designer, I had this itch to create something of my own. Something that reflected exactly how I wanted my content to feel.

What started as "I'll just build a simple theme for my site" quickly turned into a much bigger adventure. I [wrote about those early days](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/rebooting-to-ghost-and-building-a-premium-theme-from-scratch/), not knowing where it would lead.

## Learning by doing

Building FineBits became my crash course in Ghost development. I dove into Handlebars templating, wrestled with local development environments, and spent countless evenings tweaking typography and spacing until things felt just right. The whole process was both humbling and exhilarating.

Later, I reflected on [the entire journey](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/the-journey-of-building-and-selling-my-first-ghost-theme/): the design process, the soft launch, the beta testing, and yes, the thrill of that first sale. That moment when someone trusts your work enough to use it for their own creative endeavors? It's hard to describe how rewarding that feels.

## The unexpected benefits

Here's something I didn't anticipate: this side project has made me a better product designer.

Running theFineBits as a one-man show means I handle everything: design, development, marketing, documentation, and support. It's a lot, but it's also incredibly educational. I've gained a deeper appreciation for the full product lifecycle, from that first spark of an idea to the ongoing relationship with the people who use what I've built.

The support part, in particular, has been unexpectedly fulfilling. Every email or message is a window into how someone is using my theme to share their thoughts, build their business, or launch their creative project. It's a privilege to be part of that, even in a small way.

## When a support ticket becomes a product

Speaking of support, let me tell you how my second theme came to be.

A few months ago, someone reached out while considering FineBits for their site. They loved the theme's design but had a specific need: they wanted to create landing pages within Ghost. Minimal pages without the header and footer, something more suited for marketing or business use.

It was a reasonable request, but not something I could easily accommodate with FineBits without compromising its core design. The more I thought about it, though, the more I realized this wasn't just one person's need. There's a whole category of Ghost users who want flexibility: the ability to control the layout on a per-page basis and to mix traditional blog posts with standalone landing pages.

That conversation planted a seed. And from that seed, FlexiBits was born.

FlexiBits is designed for exactly this use case: a theme that gives you control over what appears on each page. Want a full blog experience? You've got it. Want a clean landing page with no distractions? Done. It's flexibility without complexity. At least, that's the goal.

I'm planning to **launch it in early 2026**, and I couldn't be more excited.

## Introducing theFineBits

With a second theme on the horizon, it felt like the right time to build something bigger than a single product page. That's how [theFineBits](https://thefinebits.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) came to be: a proper home for the themes I create.

The new site features a Journal where I share tips, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes looks at how things come together. If you're curious about Ghost, or if you're already using it and want to get more out of it, I hope you'll find something useful there.

I've also set up a mailing list for those who want updates delivered to their inbox. No spam, no fluff: just occasional notes about new themes, helpful content, and the things I'm learning along the way.

[Subscribe to theFineBits mailing list](https://thefinebits.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com#/portal/signup)

## Looking ahead to 2026

My goal for the coming year is to turn theFineBits into a place where anyone building with Ghost can find beautifully crafted themes and genuinely useful resources. I want it to be the kind of studio I would have wanted to find when I first started exploring this platform.

There's still so much to learn, so much to build. But that's part of what makes this exciting.

## A holiday thought

The quiet days between Christmas and New Year's always get me thinking about fresh starts. Maybe you've been sitting on an idea for a blog, a newsletter, or a project you've wanted to share with the world. Maybe 2026 is the year you finally hit publish.

If it is, I hope our paths cross. And if you ever need a theme... well, you know where to find me. 😉

Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a creative new year.
### Your to-do app is already a financial dashboard; you just haven't set it up yet
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/your-to-do-app-is-already-a-financial-dashboard-you-just-havent-set-it-up-yet/
Last updated: 2025-12-09T09:57:17.000Z
There was a time when managing household finances meant tracking three things: rent, electricity, and phone. Maybe car insurance if you were fancy. That was it. You could keep it all in your head without breaking a sweat. Then subscriptions happened. Netflix. Spotify. Cloud storage. Gym memberships. AI tools. Gaming subscriptions. Software licenses. Streaming services you forgot you signed up for. Suddenly, you're not managing three recurring payments; you're juggling fifteen or twenty. And they don't all hit on the first of the month like rent used to. They're scattered across the calendar like confetti, each one quietly draining your account on its own schedule.

That's when I realized I needed a system. Not another budgeting app (I already had one of those), but something that would keep these payments visible in my daily life. Something I'd actually look at. Turns out, I'd been staring at the solution all along: my to-do app.

## Why your to-do app is the right place for this

Here's the thing about dedicated finance apps: they're excellent historians. I've used [MoneyWiz](https://www.wiz.money/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) for years to track spending patterns, categorize expenses, and see where my salary disappears each month. It's great at showing me where I've been, but it's not where I live.

My to-do app is. Whether it's [Todoist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/how-i-use-todoist-to-organise-my-life/) or [Apple Reminders](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/mastering-apple-reminders-with-clever-tricks-and-workarounds/), my task manager is the first thing I check in the morning and the last thing I review before bed. It's my single source of truth for everything that needs to be done. As I often tell my wife, "If it's not in my to-do list, it probably won't be done." So why would I put financial obligations anywhere else?

The logic is simple: if your to-do app already has your attention, your bills should be there too. Not buried in a separate app you open once a week (if you remember), but right there alongside your work tasks and personal errands. Visible. Unavoidable. Part of your daily rhythm. I've been running this system for over a decade now, and in that time, I haven't paid a single cent in late fees or interest charges. Not because I'm particularly disciplined with money, but because my to-do app makes forgetting impossible.

## The principles

This approach isn't tied to any specific app. The principles work whether you're using Todoist, Apple Reminders, Things, or whatever task manager you've committed to. What matters is consistency and a few structural decisions.

### Record everything that costs money

If money is leaving your account, it needs to be in your system. Subscriptions, bills, memberships, insurance payments; all of it. No exceptions, no "I'll remember that one." You won't.

I keep all of these in a dedicated "Finance" project (or list, depending on your app's terminology). This keeps financial tasks separate from work and personal to-dos while still surfacing them in my daily view when they're due.

### Name tasks with amounts

Don't just write "Netflix." Write "Netflix - €14.99."

This small detail makes a surprising difference. When you're scanning your upcoming payments, seeing the amounts helps you understand the actual impact on your account. It's the difference between "oh, I have some bills coming up" and "okay, that's roughly €200 going out this week."

![Todoist Finance project in board view with columns for different accounts](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/12/036-todoist-finance-project-in-board-view.jpg)

Board view makes it easy to see which payments hit each account at a glance.

### Set and forget with recurring tasks

Most financial tasks are beautifully predictable. Netflix hits on the 15th of every month. Insurance renews annually on March 3rd. Your gym membership charges weekly on Mondays.

Set the recurrence once, get it right, and then forget about it. These tasks will resurface exactly when they need to, month after month, year after year. That annual subscription that sneaks up on everyone else? It'll appear in your Today view right on schedule, no surprises.

The key is accuracy. Double-check your billing dates when you first set things up. A recurring task set to the wrong day is worse than no task at all because it creates false confidence.

### Use early reminders for bills that need thought

Most payments are straightforward: the task appears, you acknowledge it, and it's done. But some require a bit more consideration. You may be thinking about canceling a subscription before it renews. Maybe a bill is large enough that you want to make sure the funds are in place. Perhaps you need time to decide whether that annual service is still worth keeping.

For these cases, an early reminder helps. You still want the actual due date recorded accurately, but you also want a nudge a few days or a week beforehand so you can think it through. Todoist offers this through its Deadlines feature, while Apple Reminders has a built-in Early Reminder option that does exactly this. If your task manager doesn't support early reminders natively, the workaround is simple: create a separate task a week before the due date as your thinking prompt. It's an extra step, but for those tricky subscriptions you're on the fence about, it's worth the effort.

![Todoist task detail showing a subscription with a deadline set](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/12/036-todoist-task-view-with-deadline-1.jpg)

Setting a deadline gives you advance warning for subscriptions that need consideration before they renew.

This is entirely optional. Most bills don't need advance warning; the "set and forget" approach handles them perfectly. But for the handful that benefit from a little mental runway, early reminders keep you in control of the decision rather than scrambling on the day.

### Organize by account or payment method

Not all payments are equal in terms of where the money comes from. Some hit your main checking account; others charge a specific credit card. Keeping track of which account pays what helps you avoid overdrafts and manage cash flow.

I prefer using a board view with columns for each account or card. At a glance, I can see everything hitting my Visa this month versus what's coming out of my main account. If your app doesn't support boards, tags, or labels work just as well. The goal is to be able to filter or group by payment source when you need that view.

For bills that don't have a fixed payment method (things I pay manually each time), I use a generic "Payments" category. This catches the stragglers without cluttering the account-specific views.

### Live in the Today view

This is the cornerstone of the whole system.

Your Today view (or whatever your app calls the daily focus screen) is where financial awareness happens naturally. You're already checking it for work deadlines and personal errands. When a payment is due today, it appears right there alongside everything else demanding your attention.

No separate app to open. No extra mental effort to remember "I should check my bills." It's just... there.

![Todoist Today view showing finance tasks alongside daily to-dos](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/12/036-todoist-today-view.jpg)

Financial tasks surface naturally in your Today view, right alongside everything else.

The Today view also creates accountability. When you see "Electricity - €85" sitting in your task list, you either deal with it or consciously postpone it. There's no passive forgetting. The task stares at you until you take action.

### Use widgets to see beyond today

Living in the Today view keeps you focused on what's immediate. But sometimes you need to look ahead, to see what's coming next week or next month, so you can plan accordingly.

This is where widgets shine. I keep a Payments widget on my iPhone home screen that shows upcoming financial tasks beyond just today. It's a gentle preview of what's on the horizon without overwhelming me with the full list.

![iPhone home screen with Todoist Finance widget showing upcoming bills](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/12/036-todoist-widget-on-iphone.jpg)

iOS widgets lets you see what's coming without opening the app.

The combination works well: the Today view handles execution, the widget handles anticipation. Together, they create a rhythm where nothing sneaks up on you.

### Sync with your calendar for the bird's-eye view

Most to-do apps can sync tasks to your calendar, either natively (like Apple Reminders) or through a calendar feed (like Todoist). This integration is particularly useful for financial planning.

When your payments appear as calendar events, you can zoom out and see the whole month (or several months) at once. This is invaluable when planning bigger expenses. Want to book a family trip? A quick look at your calendar reveals which months have breathing room and which ones are already heavy with obligations.

I've used this countless times to find the "wiggle room" months; those stretches where fewer subscriptions and bills cluster together, leaving more flexibility for discretionary spending.

## The honest caveat

I've shared this system with plenty of friends over the years. Some adopted it immediately and never looked back. Others tried it for a week and quietly abandoned it.

The difference wasn't the system itself. It was whether they already lived in their to-do app.

This approach works brilliantly if you're the kind of person who checks your task manager every day, who actually processes your Today view, who treats your to-do app as the source of truth for your life. If that's you, adding finances to the mix is a natural extension of habits you've already built.

But if you're someone who sets up elaborate productivity systems and then ignores them, this won't magically fix your financial awareness. The habit of daily engagement with your to-do app is the foundation on which everything else rests. Without it, these tasks will pile up unseen, just like they would anywhere else.

## The payoff

What I've gained from this system isn't just a decade of zero late fees (though that's nice). It's peace of mind.

There's a particular calm that comes from knowing exactly what's due, when it's due, and from which account. No surprises. No scrambling. No "wait, was that supposed to come out today?" panic. Just a steady awareness of where my money goes and when.

Your to-do app is already the place where you organize your life. Your finances deserve to be part of that picture. The setup takes an afternoon; the payoff lasts for years.

If you've built your own system for tracking bills and subscriptions, I'd love to hear how it works. Sometimes the best ideas come from seeing how someone else solved the same problem.
### Automate macOS screenshots with AI and make file discovery effortless
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/automate-macos-screenshots-with-ai-and-make-file-discovery-effortless/
Last updated: 2025-11-27T12:16:48.000Z
If you’re anything like me, screenshots are your tiny daily lifesavers. They capture quick reminders, UI references, travel confirmations, receipts, map directions, bits of inspiration, or that one funny comment you swear you’ll revisit someday. And yet, despite their usefulness, they turn into digital laundry within minutes.

I use [CleanShot](https://cleanshot.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) to grab all my screenshots, and one of its best features is letting me choose exactly where they’re stored. I point it to a dedicated Screenshots folder in my iCloud Drive, something I set up every time I get a new Mac, so everything stays synced across devices. The convenience is great, but the filenames aren’t! A long parade of `Screenshot 2024-11-15 at 16.28.02.png` files, which is basically macOS whispering: *“Good luck finding this later.”* 🙄

After years of scrolling through dozens of identical filenames, hoping to stumble upon the right one, I finally taught my Mac to rename screenshots automatically. And not with generic names either. With **descriptive, human-friendly names** created by **AI**, the moment a screenshot hits my Screenshots folder.

This guide walks you through building the automation, why it’s incredibly useful, and how to tailor it to your workflow.

## Why automating screenshot names matters

Most of us think of screenshots as quick snapshots rather than files to organize. We tell ourselves we’ll sort them out later, but that moment never comes. Smart naming turns those fleeting captures into:

- searchable reference points
- properly indexed project material
- quick-to-find work documentation
- organized visual notes
- synced, meaningful archives across devices

When a screenshot is named “todoist-new-schedule-design" or "timeline-layout-exploration”, you don’t need luck or guesswork. You just type a word into Spotlight, Finder, or [Raycast](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/unleash-your-productivity-with-raycast-for-macos/), and it’s there. Automation makes this effortless. You take the screenshot, the Shortcut renames it instantly, and you carry on. Smart filenames aren’t just tidy, they turn screenshots into a searchable knowledge base.

## Let's build the automation

Before diving into the steps themselves, it helps to have a clear picture of what this setup requires. You’ll need a Mac running macOS with the [Shortcuts](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/shortcuts-mac/apdf22b0444c/mac?ref=tsamoudakis.com) app installed, along with either Apple Intelligence or ChatGPT connected, so the Shortcut can generate descriptive filenames. You’ll also want a single dedicated folder where all your screenshots land. By default, macOS saves screenshots to the desktop, which works fine for quick temporary captures, but if you tend to keep your screenshots for reference or archiving, it makes more sense to create a dedicated folder somewhere less cluttered. Whether that’s in iCloud Drive or anywhere else is completely a matter of preference.

With everything set up, you can now build the automation step by step.

### Step 1: Create the automation in Shortcuts

Open **Shortcuts**, go to **Automation**, and click the **+** button at the top right.  
Choose **When files are added to my Documents folder**.

![macOS shortcuts automation folder trigger screen](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/11/01-automation.jpeg)

Choose a folder-based automation trigger in macOS Shortcuts.

Then:

- Select your **Screenshots** folder.
- Set it to trigger **When any item is added**.
- Turn on **Run Immediately**
- (Optional) Turn on **Notify When Run** if you like confirmations.

![macOS shortcuts folder automation settings screen](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/11/02-automation-details.jpeg)

Configure the folder trigger to run instantly when new files are added.

Tap **Next**, then **New Shortcut**.

![macOS shortcuts choose action screen for folder automation](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/11/03-new-shortcut.jpeg)

Click New Shortcut to create the automation that will run when new files are added.

This creates an empty canvas where the magic will happen.

### Step 2: Get the screenshot file from the shortcut input

Use the search on the right to find and add the action **Get Images from Input**.

![macOS shortcuts editor with get images from input action](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/11/04-get-images-from-input.jpeg)

Begin building the shortcut by receiving the folder change summary.

Click the little blue “Input” field and make sure it’s set to **Shortcut Input**.

![macOS shortcuts get images from shortcut input menu](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/11/05-shortcut-input.jpeg)

Select “Shortcut Input” as the source for incoming images.

Then click it again and set it to **Added Files**.

![macOS shortcuts select added files from folder change summary](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/11/06-added-files.jpeg)

Choose “Added files” from the folder change summary for processing.

This ensures only *new* screenshots are processed.

### Step 3: Feed the screenshot to AI

Find and add the action **Use Model**, then set it to your preferred option (e.g., Apple Intelligence, ChatGPT, etc.).

![macOS shortcuts use model action with ChatGPT extension selected](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/11/07-use-model.jpeg)

Select the processing option that best fits your preference for handling the screenshot.

Your prompt can be simple but specific. Here’s the one I use:

```
Look at the screenshot and generate a filename that describes its visible content.
Use only lowercase and hyphens.
Avoid generic words like “screenshot” or “image”.
Keep it specific and no longer than 10 words. Output only the filename.
Append exactly this extension at the end: .png 
Do not change or guess the extension.

Screenshot: 
```

![macOS shortcuts use ChatGPT to generate filename action](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/11/035-08-prompt.jpeg)

Add a prompt instructing the AI model to generate a clean, specific filename for each screenshot.

Make sure to right-click on the input field you've added your prompt to and select **Insert Variable → Images**, so the `Images` variable is added to the end of your prompt.

👨‍💻 **A few notes for the prompt:**

- **Add constraints**, or your AI might turn your filename into a novella.
- **Mention “only output the filename”** or it may send paragraphs.
- **Keep the word limit low** for clarity.

### Step 4: Rename the file

Add the final action, **Rename File**, and configure it to:

- Change **Response** to **Shortcut Input** and click it again to select **Added Files**
- Set the **Name** to the AI's **Response**

![macOS shortcuts rename file using ChatGPT response action](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/11/035-09-ai-response.jpeg)

Choose the Response variable so the shortcut can use the AI generated filename.

And that’s it, this is the whole workflow. Save it, give it a name like **"Screenshot Renamer"**, and (optionally) set a custom icon.

![macOS shortcuts final workflow for automatic screenshot renaming](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/11/035-10-final-shortcut.jpeg)

This is what the completed shortcut should look like once all steps are set up.

Now that the shortcut is set up, every screenshot you take becomes fully automated. When a new file appears in your Screenshots folder, the shortcut runs automatically, analyzes the image, generates a clear, descriptive name using AI, and renames the file instantly. You don’t need to trigger anything manually or remember to tidy things up later. Just capture everything you need, and macOS quietly handles the rest, keeping your library organized, clean, consistent, and easy to search.

![macOS screenshots folder with auto-renamed image files](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/11/11-screenshots-folder.jpeg)

Take your first screenshots and watch them get renamed automatically.

💡

****Tip:** I also like to change the sorting order of my Screenshots folder to "Date created." This ensures that the most recent screenshots always appear at the top of the folder, regardless of their names.

## Common issues and how to avoid them

A few things I’ve learned while using this in the real world:

1. **AI sometimes gets creative.** Add a word limit because, without it, filenames occasionally drift into poetry.
2. **Keep all screenshots in one folder.** Shortcuts can only monitor a single folder per automation.
3. **Avoid reorganizing files while the automation runs.** The Shortcut triggers instantly and may act on files while you move them manually.
4. **The content determines name quality.** Blurry, partial screenshots sometimes produce vague names. It’s still better than the default.
5. **Be mindful of privacy preferences.** Apple Intelligence can generate filenames entirely on‑device, while ChatGPT may process images in the cloud. Choose the option that matches your privacy preferences.

## Optional upgrades you can add later

Once you’re comfortable, you can extend the Shortcut with a few helpful enhancements that make the workflow even more powerful and personalized. Here are some ideas for inspiration:

- Auto-move screenshots into yearly or monthly subfolders
- Auto-tag them (e.g., "work", "travel", "design")
- Ask for confirmation before renaming
- Compress and archive older screenshots
- Send info to a note, or a [Todoist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/how-i-use-todoist-to-organise-my-life/) task

This is one of those workflows that grows with you.

## Closing thoughts

This automation didn’t just tidy up my screenshots; it actually changed how I use them day to day. Ever since I enabled it, I’ve found myself taking even more screenshots because they’ve quietly become a sort of visual notes archive. A good example happened recently while I was working on some significant library changes in Figma. I took a bunch of screenshots of components and mockups so I could compare them once the updates were done. Thanks to the automation, each screenshot was renamed to match its contents, so when it came time to review everything, I could pull up exactly what I needed with a quick file search in Raycast. It felt like pure magic.

Small automations like this are the kind of quality‑of‑life upgrades that make macOS feel personal. They remove friction quietly, letting you focus on your work instead of digging through files.

If you plan to build this yourself and want help tailoring the prompt or extending the automation, feel free to reach out in the comments.
### Unlocking Google Calendar’s hidden Sync Settings
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/unlocking-google-calendars-hidden-sync-settings/
Last updated: 2025-09-23T14:09:40.000Z
Google Calendar is everywhere. It has polished apps on web, iOS, and Android, but for many of us, it’s less of an app and more of an invisible backbone powering whatever calendar we actually use. That’s the magic: Google Calendar quietly does the heavy lifting in the background while our schedules surface in Apple Calendar, Outlook, Fantastical—or even on a smartwatch.

The catch? To unlock its full potential, you need to know about the extra calendars you can add—and the hidden Sync Settings page that decides whether they actually show up.

## Why add extra calendars?

Calendars aren’t just for meetings and dentist appointments. They can be a surprisingly handy way to pull together all the little bits of life that otherwise float around in your head or on scraps of paper. With the right extras, you can:

- Save time by seeing everything in one place instead of juggling apps.
- Reduce the mental load of remembering dates you’ll probably forget anyway.
- Make your calendar useful beyond just work—more like a personal dashboard.

Think of it less as clutter, more as context.

## Four practical calendars to add

There are countless creative ways you can extend your Google Calendar, from moon phases to TV show premieres. But the ones below are the use cases I keep coming back to—or see my friends rely on most often. I’m always on the lookout for new ideas, though, so if you have a favorite calendar hack of your own, make sure to share it in the comments below.

### 1\. Public holidays

Nothing derails a project plan quite like realizing half the country is off work for a public holiday. Google offers built-in calendars like Holidays in Greece or Holidays in the United States that automatically mark national days off. No manual entry, no surprises.

### 2\. School calendars

If you have kids, you already know school schedules are their own parallel universe. Many schools and universities publish their academic calendar as an iCal link. Add it once, and suddenly exam weeks, parent-teacher days, and midterm breaks appear right alongside your work schedule. It’s like future-proofing against those “Wait, no school today?” moments.

### 3\. Weather forecasts

Yes, you can have the weather show up in your calendar. A great option is [isitdaytime](https://isitdaytime.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), which lets you customize a feed for the location you care about and produce a calendar file with daily weather updates. Imagine opening your calendar and seeing “Rainy morning” or “Sunny 25°C” right on the day you’ve planned a picnic. It’s the small touches that make your calendar feel more alive.

### 4\. Sports fixtures

Sports fans, rejoice. Whether it’s Premier League football, NBA basketball, or even local club games, most teams offer official calendar subscriptions. Add your team’s schedule, and you’ll never miss kickoff again.

🎁

****Bonus:** Times automatically adjust to your timezone, so no more math before that 3 AM Champions League game.

## The hidden page: Google Calendar Sync Settings

Here’s where it gets interesting. Adding a calendar doesn’t always mean it shows up in your favorite third-party app (like Apple Calendar, Outlook, or Fantastical). That’s because Google hides an extra step in a page called **Sync Settings**. To this day, I still don’t know where Google actually links to this page—I can never find it through the settings. Every time, I end up digging into my notes where I’ve saved the URL. At least now it’s living here on my site, which I suspect might turn into a popular search. 😁

This Sync Settings page lets you select which of your shared calendars actually sync to external apps. Without checking the right boxes, some calendars stay invisible.

![creenshot of Google Calendar Sync Settings page showing options to sync personal and shared calendars](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/09/034-google-sync-settings.jpg)

Example: You might add School Holidays to Google Calendar, but it won’t show up on your iPhone until you enable it here.

## How to access Sync Settings

1. Go to [Google Calendar Sync Settings](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/syncselect?ref=tsamoudakis.com) (bookmark this link, it’s hidden deep in Google’s labyrinth).
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. Check the boxes for the calendars you want to sync.
4. Save and refresh your third-party app.

## Wrapping up

For most people, Google Calendar isn’t the main event. It’s the backstage crew keeping all the moving parts of our digital lives in sync. Adding public holidays, school breaks, sports schedules, or even the weather makes that backstage work even smarter.

Just don’t forget the secret switch: a quick trip to the hidden Sync Settings page is what ensures your calendars don’t just live in Google’s system but actually appear in the apps where you spend your time.

Think of it this way—your calendar doesn’t have to be a sterile grid of deadlines. With a few clever additions and one well-kept secret, it becomes your personal dashboard of life: holidays, hobbies, games, and even the weather, all in one place.
### My messaging habits in 2025: what works, what doesn’t
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/my-messaging-habits-in-2025-what-works-what-doesnt/
Last updated: 2025-09-12T18:47:54.000Z
If you’d told my 20-year-old self that one day I’d be juggling seven chat apps just to keep up with family, work, and friends, I would’ve laughed. Back then, a single SMS thread felt like enough. Yet here I am in 2025, where my phone feels less like a gadget and more like a social life support system. Sometimes it’s a marvel of efficiency. Other times, it feels like playing whack-a-mole with notifications.

Just the other week, a friend I hadn’t seen in years asked me what app I was on so we could catch up. That simple question made me pause and realize how fragmented our digital lives have become. It’s no longer a matter of swapping phone numbers—now it’s about comparing ecosystems. This article is my attempt to finally put that question to rest.

![iPhone on desk with Messages app and floating chat bubbles](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/09/033-my-daily-staples.png)

### My daily staples

First up: Apple’s [Messages](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/messages/id1146560473?ref=tsamoudakis.com). It’s the app I use the most, mainly because it’s baked into every Apple device I own. Messages has that mix of reliability and privacy that makes me trust it. It’s also where family life happens—kids sending quick notes, my wife sharing shopping lists, and friends occasionally dropping in with memes that are at least two years out of date. Just yesterday, my daughter texted me a blurry cat meme with the caption “this is you,” and I couldn’t decide if I should laugh or be mildly offended. 🙀

Then there’s [Messenger](https://www.messenger.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). Honestly, no one loves Messenger. But it’s still where so many friends and acquaintances live, especially the ones who never bought into the Apple ecosystem. It’s like that one café in town you don’t particularly like but keep going to because everyone else insists on meeting there. Last month, I had a Messenger thread where three people talked over each other so much that I gave up and called one of them directly—it was quicker.

![Neon digital colosseum with WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok holograms](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/09/033-the-global-heavyweights.png)

### The global heavyweights

[WhatsApp](https://www.whatsapp.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is the unavoidable giant. I’ve never liked its design—those early days felt like staring at a beige waiting room—but its popularity is impossible to ignore. More than 2 billion people use it each month, and even airlines send boarding updates there. It’s no longer optional.

[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) surprised me. What started as a photo-sharing app has morphed into a place where I now get as many DMs as likes. For younger friends, it’s practically their main messaging channel. My kids roll their eyes if I suggest texting instead—they’d rather send a reel and add “thought of you.” It’s a subtle but clear reminder that their digital shorthand is very different from mine.

And [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), the reigning champion of short videos, somehow became a chat app too. Friends send me clips “just for a laugh,” but those laughs often spiral into conversations that last an hour. Once, a ten-second cooking hack led to a thirty-minute debate with a friend about whether pineapple belongs on pizza. (For the record: yes. 😂)

![Library focus with Twist vs noisy bar of Slack, Teams, and Discord](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/09/033-where-work-gets-done.png)

### Where work gets done

Work is where I draw the line, and for me, that line is [Twist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/twist-redefining-communication-in-remote-work/). Doist’s asynchronous culture shaped how I communicate professionally. Twist is quieter, calmer, and far more focused than [Slack](https://slack.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) or [Teams](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). Once you’ve worked this way, going back to a flood of real-time notifications feels unbearable. It’s like trading a library for a crowded bar.

That said, I know the rest of the world lives on Slack, Teams, and [Discord](https://discord.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). They’re powerful tools, but I can’t shake the feeling that they encourage more noise than signal. The “ping” culture just isn’t for me.

![European street with Telegram, Viber, and Signal cafés](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/09/033-the-fringe-players.png)

### The fringe players

[Telegram](https://telegram.org/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is the nearly mainstream app in my circle. Everyone knows about it, but only a few use it daily. When I do open it, it feels like walking into a clean, empty café—pleasant, but a little too quiet.

[Viber](https://www.viber.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), on the other hand, is a cultural juggernaut in Greece. I can’t think of anyone abroad who uses it, but here, it’s everywhere. Even banks rely on it for one-time passwords. Personally, I find it bloated and dated, but it clearly has staying power.

Then there’s [Signal](https://signal.org/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). If I could choose one app for everyone to adopt, it would be this. It nails the balance of design, simplicity, and privacy. Every new feature feels carefully considered, not tacked on. Sadly, my contact list there is too short for it to replace the rest.

### Enter the AI interns

This is the decade where AI made its way into messaging. Some bots genuinely help—like sorting conversations or summarizing threads. Others feel like overeager interns, spitting out responses that miss the point. Governments are nudging platforms toward interoperability, too, which could mean fewer apps in the future. A man can dream.

![Digital graveyard of Google messaging apps with looming Google monolith and Snapchat ghost](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/09/033-odd-ones-out.png)

### Odd ones out

There are always apps that never quite click with me. Some try to reinvent the wheel and end up confusing more than helping. Others are so fleeting that by the time I try them, half my friends have already abandoned ship. I dip in out of curiosity, but they rarely become part of my daily flow.

No article about messaging apps is complete without at least a mention of Google. Their history in messaging is legendary, but not in a good way. They’ve launched and killed so many apps that their [graveyard](https://killedbygoogle.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) could use its own zip code. I’m sure they’ll spawn a few more soon, though I doubt many people will trust them to last.

And then there’s [Snapchat](https://www.snapchat.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). I’ve never managed to understand it fully. Am I supposed to use it to consume quick video snippets, or to actually message someone and set up a coffee? I suspect my confusion has more to do with age than the app itself, especially given its popularity with younger groups. Still, I always feel like an awkward guest at someone else’s party when I open it.

### Wrapping it up

This list barely scratches the surface. New chat apps seem to appear monthly, each promising to “fix” communication. Yet for all their quirks and bloat, the goal remains the same: staying connected. For me, that means apps that respect my privacy, don’t overwhelm me with noise, and ideally, look nice while doing it.

And if someone asks me again, “Which chat app do you use?” I’ll just smile and point them here. Because if I’m going to spend half my waking life in these little bubbles, they’d better feel worth the time.

Which chat app do you use? 🙂
### The simplest way to capture notes on Mac with Antinote
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/the-simplest-way-to-capture-notes-on-mac-with-antinote/
Last updated: 2025-08-26T15:08:27.000Z
If you’ve ever opened a heavyweight notes app to jot down a passing thought, you know the pain: too many clicks, too many buttons, too much “productivity bloat”. By the time the note window loads, your idea has probably packed its bags and left.

For a while now, I've been using [Raycast](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/unleash-your-productivity-with-raycast-for-macos/) Notes to jot down those random thoughts. But I recently came across what appears to be a more sophisticated option: [Antinote](https://antinote.io/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). A minimal, plain-text scratchpad for Mac designed for speed, focus, and just the right amount of cleverness. Think of it as the digital napkin you actually want to use—perfect for scribbling quick thoughts, calculations, or lists without the clutter of folders, tags, or nested menus.

Antinote isn’t trying to be your entire note-taking empire. Instead, it embraces the idea of temporary, beautiful, frictionless writing. Capture now, organize later, or not at all. Along the way, it sneaks in a few tricks that make it surprisingly powerful for such a tiny app.

## What Antinote does best

### Quick access, zero fuss

The magic starts with a **global shortcut**. Tap `⌥A` and—bam—you've got a fresh note waiting. No clicking around, no endless menus. It’s as if your Mac just handed you a pen and said, “Go ahead, scribble.”

Getting around is equally smooth. Swipe to move between notes, great for juggling multiple ideas. And here’s the bold move: Antinote can automatically delete old notes if you let it. Think of it as your app gently nudging you, “Hey, maybe not *every* half-baked idea deserves a permanent home.”

### Writing without distractions

Antinote doesn’t care for messy formatting. Paste something in, and poof—it’s stripped clean—no rogue fonts, no rainbow highlights, no mystery spacing. Just text, the way text should be.

Links behave too. They shrink neatly for readability but expand on demand when you need details. Need to tweak? Click, edit, done.

### Small tools that punch above their weight

Despite its minimalist vibe, Antinote comes with surprisingly handy extras:

- **Lists & tasks**: Dash out to-dos, tick them off, and feel that tiny rush of accomplishment.
- **Timers & Pomodoro**: Stopwatch, countdowns, and focus timers—all tucked in neatly, with subtle menu bar alerts that don’t scream at you.
- **Clipboard & OCR**: Antinote can watch your clipboard for snippets or even pull text out of images with built-in OCR. It’s perfect for scanning lecture notes, receipts, or a quick photo of a whiteboard. Copy, paste, extract—done.
- **Math tricks**: Drop in a calculation, run quick conversions, or even build a mini calculator on the fly. Handy for expenses, unit conversions, or that “just double-checking my brain” moment.

### Sending notes where they belong

Eventually, some notes outgrow napkin status. Antinote makes moving them effortless. With one click, you can ship notes off to **Apple Notes, Obsidian, Bear, or plain text/Markdown files**. It’s like passing your scribble from a Post-it to a proper journal.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/08/032-antinote-settings-01.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/08/032-antinote-settings-02.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/08/032-antinote-settings-03.jpeg)

Antinote stays minimal on the surface, but its settings give you plenty of room to tweak.

## The Antinote experience

Design-wise, Antinote is a delight. Clean themes, customizable “paper” types, and subtle tweaks make it feel less like an app and more like a thoughtful desk accessory. Designers, writers, and anyone with an eye for aesthetics feel right at home.

Privacy-wise, Antinote is refreshingly straightforward: **everything is local**. No cloud, no tracking, no surprise syncs to places you didn’t ask for —just you and your fleeting thoughts.

## Who will love it

Antinote is the kind of tool that sneaks into your workflow and never leaves. It shines for:

- **Designers**: capturing quick sketches or references before they vanish.
- **Coders**: stashing snippets, error logs, or debugging notes.
- **Writers**: jotting down lines, outlines, or midnight brainstorms.
- **Students**: doing quick math, organizing lists, or prepping before class.
- **Productivity geeks**: treating it as their inbox for half-formed thoughts.

Best-case scenarios? Think pre-meeting notes, capturing quotes mid-research, or brainstorming ideas that may or may not survive the edit stage. It’s your mind’s scratchpad, minus the coffee stains.

## Where it fits in the market

Compared to **Apple Notes**, Antinote is faster and more disposable. Unlike [Tot](https://tot.rocks/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), which looks lovely but stays bare-bones, Antinote sneaks in utilities like math, tasks, and exports. It overlaps with [Unclutter](https://unclutterapp.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) or [Obsidian’s Quick Capture](https://obsidian.rocks/obsidian-quick-capture/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) and even feels similar to [Raycast Notes](https://www.raycast.com/core-features/notes?ref=tsamoudakis.com). Raycast Notes has a lot of Antinote’s spirit built in—though it’s not quite as clever. Still, if you’re already deep in the Raycast ecosystem, you might not feel compelled to load one more app in the background.

Where it shines: **speed, minimalism, utility**. Where it falls short: it’s not your forever archive, and there’s no syncing across devices. (But maybe that’s the point.)

## Final thoughts

Antinote is under **active development**, with features like OCR and smart links already born from user feedback. The developer is known for quick iterations, so community requests don’t gather dust. And on the roadmap, there’s already mention of an iOS companion app — a pleasant bonus for anyone who wants Antinote on the go.

And pricing? A breath of fresh air: **$5, one-time purchase, no subscriptions**. In 2025, that feels almost rebellious.

So, who will love Antinote? If you crave a fast, clean scratchpad with just enough brains to surprise you, this is it. Writers, designers, coders, and students will feel instantly at home.

If, however, you’re looking for a sprawling, sync-everything, organize-forever system, you’ll still want something heavier in your stack.

**Bottom line**: [Antinote](https://antinote.io/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) doesn’t want to be your everything. It wants to be your *right now*. Quick, clean, and just a little bit clever. And in a world drowning in bloated note apps, that’s a pretty refreshing role to play.
### Prioritize: The quiet superpower of doing less
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/prioritize-the-quiet-superpower-of-doing-less/
Last updated: 2025-08-16T09:04:16.000Z
I used to think productivity was about squeezing as much as possible into each day. More tasks, more output, more checkboxes ticked. I loved the feeling of being busy. It felt like progress.

But over the years—especially as life, work, and responsibilities piled up—I realized the real challenge wasn’t doing more. It was knowing what to ignore.

This shift didn’t happen overnight. It came from burnout, missed moments, and too many days that felt full but not meaningful. Slowly, I started to see that prioritizing wasn’t just a tactical decision. It was a mindset shift.

If you’ve ever felt stretched thin despite your best efforts, this one's for you.

## The myth of getting everything done

Let’s start with a hard truth: you’re never going to get everything done. And trying to is a trap.

Productivity culture celebrates the never-ending to-do list. Hustle. Grind. Check off a dozen things before breakfast. But what often looks like progress is just motion.

I’m a sucker for side projects. If I’m not knee-deep in one, I’m probably brainstorming the next. That burst of excitement can feel like momentum—but without prioritization, it often leads to half-finished ideas and scattered focus.

There was a time when I had five active projects going at once (not counting my day job). The thrill was real, but so was the burnout. That’s when I started asking myself not just "What’s exciting?" but "What’s essential?"

## Why clarity beats hustle

Clarity is underrated. When I stopped chasing everything and started choosing *one thing* at a time, the fog lifted.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I began to feel focused. Decisions were easier. Progress felt real, not just performative. And ironically, I started getting more done—because I was doing less of what didn’t matter.

It wasn’t about moving faster. It was about moving *intentionally*.

![Man letting go of balloon prioritizing what matters over tasks and distractions](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/08/031-balloons-of-tasks.png)

Every balloon you hold is a choice. Let go of the noise—prioritize what truly matters.

## Tiny word, big impact

"Prioritize" might be one of the most overlooked verbs in the productivity world. We talk about time management, hacks, systems—but rarely do we stop and ask: what truly matters *right now*?

I used to feel pressured to say yes to everything. Every opportunity, every idea, every request. But every yes is a no to something else. Once I started saying no more often—and without guilt—I felt lighter.

The word isn’t just about sorting tasks. It’s about creating space for what matters.

## How I actually prioritize

Here’s my real, no-fluff method:

I organize everything in my life into four areas: family, work, personal, and fun—in that order. I use [Todoist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/how-i-use-todoist-to-organise-my-life/) to capture it all. I’ve set up multiple projects, and each one follows a unique color code based on these areas.

- **Family**: Everything related to home life, parenting, and household responsibilities. This area always comes first.
- **Work**: Tasks and projects related to my job and professional responsibilities—deadlines, meetings, etc.
- **Personal**: This includes health, finances, learning, or anything related to personal development and self-care.
- **Fun**: Creative projects, hobbies, travel planning, or anything that energizes me purely for enjoyment.

My input method? Messy and fast. I jot things down quickly, sometimes half-thoughts, just to get them out of my head. But when it comes to planning my day, I slow down and take extra care.

Every morning, I review and refine. I ask: what *needs* to happen today? What can wait? And here’s my secret weapon: the "Someday" label. No matter the category, if it’s something I’d love to do but it’s not a priority today, it gets labeled "Someday." It’s my way of saying: yes, this matters. Just not now.

![Man organizing tasks by project with someday labels in a task management app interface](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/08/031-project-areas-and-someday-label.png)

Not everything needs to happen today. Labeling a task “Someday” is how I hold space for ideas without letting them steal today’s focus.

To keep track of those, I’ve set up a filter that gathers all "Someday" tasks into a single view. Whenever I find myself with unexpected downtime, I’ll open that view to see if something can be pulled forward and prioritized. It’s a small system, but it’s helped me take action on things I might have otherwise forgotten.

💡

****Quick tip:** Try creating a “Someday” label in your task manager. It’s a guilt-free way to save ideas without letting them hijack your focus.

## When you don’t prioritize

For years, I wanted to create a theme for WordPress. It was always in the back of my mind, but I never prioritized it—and, unsurprisingly, I never did it.

Then Ghost came along. I got excited again. I even told myself this time would be different. But once again, I didn’t make a plan, didn’t set aside time, and didn’t prioritize it. And it went nowhere.

A year ago, that changed. I took the excitement and turned it into a plan. I listed the steps, broke them down, and slowly, deliberately worked through them.

Designing, building, and [shipping that first Ghost theme](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/the-journey-of-building-and-selling-my-first-ghost-theme/) took way longer than expected—after all, it was a side project—but I did it. It’s out in the world. And now? I’m building the second one using the exact same method.

## A reminder for the overachievers

If you’re the type who tries to do it all, I get it. I’ve been there. Still go there more often than I’d like. But prioritizing isn’t a sign you’re falling behind. It’s the opposite. It’s proof that you’re choosing with intention. That you’re creating a life that aligns with your values, not just your inbox.

So here’s your reminder: You don’t have to do it all. You just have to do what matters.
### Travel delay survival guide: Lessons from a chaotic trip home
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/travel-delay-survival-guide-lessons-from-a-chaotic-trip-home/
Last updated: 2025-07-22T08:56:28.000Z
A few weeks ago, I traveled to Phuket for Doist Connect, our yearly company retreat. After over eight years at Doist, I’ve attended several memorable retreats, including the [team offsite to Budapest](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/budapest-bound-the-power-of-in-person-team-retreats-in-a-remote-work-culture/). Long flights to places like Phuket, often with multiple connections, present unique challenges and risks. Surprisingly, this journey went very smoothly. I even wondered if I was tempting fate by thinking, "Maybe this time everything will go right".

Then came the return trip. 😳

Out of the three flights I had to catch to get home, the very first one was delayed. Not just delayed—we boarded the aircraft on time, sat down, stashed our bags, and then waited. And waited. For four hours. Inside the plane. No explanations, no updates, just the hum of recycled air and the quiet bubbling of collective frustration.

Eventually, we took off and landed in Abu Dhabi after a smooth six-hour flight. But by then, my connecting flight to Athens had long departed. I was rebooked on a much later flight, which meant I also missed my final leg to Rhodes. Since that last flight was booked separately with a different airline, I had to buy a new ticket. And just like that, what was supposed to be a predictable journey turned into a game of travel Tetris.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/07/030-flying-over-abu-dhabi.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/07/030-waiting-inside-the-airplane-1.jpeg)

Some views lift your spirit. Others remind you you’ve been parked on the tarmac for four hours. Travel likes to keep you grounded—literally.

Was it annoying? Yes. Exhausting? Very. But it could have been worse. I didn’t lose any luggage, the aircraft didn’t have any mechanical issues, and, most importantly, I was traveling alone—no kids to entertain or family logistics to juggle. Plus, since it was the return trip, I didn’t have to worry about rebooking accommodation or car rentals. So while my body was drained, my brain was relatively at peace.

Still, experiences like this serve as a strong reminder that when travel plans go wrong, your mindset and preparation make all the difference. Here’s what I’ve learned.

### Be organized and proactive

I've written before about how I plan my trips, including a [free travel planning template](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/plan-your-next-trip-like-a-pro-with-this-free-travel-planning-template/) that I use religiously for long trips. Whether you use a digital tool like Craft (my go-to) or prefer a good old-fashioned folder, having all your travel details in one place is key. Craft also works offline, which makes it ideal for travel situations where Wi-Fi is unreliable or nonexistent. Flights, hotel reservations, backup options, insurance policies—the more you have on hand, the less you'll panic when things shift.

Being based in Europe means most of my travel falls under the perks of the EU. But once I cross into non-EU territory, the stakes go up. Roaming fees, unfamiliar insurance networks, and inconsistent infrastructure mean one small hiccup can have big consequences. Having proper travel insurance becomes especially important in these cases—it's your safety net for medical emergencies, lost luggage, or trip cancellations when you’re far from home.

My advice? Don’t cheap out on accommodation unless you’re absolutely sure of your plans. A few extra euros can buy you flexibility (like a free cancellation policy or a 24-hour check-in desk), which becomes invaluable when your itinerary gets scrambled. It also helps to have a "just in case" backup accommodation saved in your notes.

### Don’t underestimate the Domino Effect

The thing about travel is that it doesn’t take much to unravel an entire day. A 15-minute delay might not sound like a big deal, but if you're dealing with a tight layover, that small delay can snowball into missed connections and extra costs.

Here are a few hard-learned lessons:

- Always leave buffer time between flights. One hour is *never* enough unless you're teleporting between gates.
- Book flights under the same airline (or airline alliance) when possible. It increases the chances they'll help you when things go wrong.
- Be cautious with low-cost carriers. They rarely accommodate missed connections, and support is often nonexistent.

Basically: don’t tempt fate. Give yourself breathing room, especially on international or multi-leg trips.

### Be calm and patient

As much as I love traveling, I can’t recall a single trip where everything unfolded exactly as planned. The good news? Most hiccups are minor. The bad news? Even small hiccups can test your patience.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/07/030-panos-onboard-etihads-aircraft.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/07/030-inside-of-etihads-aircraft.jpeg)

Everything was smooth, the seat was spotless, and I was blissfully unaware of what was coming.

You might encounter rude airline staff, an overbooked flight, or someone chewing loudly next to you for 10 straight hours. None of it will improve if you lose your cool.

Stay polite. Be firm if needed, but don’t let the chaos get to you. Flight attendants and airport staff have limited power, and your real shot at resolving anything will come later, through support tickets and claim forms.

Also, nobody wants to be the person yelling at gate C34\. Nobody.

### Build your case for flight compensation and refunds

When things go sideways, your phone becomes your best ally. Use it to:

- Take photos of delay boards or boarding passes
- Record timestamps (especially if your flight leaves late)
- Screenshot any app notifications or rebooking confirmations

You don’t need to be sneaky or confrontational—just document. This information can be useful when filing a claim.

If you're flying into or out of the EU, you're covered by **EU Regulation 261/2004**, which often entitles you to compensation of up to €600 for delays of 3+ hours, unless the airline can prove "extraordinary circumstances". Understanding your rights under airline compensation rules can make a significant difference when seeking a refund for a delayed flight or rebooking support.

Check your airline’s policies, too. You might be eligible for:

- Meal vouchers during long delays
- Hotel accommodation for overnight layovers
- Ground transportation
- Partial or full refunds, depending on how much of your journey was completed

🙇

I won’t lie: getting compensation takes effort. But there’s something deeply satisfying about writing a well-worded email that lands you some of your hard-earned money.

### Technology is your travel sidekick

A few apps that have saved my skin more than once:

- [**Flighty**](https://flighty.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com): Real-time flight tracking that’s way better than what airlines provide.
- **Airline apps**: Not great, but often necessary for check-ins or updates.
- **Google Maps** (offline mode): I love Apple Maps, but Google’s info density still wins for travel.
- **ChatGPT**: Yes, I’ve used it to draft complaint letters and find alternate routes.
- **Screenshots & PDFs**: Always save confirmations offline. You never know when the Wi-Fi will vanish.

And don’t forget the basics:

- A **power bank** and a reliable **travel charger** can be your lifeline during long delays or overnight layovers.
- A **physical credit or debit card** is essential, especially in places where mobile payments aren’t accepted or your phone dies unexpectedly.

### When to laugh about it

Travel never goes 100% according to plan—and that’s okay. The missed connections, delayed bags, and unexpected hotel stays? They’re often the stories you tell years later.

So laugh. Not necessarily *during* the delay (unless you’re emotionally bulletproof), but definitely after. Flexibility, patience, and a good sense of humor are your best travel companions.

A few parting truths:

- Never trust a 40-minute layover.
- Always carry a toothbrush and a clean pair of underwear.
- Airports are emotional pressure cookers.
- There’s no such thing as over-preparing.

The only guarantee in travel is that something will eventually go off-script. But if you’re organized, calm, and a little tech-savvy, you’ll handle it like a pro—and maybe even come home with a story worth telling.
### Why your next career might be your best one yet
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/why-your-next-career-might-be-your-best-one-yet/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T17:23:15.000Z
A while back, I shared some thoughts about changing careers—especially what it feels like to start fresh during a career change later in life, when your experience doesn’t quite align with where you want to go. [That post](https://www.todoist.com/inspiration/career-change?ref=tsamoudakis.com) sparked heartfelt responses from people navigating similar transitions, questioning their next steps, or simply wondering if it’s too late to begin again.

So I wanted to follow up. This isn’t a guide or a how-to. It’s a personal reflection on the emotional side of change. The doubts, the surprises, and the quiet excitement that come when you realize there’s still more ahead.

Because the truth is: **it’s never too late to pursue what truly makes you happy.**

## The myth of the "right time"

We grow up believing there's a timeline. Pick a career by 20\. Climb the ladder by 30\. Have it all figured out by the time you're 40\. If you step off that path, it can feel like you’ve done something wrong. Admitting you want something different later in life—such as making a midlife career pivot—might even feel like a failure.

But that pressure comes from a script that isn’t real.

![A coffee mug with 'Write your own story' printed on it, in front of a glowing computer screen in a home office setup.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/07/029-write-your-own-story.jpg)

If life came with a timeline, mine would have coffee stains and a lot of edits—and that’s exactly how I like it.

I spent my early working years in our family’s business. It wasn’t until my late 20s that I even considered becoming a designer. In my 30s, I threw myself into it. In my 40s, I started exploring [side projects](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/the-journey-of-building-and-selling-my-first-ghost-theme/) and playing with [new ideas](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/fooodlove-a-blend-of-taste-and-technology/). And now, as 50 slowly but surely approaches, I’m still daydreaming like a university kid. Maybe I’ll act on those ideas. Maybe my daughters will beat me to them. Either way, I’m not done.

## What makes you happy is a moving target

Our interests change because *we* change. When I was younger, I mostly lived in the present. The idea of thinking long-term or planning for the future felt abstract at best. But with age comes perspective. You start asking different questions. Not just "What am I good at?" but "What do I want to wake up and do every day?".

I’ve always believed in working on something you love—something that energizes you. But I’ve also come to understand that love can evolve. You may still care about the same things, but your relationship with them shifts. That’s not failure. That’s growth.

## Experience is an asset, not a limitation

There’s a misconception that changing paths means starting from zero. That’s rarely true. The skills, habits, and stories you carry with you are part of your toolkit.

Before I became a full-time designer, I worked in the hospitality industry. Years later, when I joined Booking.com as a UX designer, that background suddenly became relevant. Understanding hospitality helped me think like our users. Turns out, nothing was wasted.

Even now, as a product designer, my go-to question is "Why?" That mindset—questioning, analyzing, zooming out—applies far beyond pixels and screens. It shapes how I solve problems, lead projects, and even parent my kids.

## Designing your own path

One thing design has taught me: there's no such thing as a perfect first draft. You start by listening. Really listening. To what people need—or in this case, what *you* need. Then you try things. You prototype. You test. You iterate. You learn.

The same goes for careers.

![A quiet winding path in a park, surrounded by autumn trees and a solitary bench under cloudy skies.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/07/029-morning-walk-nature.jpg)

Most people walk their dog. I walk my thoughts, usually through puddles and career dilemmas.

Growing older doesn’t make change impossible. In fact, a career change later in life often comes with more clarity, even if the path feels more nuanced. Yes, you’ve got responsibilities. Yes, you need to pay the bills. But that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment. Take on a freelance project. Learn a new skill. Tinker with an idea on nights and weekends.

You don’t have to leap without a safety net. Just take one small step in a new direction. See what you learn.

## The hard part no one talks about

A career change isn’t all lightbulb moments and LinkedIn updates. It’s also fear. Doubt. The nagging voice that says, "Who do you think you are?"

It’s the quiet nights spent learning something new. The rejections. The frustration of being a beginner again. But it’s also the joy of rediscovering yourself. The small wins. The renewed sense of purpose. The moment when someone says, “You’re really good at this,” and you smile because you finally believe it, too.

## Permission to change

If you’re reading this and wondering if it’s too late to start over, or shift gears, or do something different, consider this your permission slip.

You’re not behind.

You’re not stuck.

You’re just getting started.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—whether you’re in the midst of a career change, considering one, or have a story to share. Feel free to reply to my newsletter or leave a comment. Let’s talk about the beautiful mess of figuring it out together.
### Liquid Glass, AI Hype, and other WWDC 2025 stories
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/liquid-glass-ai-hype-and-other-wwdc-2025-stories/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T17:21:15.000Z
Every June, Apple hosts WWDC, its big software showcase for the year. As a product designer, watching the live stream and digging into the details isn’t just a habit; it’s part of the job. And this year, Apple didn’t just tweak a few things. It overhauled nearly everything.

Before we dive into the big reveals, here’s a quiet but essential change: Apple is now aligning the version numbers across all its platforms. From now on, it’ll simply use the last two digits of the year. So this year, we get iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and so on. It’s tidy, consistent, and long overdue.

## Liquid Glass: A bold new look for everything

Let’s start with the star of the show: **Liquid Glass**.

This new design language is more than just visual flair. It marks Apple’s most cohesive aesthetic move in years, bringing the depth and fluidity of visionOS to everything from iPhone to CarPlay. As a product designer, this is massive. The translucency, dynamic blur, and motion-driven interactions offer a whole new design vocabulary. I’m already thinking about how [Todoist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/todoist-shaping-productivity-through-design/) might embrace this, especially with richer widget animations and immersive UI moments.

The update reaches far and wide. Camera and Photos feel fresh and current. Widgets now animate in ways that feel both practical and joyful. It genuinely feels like we’ve entered a new phase in Apple’s visual storytelling.

## iOS 26: Smarter Messages, cooler calls, and a few question marks

Messages finally got **polls**, which will breathe new life into group chats. But the real showstoppers were **Live Translation**, **Hold Assist**, and **Call Screening**. You can translate a conversation in real time, have your phone wait on hold for you, or screen unknown callers with auto-generated responses. It all looked brilliant in the demos.

![Five iPhones showing off iOS 26’s Liquid Glass design](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/06/028-ios-26.jpg)

Here’s the catch: many of these features won’t be available everywhere. I’m still waiting on iPhone Mirroring in my region, so I’m cautiously optimistic. Until more features roll out globally, it’s tough to fully buy into the magic.

Photos introduced a new way to create 3D "pop-out" wallpapers, which is surprisingly fun. There’s also a new **Games** app that brings together Arcade titles, leaderboards, and social elements in one place. It’s a nice consolidation, if not exactly groundbreaking.

## macOS Tahoe 26: Spotlight steals the show

The Mac finally joins the Liquid Glass club. **macOS Tahoe** feels cleaner, more fluid, and a lot more unified. The menu bar gently fades into the wallpaper, windows have that extra bit of depth, and everything just feels more polished.

![macOS Tahoe 26 displayed on MacBook and iMac screens](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/06/028-macos-26.jpg)

But the real standout is **Spotlight**. It’s now faster, context-aware, and a whole lot more capable. If it reminded you of [Raycast](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/unleash-your-productivity-with-raycast-for-macos/), you're not alone. I couldn't help but think: why hasn’t Apple just acquired Raycast at this point? It feels like the natural evolution of what Spotlight wants to be. Still, for now, I’ll be sticking with Raycast—it’s still the obvious choice for power users.

Siri also got a bump in usefulness, and while it’s not mind-blowing, the combination of visual and functional improvements makes the Mac feel fresher than it has in years.

## iPadOS 26: Multitasking, meet Mac thinking

iPadOS 26 is the closest thing we’ve had to a true leap forward in years. The new **Multitasking** experience is a genuine game-changer. It’s smoother, more intuitive, and finally feels like it was designed with power users in mind.

![Three iPads running iPadOS 26 highlighting advanced multitasking, updated Files app, and widgets](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/06/028-ipados-26.jpg)

Even more interesting is the new **File menu**, complete with traffic light buttons. Yes, the red-yellow-green window buttons have made their way to the iPad. It’s a small detail that signals a big shift. With each release, the iPad edges closer to Mac territory—and at this point, the line between them is getting seriously blurry.

If you use an iPad for work, this update will likely reshape how you interact with apps and manage your space. For me, this was one of the most exciting updates of the entire keynote.

## watchOS 12: Hands-free control and workouts that coach back

Apple Watch got a subtle but futuristic upgrade. New **gesture controls** let you flick your wrist or pinch your fingers to interact with the watch. No screen taps needed. It feels intuitive and effortless.

![Three Apple Watches running watchOS 26](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/06/028-watchos-26.jpg)

**Workout Buddy** is a new AI-powered coach that can adapt to your pace, play motivating songs, and even prompt you to recover when you’re done. It’s Fitness+ reimagined for your wrist. That said, I couldn't help but laugh—Fitness+ still isn’t available to my Greek Apple ID, despite being an Apple One subscriber for years. Some things truly remain timeless.

Finally, there’s a Notes app, along with accessibility improvements like Live Captions and remote listening support.

## CarPlay, tvOS, and visionOS: Small features that make a big impact

**CarPlay** adds widgets, message pinning, and Tapbacks. Thanks to the new design language, it looks sharper and behaves more like the rest of the Apple ecosystem.

**tvOS 26** introduces karaoke mode (yes, really), richer user profiles, and iPhone-as-a-mic functionality.

Then there’s **visionOS 26**, which adds persistent spatial widgets and support for PSVR2 controllers. I’m not a Vision Pro user (yet... 🤔), but one new feature genuinely piqued my interest. **Seamless switching** now allows multiple users to share the same headset and instantly jump into their own personalized setup—apps, settings, environments, the works. This could be a real turning point for Vision Pro’s practicality, especially if it becomes a shared device in households.

## Apple Intelligence: A promising direction, but not quite there yet

Apple’s full-court press on AI is branded as **Apple Intelligence**. It’s everywhere: suggesting replies, summarizing content, organizing your files, and even helping with coding. The best part? It’s all on-device, so your data stays private.

But let’s be real. It’s early days. While the features looked polished on stage, I’m not convinced they’ll feel indispensable right away. That said, Apple's opening of its language model to developers is a huge deal. It’s the kind of move that could lead to smarter, privacy-respecting features across the app ecosystem. In the AI arms race, this might just be Apple’s quiet power play.

## Should you care?

This wasn’t just another round of minor updates. Apple redefined the look and feel of its entire ecosystem, and that’s exciting. The design shift is not only beautiful, it’s meaningful. The AI ambitions may still be finding their footing, but empowering developers to build on it is a step in the right direction.

Public betas are coming next month. I won’t be installing them on my main devices (hard lessons learned), but I’ve got a few test units waiting in the wings. Maybe I’ll do a follow-up article on that.

In the meantime, I’ll be keeping a close eye on what unfolds. [WWDC 2025](https://www.apple.com/os/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) didn’t just give us new features. It gave us a glimpse of where Apple wants to take the entire experience next.
### A smarter way to autofill 2FA codes outside Safari
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/a-smarter-way-to-autofill-2fa-codes-outside-safari/
Last updated: 2025-06-09T08:01:13.000Z
Recently, it feels like we’re caught in an ongoing browser war. New features, speed improvements, and AI integrations dominate the headlines, but along the way, some genuinely useful touches tend to fall by the wayside. One of those? Safari’s smart handling of two-factor authentication (2FA) codes.

If you’ve ever made the leap from Safari to something like Chrome or Arc, chances are you’ve noticed it: that magical little autofill bubble for one-time codes suddenly disappears. And with it, a small but meaningful piece of your workflow.

## The tiny daily annoyance no one talks about

Safari users have become accustomed to the seamless way it manages two-factor authentication (2FA). A verification code arrives on your iPhone, and since iMessage is synchronized with your Mac, it appears automatically right under the form field where you need to enter it. There’s no need to switch apps or perform any copy-paste actions—it's simply straightforward and quick.

But step outside Apple’s walled garden, and that convenience vanishes. Instead, you're back to digging through Messages, fumbling for your phone, and manually pasting codes like it’s 2012.

## A clever little fix for a modern pain

[2FHey](https://2fhey.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is a delightfully simple Mac utility that brings that lost Safari magic to just about any browser. Once installed, it quietly sits in the background, listening for incoming 2FA codes on your iPhone. When one comes through, it offers to paste it right into the app or website you’re using, whether it’s Chrome or Firefox.

It uses Apple’s own Continuity and iCloud features under the hood, so nothing sketchy is happening with your data. You don’t need to set up anything fancy either. Install it, give it permission, and you're set.

## Simple. Smart. And kind of brilliant.

2FHey doesn’t try to be clever. It simply solves a real, tangible problem without any fuss. The experience is fast, feels native, and is surprisingly similar to how Safari functions.

It's also free, although the developer welcomes donations, which seems more than fair considering how much time and frustration it saves you.

This is one of those small utilities that quietly improve your life. You might forget it's there until it steps in to help, and then you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

💡

****Tip:** If you're a [Raycast](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/unleash-your-productivity-with-raycast-for-macos/) user, consider trying the [2FA Code Finder](https://www.raycast.com/yuercl/imessage-2fa?ref=tsamoudakis.com) extension. It retrieves recent verification codes from your clipboard, which is convenient if you prefer to keep everything within Raycast.

## Not all heroes are apps you notice

If you’ve decided to explore life beyond Safari but miss its best little conveniences, [2FHey](https://2fhey.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is an easy win. It brings back the seamless 2FA autofill experience you didn’t realize you relied on—until it was gone. No overthinking, no extra steps, just a smooth fix that works across the browsers you actually use.

Sometimes, it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest difference.
### Effortless File Sharing even when you’re miles apart
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/effortless-file-sharing-even-when-youre-miles-apart/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T17:17:35.000Z
A while back, I wrote about [LocalSend](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/localsend-the-airdrop-alternative-that-works-everywhere/), my go-to solution for bringing AirDrop-style file transfers to every platform. For the most part, it worked great. But then came the edge cases.

Like that time I was in a public coffee shop with my iPhone, trying to send a file to a friend’s Android phone. We were both on the shop’s public Wi-Fi, yet LocalSend failed to connect. Maybe it was the network’s configuration, maybe something else—but from a user's point of view, all that matters is: **it didn't work**. And that’s exactly where [Blip](https://blip.net/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) stepped in and solved the problem.

## How Blip makes file sharing effortless

Unlike LocalSend, which requires both devices to be on the same local network (without using the internet), Blip flips that requirement. It connects devices over the internet by default, making it much more versatile.

But here’s the clever part: if both devices happen to be on the same local network, Blip will detect that and automatically switch to a **LAN-direct mode**, bypassing internet relays for much faster speeds. You don’t need to configure anything. It just works.

For me, the biggest game-changer is that I can now send files and even entire folders to my friends no matter where they are. They don't need to be next to me. They don't even need to be in the same country. If they’re connected to the internet, I can “blip” them files instantly.

## Why Blip outshines LocalSend

Here’s where Blip really earns its place:

#### 🌎 Truly cross-platform & global

Blip doesn’t care what device you’re using. Mac to Android? Windows to iPhone? Done. More importantly, it doesn’t limit you to the same Wi-Fi network. Files can be sent across cities, countries, or continents, as long as both devices are online.

#### 📂 Folder transfers, not just files

Unlike LocalSend (which handles files individually), Blip allows sending entire folders while preserving their structure. This is a huge plus when dealing with design assets, project folders, or large photo batches. No more zipping folders manually.

#### 💾 External drives? No problem

You can send files from (or to) external USB drives or network-attached storage (NAS). Blip treats them like any other file source, making it a great fit for people juggling data between workstations, servers, or backup drives.

#### 🔒 Privacy by design

Even though Blip uses the internet for connections, files are **never stored on the cloud**. All transfers are encrypted end-to-end (TLS 1.3). If peer-to-peer fails, files are temporarily relayed through Blip's servers, but they’re never saved or accessible to anyone.

#### 🆓 Free for personal use

Blip is free with no file size limits, no daily caps, and no ads. For now, it’s a passion project with future business-oriented plans, but as an everyday user, you get full access without restrictions.

![Screenshot of Blip app settings window showing General preferences.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/05/026-blip-preferences.jpg)

## Things to keep in mind

Blip wasn't designed to compete with services like WeTransfer. Unlike those platforms, it doesn't offer public download links—at least not yet. Instead, it focuses on real-time, device-to-device transfers between people who actually know each other. That said, many users are already treating Blip as their go-to WeTransfer replacement for personal file sharing, because of how seamless and reliable it is.

One key difference is that Blip ties every transfer to your email account, which is visible to the recipient. This might not suit those looking for total anonymity, but it's a deliberate design choice. By linking transfers to verified accounts, Blip discourages the kind of random, anonymous file sharing that often leads to misuse, piracy, and copyright headaches. In practice, this makes Blip a safer, more responsible space for sharing files with friends, family, or colleagues, without the noise and risks of public file drop services.

## Final thoughts

LocalSend and Blip approach file transfers from very different angles. LocalSend excels in offline, local network scenarios where privacy is key and internet access isn’t required. That will always have its use cases.

But Blip opened up a whole new world for me. It solved the 'what if they're not next to me' problem, made cross-platform sharing effortless, and handled those tricky public network situations where LocalSend struggles. It’s not that one is better than the other — they serve different needs. For my day-to-day file sharing, though, Blip is the one I reach for now.

If you’ve ever caught yourself wishing AirDrop worked with everyone, everywhere, [Blip](https://blip.net/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is the app you’ve been looking for.
### Umbra: The Dark Mode sidekick for macOS
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/umbra-the-dark-mode-sidekick-for-macos/
Last updated: 2025-04-29T11:18:20.000Z
I’ll be honest: when dark mode first became a "thing," I didn’t get it. Everyone around me was switching their screens to black, and there I was, squinting at my bright white apps, wondering what all the fuss was about. Fast forward a few years—and a few late-night headaches later—and let’s just say, dark themes have grown on me. A lot. These days, I’m borderline picky about which apps stay in dark mode and when I let my whole MacBook bask in that moody, dark glory.

Speaking of being picky, I have a thing for wallpapers. (If you know, you know.) Whether it’s my MacBook, iPhone, or iPad, I’m always chasing the perfect background. Sometimes, I even create my own [like these here](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/tag/wallpapers/). But here's the annoying part: if you set a custom wallpaper, macOS doesn’t let you pick a different one for Light and Dark Mode. Apple’s built-in wallpapers? Flawless switchers. My custom designs? Stuck in static mode. It's like showing up to a black-tie event in board shorts.

Enter [Umbra](https://replay.software/umbra?ref=tsamoudakis.com): the tiny, brilliant Mac utility I didn’t know I needed—until I did.

### What is Umbra?

Umbra makes managing Light and Dark Mode on your Mac effortless. With a single click from the menu bar, you can instantly toggle between appearances—no more digging through System Settings just to change the vibe. But it doesn't stop there. Umbra lets you set **two separate wallpapers**: one for Light Mode, one for Dark Mode. Whenever macOS flips its theme, your wallpaper changes along with it, making the whole transition feel seamless and polished.

If you’re in the mood for new visuals, Umbra has a built-in [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) browser, so you can pick fresh wallpapers without hopping between apps or websites. It’s a small thing, but it makes the whole experience buttery smooth, and it’s made me wonder how I ever tolerated the old way.

There’s also an optional wallpaper dimming feature, perfect for anyone missing that slightly muted "Mojave" feel. Late-night browsing just got way easier on the eyes.

### Cool little extras

Umbra doesn’t just get the basics right—it goes the extra mile in ways you’ll quietly appreciate. It’s smart enough to recognize when you're using multiple Spaces (virtual desktops) and ensures that each one reflects the correct wallpaper without skipping a beat. Plus, if you’re the kind of person who lets macOS automatically switch between Light and Dark Mode at sunrise and sunset, Umbra syncs right along with it, no manual intervention needed. Everything feels natural, like it should have been built into macOS from the start.

![Screenshot of Umbra app preferences window on macOS](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/04/025-umbra-preferences.jpg)

### Only on macOS

While it would be amazing to see Umbra’s magic extend to iPhones and iPads, for now, it's a Mac-exclusive treat. And honestly, it fits right in. Macs have always been about attention to detail, and Umbra feels like an app that belongs there. That said, it's hard not to dream about what it could do if it were available across all Apple devices—imagine your entire ecosystem gracefully shifting moods from day to night in perfect sync. Still, if you’re using a MacBook, iMac, or Mac Studio and love when your setup feels just right, Umbra deserves a spot on your system.

### Conclusion

[Umbra](https://replay.software/umbra?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is free to download, with a **pay-what-you-want** model via [Gumroad](https://replaysoftware.gumroad.com/l/umbra-app?a=925920083&ref=tsamoudakis.com). You can toss the developer a few bucks if you love it (and honestly, you probably will). It’s lightweight, polished, and sits quietly in your menu bar, doing its job without nagging for attention—just how a good utility should be.

If you’re the type who notices (and appreciates) the little details—the ones that make your Mac feel truly yours—then Umbra is an easy, no-brainer install. It’s rare to find an app that quietly improves your daily experience without demanding anything in return. Umbra does exactly that, and it does it with style.

A tiny utility with a big impact? That’s exactly my kind of app.
### How Vibe Coding is shaping the future of Product Design
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/how-vibe-coding-is-shaping-the-future-of-product-design/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T17:14:27.000Z
Lately, there's been an undeniable momentum around the way AI is changing how we approach product development. It feels like we're on the cusp of something big—a shift where anyone with an idea, not just trained engineers or designers, can create and iterate on digital products. The growing wave of AI-powered prototyping has made it easier than ever to go from concept to tangible output. It lowers the barrier to entry and opens the door for experimentation at a pace and scale that would have been unthinkable just a couple of years ago.

Still, there’s a nuance to this movement that often gets lost in the excitement. Building something truly durable still requires a layer of depth—the kind that comes from slow, deliberate problem-solving and real-world constraints. I've played with many of these tools myself, especially when trying to validate ideas quickly or build small utilities on the side. And they work—to a point. But it's one thing to generate a quick prototype and quite another to scale that into a stable, thoughtful system, which brings me to the rise of a new kind of programmer: one who doesn't sweat over syntax errors or spend weekends buried in documentation. Instead, they describe what they want in plain English, click “Run,” and vibe.

Welcome to the age of vibe coding.

## So, what is vibe coding?

Vibe coding is the art (and occasional chaos) of building software using natural-language prompts and large language models (LLMs) that generate the underlying code for you. Tools like [ChatGPT](https://chatgpt.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), [Cursor](https://www.cursor.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), and [Bolt](https://bolt.new/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) have made it possible to create entire applications just by describing what you want in plain English. Instead of sweating over syntax or digging through Stack Overflow, you prompt the AI, review what it gives you, and tweak things as needed—more like directing than coding in the traditional sense.

![Meme of a confused office worker](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/03/024-i-dont-know-what-vibe-coding-is.jpg)

The term "vibe coding" was popularized in early 2025 and quickly spread through developer circles thanks to its relatable, almost whimsical framing. At its heart, it’s a shift in mindset: moving from meticulous, line-by-line construction to a freeform, intuitive approach where you focus on what the product should feel like rather than how it's built. It's not uncommon to hear things like "create a responsive navbar with a dropdown" or "halve the sidebar padding" tossed into an AI chat, with usable code coming back seconds later. In this workflow, the human’s role shifts from coder to curator—prompting, testing, debugging, and nudging the AI toward a working solution. It’s coding by feel, with the AI as your fast-moving, occasionally overconfident co-pilot.

## Who's vibing?

Students, indie makers, designers, startup founders—the vibe coding wave is pulling in creators from all directions. It’s not just for engineers anymore. In fact, many of the most enthusiastic adopters are people with little to no coding background. Hobbyists are spinning up personal tools, writers are building content apps, and students are experimenting with passion projects in their dorm rooms. For them, AI has become the bridge between raw ideas and working software.

This shift is reminiscent of other digital revolutions: how mobile video platforms gave teens the tools to create global content or how graphic design was democratized with drag-and-drop tools. Now, software development is going through its own "creator moment." Tech-savvy tinkerers and curious newcomers alike are embracing vibe coding as a form of expression. At the same time, experienced engineers and startup teams are leaning in too—not to replace their workflows, but to supercharge them. In the early stages of a product, when moving from zero to one, vibe coding acts as a force multiplier. It's become common to hear stories of founders building prototypes in days instead of weeks or engineers using AI to offload the tedious scaffolding of new features. Everyone’s vibing—whether out of necessity, curiosity, or sheer efficiency.

![Meme of a confused cartoon fish from SpongeBob SquarePants](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/03/024-some-of-you-are-actually-vibe-coders.jpg)

## Why it's taking off

The beauty of vibe coding lies in its accessibility and speed. You don’t need to know Python or JavaScript to get started—just describe what you want, iterate with the AI, and watch it come to life. It’s like pair programming, minus the pressure or performance anxiety. For solo creators, it unlocks the ability to build and test ideas in a matter of hours, not weeks. Want a simple app that sends you weather notifications or auto-generates blog post titles? Just say the words, and the AI takes care of the heavy lifting.

This shift is empowering a whole new wave of builders. Designers can finally prototype interactions without waiting on developers. Hobbyists can automate personal tasks with a few guided prompts. Even parents are creating simple games for their kids without ever touching a code editor. It’s not just fast—it’s freeing.

For professionals, vibe coding is quickly becoming a workflow multiplier. Engineers use it to spin up backends, scaffold UI components, and iterate on feature ideas in record time. By offloading repetitive or boilerplate work to the AI, they can focus on what matters most: logic, structure, architecture, and experience. The AI becomes a sort of sous-chef in the kitchen—handling prep so you can focus on the flavor.

And perhaps most importantly, it’s fun. It brings back a kind of playfulness to coding. You can say, “What if it did this?” and try it without consequence. The stakes are lower, the iterations faster, and the creative loop tighter. At its best, vibe coding feels like solving puzzles with a super-powered assistant by your side.

## But here's the catch

When you rely on vibes, things can get messy. AI-generated code is often quick and plausible—but that doesn’t mean it’s always correct. It can be full of hidden assumptions, fragile patterns, or even subtle bugs that only surface under pressure. And because it looks convincing, there’s a real risk in accepting outputs without fully understanding what’s going on under the hood.

That’s the double-edged sword of vibe coding: while it democratizes development and accelerates iteration, it can also invite technical debt, security vulnerabilities, or unpredictable behavior if left unchecked. What begins as a fun weekend experiment can quickly turn into a spaghetti-coded headache, especially when projects grow beyond their initial scope.

That’s why the most successful vibe coders don’t just click “Accept All.” They strike a balance. They know when to vibe and when to verify. They treat the AI like a fast-moving junior developer—a helpful partner who can save time and surface ideas but who still needs guidance and oversight. The real magic lies in that careful dance between intuition and intentionality, between trusting the tool and knowing when to take the reins.

## Are designers getting into the vibe?

Absolutely. Designers—especially product and UX designers—have embraced vibe coding with open arms. And it’s easy to see why. For years, they’ve been caught between creative ambition and technical dependency, sketching ideas they couldn’t fully bring to life without the help of engineers. Now, with AI tools at their fingertips, designers can move from concept to working prototype in record time. They’re no longer bottlenecked by dev bandwidth or limited by their own coding skills. Instead, they’re empowered to build and iterate independently.

Whether it’s crafting interactive mockups, tweaking animations, or generating entire UI flows, vibe coding enables designers to work more fluidly and creatively. They can say things like, “Make the button animation feel bouncier,” and see instant results. This kind of immediacy changes the game. It transforms the designer’s role from idea-hander-offer to hands-on builder. And that shift is huge.

There’s also something incredibly energizing about reclaiming control over the development process. Vibe coding gives designers the ability to prototype their own ideas, test usability quickly, and even build niche tools that solve their specific pain points—tools no engineer was ever going to prioritize. It lowers the barrier between design and development without requiring a years-long detour into computer science.

Of course, the excitement doesn’t come without caution. Many in the design community are quick to point out that AI can’t (yet) replace the judgment, taste, and nuance that go into good UX. Auto-generating code is one thing; creating something delightful and usable is another. But the consensus is clear: when used thoughtfully, vibe coding becomes a powerful new layer in the modern designer’s toolkit—amplifying creativity, accelerating iteration, and opening the door to more collaborative, end-to-end product thinking.

![Man with long beard and headphones focused on a music production controller](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/03/024-vibe-coding.jpg)

## The future of vibing

As tools evolve, vibe coding is expected to become far more visual, intuitive, and tightly integrated into how we think and design. The current text-based prompting model might eventually give way to a more design-led approach—where creators sketch rough interfaces, assemble components visually, or even speak their intent aloud, and the AI handles the translation into code behind the scenes. We’re already seeing glimpses of this future in generative UI platforms and multimodal tools.

In that world, coding might start to feel more like arranging a storyboard than writing scripts. Designers could drag and drop their way through ideas while AI handles backend setup, logic flows, and integrations. This shift could finally erase the gap between design and development, turning prototypes into production-grade software with fewer handoffs and friction points. And as vibe coding evolves, it may bring with it a new generation of "software creators" who operate more like digital conductors—orchestrating AI agents across frontend, backend, and testing tasks to bring their vision to life.

The nature of code itself might change, too. Rather than leaning on massive, shared frameworks and open-source libraries, we might start generating more custom-fit, ephemeral code on the fly. Less reuse, more personalization. A world of throwaway micro-apps solving niche problems or acting as memes in the form of software. This explosion of creative output could feel chaotic at first—but much like the early days of the web, it might be exactly what propels the next wave of innovation.

It won’t replace traditional coding, but it will absolutely reshape who gets to participate—and how. Because sometimes, you don’t need to know how to code. You just need to know what you want.

And let the vibes do the rest.
### Klack brought the joy of mechanical keyboard sounds to my MacBook
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/klack-brought-the-joy-of-mechanical-keyboard-sounds-to-my-macbook/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T17:11:49.000Z
If you've ever found yourself missing the tactile joy of a mechanical keyboard while typing on your MacBook, Klack might just be the app you never knew you needed. It’s a small macOS utility with a singular purpose: making your keyboard sound like the most satisfying mechanical switches out there. While it won’t physically change the feel of your keys, it does something equally compelling—it tricks your brain into believing you're clacking away on a premium board.

After spending a ridiculous amount of time exploring the world of [mechanical keyboards](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/mechanical-keyboards-a-newbies-narrative/) myself, I was skeptical. Could an app really replicate the satisfying thock of a well-lubed switch? I had to find out.

## A simple idea, executed brilliantly

[Klack](https://tryklack.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) isn’t about making you more productive, helping you write faster, or optimizing your workflow. Its purpose is delightfully simple—it exists purely to make typing *more fun*.

The developer, [Henrik Ruscon](https://x.com/henrikruscon?ref=tsamoudakis.com), originally built Klack for himself before realizing that others might enjoy it, too. That personal touch shines through in the app’s meticulous attention to detail, from its ultra-responsive audio playback to the variety of switch sounds available.

### Features & Customization

At first glance, Klack seems almost too simple, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find it’s surprisingly well thought out:

- **Low-Latency Sound Playback**  
Written entirely in Swift, Klack ensures that there’s virtually no delay between pressing a key and hearing the sound, preserving the illusion of a mechanical keyboard.
- **A Selection of Mechanical Switch Sounds**  
Klack comes loaded with several distinct keypress sounds. Whether you prefer the clicky crispness of Everglide Oreo switches, the deeper thock of NovelKeys Creams, or something in between, there’s a profile to match your taste. Newer updates have even added switch profiles like Cherry MX Japanese Black and Gateron Milky Yellow, giving you even more variety.
- **Separate Upstroke and Downstroke Sounds**  
Unlike some keyboard sound apps that simply play a single sound per keypress, Klack simulates the full typing experience by having different sounds for pressing and releasing keys. This might seem like a small detail, but it’s what makes the experience feel so realistic.
- **Randomized Pitching**  
Every keystroke sounds slightly different thanks to randomized pitch variations, mimicking the organic nature of a real mechanical keyboard.
- **Volume Control & Quick Toggles**  
You can fine-tune Klack’s volume independently of macOS, and with a global shortcut, you can toggle it on and off in a second—perfect for when you need to jump into a Zoom call or work in a quiet environment.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/03/023-klack-settings-general.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/03/023-klack-settings-sound.png)

Klack app settings interface showcasing customization options

## Does it ACTUALLY feel like a mechanical keyboard?

No, but… **it kind of tricks your brain into believing it does**.

Typing with Klack on a MacBook’s scissor switches felt eerily different. Even though the physical act of pressing the keys remained unchanged, my perception of the experience was completely altered. It reminded me of the placebo effect—my brain expected resistance and feedback that wasn’t actually there simply because the sound suggested it should be.

On an external low-profile keyboard (like an Apple Magic Keyboard), the effect was even stronger. But when I plugged in my Keychron K6 with Gateron Browns, it was a different story—Klack’s artificial sounds clashed with the real mechanical feedback, making it unnecessary.

## Room for improvement

Klack is already a delightfully polished app, but there are a couple of areas where it could be improved:

- **Bluetooth Audio Delay**  
If you’re using Bluetooth headphones or speakers, you might notice a slight delay between keystrokes and their corresponding sounds. This is more of a Bluetooth limitation than a Klack issue, but it does break the illusion a bit.
- **More Sound Profiles**  
While the selection of switches is decent, I’d love to see even more—perhaps some custom sound packs or a way to import your own recordings.
- **A Trial Version**  
At $4.99, Klack is fairly priced, but there’s no way to try it before you buy. While the website provides sound previews, a limited trial version might encourage more users to take the plunge.

0:00 

/0:11 

1× 

This is what my MacBook actually sounds like now. 🎧👀 Addictive or too much?

## A must-try for keyboard enthusiasts

If you’re already deep in the world of mechanical keyboards, Klack probably won’t replace the real thing. But if you love the sound of a good clack and don’t always want to lug around a full-size mechanical keyboard, this app is a fantastic little indulgence.

For MacBook users, Magic Keyboard enthusiasts, or anyone who misses the sound of mechanical switches without the bulk, Klack is an easy recommendation. It’s fun, well-executed, and adds a little extra joy to something we all do every day—typing.

I'm currently using Klack all the time. In fact, I have it set to launch automatically every time I restart my MacBook. That said, when I’m at my desk with my real mechanical keyboard, Klack takes a backseat—it’s just not needed. What remains to be seen is whether I'll eventually grow tired of it or if it will secure a permanent spot in my [essential macOS apps](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/essential-apps-for-the-digital-citizen/).

[Klack](https://tryklack.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is proof that not all apps need to be game-changers. Sometimes, all they need to do is make the mundane a little more enjoyable.
### Building a productive morning routine as a remote worker
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/building-a-productive-morning-routine-as-a-remote-worker/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T20:01:39.000Z
A well-structured morning routine can set the tone for a productive day. Having worked remotely for the majority of my career (20+ years), I’ve developed habits that work well for me while also recognizing areas for improvement. This article is a reflection of what I’ve learned and refined over the years.

## Sleeping and waking up

A productive morning actually begins the night before. I’m someone who naturally sleeps relatively early, which allows me to start my day early as well. That said, if I know I don’t have work the next day, I enjoy bending the rules—whether it’s a late-night movie or an evening out.

I have a consistent alarm set for 7 AM every day, though most of the time, I wake up before it rings. Over the years, my body has adapted, making early rising an unconscious habit. I’ve found that waking up at the same time every day helps regulate my body clock, making mornings feel less groggy and more automatic.

One thing I try to avoid is checking my emails or messages the second I open my eyes. I used to do this, and I realized it set the wrong tone for the rest of my day. I haven’t completely broken the habit—I still glance at my phone while brewing my first coffee. But instead of diving into work messages, I focus on the notifications that spark joy—like a sale of my [Ghost theme](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/the-journey-of-building-and-selling-my-first-ghost-theme/), which, I’ll admit, is a fantastic mood booster.

## Preparation: Easing into the day

I like to start my morning with purpose, setting myself up with habits that energize and motivate me. The first step? A morning walk. It’s my basic form of exercise, typically lasting 5-6 kilometers. During this time, I plug into my curated list of podcasts—some inspire me, while others feed my tech enthusiast side.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/02/walk-in-rhodes.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/02/walk-in-cambridge-1.jpg)

Morning walks in Rhodes vs Cambridge

No matter the weather or the season, my next step is always a morning shower. This is, without a doubt, my most consistent habit. For me, it works like a system reboot—clearing out the previous day’s clutter and giving me a fresh start.

Then comes breakfast. I aim to keep it healthy and high in protein, though I wouldn’t call myself a role model for perfect nutrition. What I do prioritize, however, is my morning chat with my wife. This is our time to check in on family matters, plan our day, and—most importantly—have an uninterrupted conversation that, in any other scenario, would likely be hijacked by our daughters (parents, you know exactly what I mean).

## The importance of consistency

Having a consistent schedule that separates personal time from work time is key. Without it, everything blurs together, and suddenly, you’re reacting to tasks instead of proactively managing them.

My morning routine isn’t perfectly in sync with my wife’s, but I use that to my advantage. Since I’m ready earlier, I take that time to catch up on emails, scan for any urgent messages, and knock out minor tasks. This way, by the time I officially start my workday, my top priorities are already lined up and ready to tackle. Breakfast serves as the natural transition between our routines, ensuring that by the time we both start working, we have a clear understanding of what needs to get done.

## Let’s get to work

By the time I sit at my desk, I already feel like I’ve accomplished quite a bit. I’ve exercised, entertained or inspired myself with podcasts, and connected with my family over breakfast. That sense of accomplishment gives me momentum, making it easier to dive into work without feeling sluggish or overwhelmed.

Now, it’s time to open emails and catch up on Twist threads, but because I’ve already established my key priorities, I’m not drowning in messages—I’m tackling them with purpose. My [to-do list](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/how-i-use-todoist-to-organise-my-life/) becomes my guide, keeping me focused rather than scattered.

![Todoist task manager app open on a desktop, displaying the ‘Today’ view with a list of tasks and categorized projects on the sidebar](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/02/022-todoist-today-view.jpg)

Keeping it simple and focused—just three key tasks for today.

When I start working on my tasks at Doist, I ensure that one takes center stage as my main priority, with one or two more as secondary. I’ve learned to avoid overloading my list with tasks I won’t realistically complete within the day, preventing the cycle of endlessly rescheduling them. I used to add all my work-related tasks to Todoist on Monday, only to shuffle the leftovers forward each day. While this sometimes resulted in getting everything done, it didn’t always leave me feeling accomplished. More often than not, I felt like I hadn’t done enough. By setting a few key priorities instead, I now finish my workdays with a greater sense of satisfaction and progress.

## Final thoughts

I get it—not everyone is a morning person, and that’s completely fine. The goal isn’t to force yourself into someone else’s routine but to experiment with your own schedule and figure out what works best for you.

Adapt your morning based on your city, climate, and personal responsibilities. Identify what brings you energy, what helps you focus, and—most importantly—what you can consistently turn into a habit. Because at the end of the day, consistency is what transforms a routine from a temporary fix into a long-term success.

I always find it inspiring to hear how others structure their mornings. What are your go-to habits? Are there any tools or products that play a major role in your routine, or do you prefer to adapt each day? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
### Mastering Apple Reminders with clever tricks and workarounds
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/mastering-apple-reminders-with-clever-tricks-and-workarounds/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T17:06:50.000Z
There’s no shortage of to-do list apps claiming to organize your life. While my tool of choice is Todoist (for obvious reasons), I like to keep an eye on the productivity landscape and experiment with alternatives.

I may be biased—after all, I [work at Todoist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/todoist-shaping-productivity-through-design/)—but after trying just about every task manager out there, there's always a deal-breaker that forces me to abandon them. Whether it’s a clunky user interface, convoluted workflows, or quirks I just can’t wrap my head around, I rarely last more than a day or two (sometimes just a few hours) before hitting “uninstall.”

Then there’s Apple’s Reminders. It’s certainly not the most feature-rich option, yet its stripped-down simplicity might just be its greatest strength. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate its straightforward approach to task management while also recognizing its shortcomings. In this article, I’ll break down what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the most of Apple Reminders, a free app baked into every Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

## Organizing with lists made easy

For an app that revolves around organizing tasks into lists, Reminders does a commendable job of keeping things simple yet effective.

You can create a standard list for any kind of reminder or opt for a [Groceries](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/make-a-grocery-list-iph80ba26e1f/ios?ref=tsamoudakis.com) list, which automatically categorizes your shopping items (a small but neat touch). Power users can take things up a notch with [Smart Lists](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-smart-lists-iphe882772ed/ios?ref=tsamoudakis.com), which dynamically filter tasks based on tags, due dates, locations, and more. It’s a powerful feature that allows for some creative setups, even if it’s not as flexible as something like Todoist’s filters and labels.

## Clean design with some drawbacks

Like most Apple apps, Reminders follows the company’s signature design language—clean, minimal, and intuitive. For the most part, this works well. However, in practice, the interface can feel cluttered, especially when dealing with Smart Lists or the Today view, where tasks from different lists all blend together in a uniform design that makes scanning harder than it should be.

![Today view of Reminders](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/02/021-reminders-today-view.jpg)

Compared to [Todoist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/how-i-use-todoist-to-organise-my-life/), where dates, priorities, and project names are visually distinct, Reminders’ approach makes it harder to quickly process a list. My workaround? Adding emojis to tasks and projects for some visual separation—but let’s be honest, that gets old fast.

Another notable limitation: there’s no way to customize the layout based on project-specific needs. For example, I’d love to see tasks in my Today view grouped by list, making it easier to plan my day at a glance. Apple does provide sections like “Morning,” “Afternoon,” and “Tonight,” but these are tied to time-blocking—a habit I’ve never managed to stick with, leading to a pile of overdue tasks instead.

## Adding Reminders feels clunky

If you’re already in the habit of capturing tasks regularly, you’ll find a way to work around Reminders’ limitations. But if you’re just starting to build a productivity system, the cumbersome task entry might drive you away before you even get started.

The experience depends on how many lists you manage. If you have multiple lists (like me), adding a task requires manually navigating to the right one—a time-consuming hassle. This is easily my biggest gripe with the app. Thankfully, I’ve found a few workarounds:

### On macOS

I rarely find myself opening the Reminders app directly, as it can feel sluggish when all I need is to quickly jot something down. Instead, I rely on [Raycast](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/unleash-your-productivity-with-raycast-for-macos/) and its [Reminders extension](https://www.raycast.com/raycast/apple-reminders?ref=tsamoudakis.com), which significantly enhances the experience by providing natural language input and AI-powered parsing. This means I can add reminders in a conversational style without manually filling out multiple fields. The speed and efficiency of Raycast make it my go-to tool for capturing reminders on my Mac, allowing me to stay in my workflow without breaking focus.

![Apple Reminders extension for Raycast](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/02/021-raycast-reminders-extension.jpg)

If you're not a fan of Raycast (What!? 😳), and you're still looking for a quick and efficient way to add reminders without the overhead of opening the Reminders app, [InstaRemind](https://instaremindapp.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is a great alternative. It functions similarly to Raycast's Reminders extension, allowing for ultra-fast task entry with minimal friction.

### On iPhone & iPad

Adding reminders on Apple’s mobile devices can feel tedious, especially when compared to more efficient task managers. The best solution I’ve found is [Remind Me Faster](https://apps.apple.com/gr/app/remind-me-faster/id985555908?ref=tsamoudakis.com), an app that mimics Todoist’s Quick Add functionality by streamlining the process. Instead of navigating through multiple menus just to add a new reminder, this app allows for near-instant task capture. To make the process even more seamless, I’ve placed its shortcuts on my lock screen and Control Center, ensuring that I can quickly jot down reminders without opening the app itself. This small adjustment has significantly reduced friction and made it easier to capture thoughts and tasks the moment they come to mind, which is crucial for maintaining an effective productivity system.

![Adding a new reminder on iOS using the app Remind Me Faster](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/02/021-remind-me-faster.jpg)

Apple doesn’t iterate on its built-in apps at lightning speed, but both Notes and Reminders have seen steady improvements over the last few years. While I’m not holding my breath for a revamped task entry experience anytime soon, I do hope Apple enriches the Reminders API to let third-party apps further optimize this workflow.

## Viewing Reminders across Apple devices

While the UI could use some refinements to improve readability, there are a variety of ways to keep important lists within easy reach:

### On macOS

I use [Reminders MenuBar](https://github.com/DamascenoRafael/reminders-menubar?ref=tsamoudakis.com), a simple yet effective tool that places my lists directly in the menu bar for instant access. This eliminates the need to open the full Reminders app, making it a seamless way to quickly check or mark off tasks without interrupting my workflow. Having my lists accessible at a glance has been a game-changer, especially when I’m deep into work and don’t want to lose focus by switching between apps.

![Screenshot of the app Reminders MenuBar](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/02/021-reminders-menubar.jpg)

### On iPhone & iPad

Widgets are an essential feature for managing reminders efficiently, and Apple has done an excellent job with the Reminders widget. It provides instant, at-a-glance access to the most important lists, allowing you to quickly see what’s on your plate without even opening the app. The flexibility of the widget means you can pin multiple lists to your home screen, ensuring that critical tasks are always within view. Whether it's your grocery list, work tasks, or a personal project, having reminders visible throughout the day helps reinforce habits and keeps you on track. The widget also updates dynamically, ensuring that completed reminders disappear and new ones appear seamlessly, making it a fluid and intuitive way to manage tasks without disrupting your workflow.

### Reminders in Your Face

For an even more in-your-face approach, [LiveMinder](https://liveminder.vibin.llc/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is a unique app that takes visibility to the next level by displaying your reminders directly on the lock screen through Live Notifications or even on the Dynamic Island. This ensures that important reminders are always front and center, making it nearly impossible to overlook a task. For people who struggle with staying on top of their to-dos or need constant visual prompts, this app offers a seamless way to integrate task management into their daily routines.

![iPhones using LiveMinder to display reminders on the lock screen and the Dynamic Island](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/02/021-liveminder-1.jpg)

While I personally don’t use it, I can see its appeal for those who benefit from persistent reminders. Whether you're someone who frequently forgets tasks or simply prefers having your to-do list in your immediate field of view at all times, Live Minder provides an interesting and effective approach to making sure nothing slips through the cracks.

## Final thoughts

Apple Reminders is a capable to-do app that might boost your productivity—if its limitations don’t frustrate you first. Its greatest advantage? It’s free, preinstalled on every Apple device, and deeply integrated into the ecosystem, making it feel natural and seamless across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. Siri even plays nice with it (which is a rare feat for third-party apps).

But as with all simple tools, the moment you start pushing its boundaries, you’ll start feeling its constraints. If you need more flexibility, power-user features, or a truly optimized workflow, you’ll probably end up looking elsewhere—perhaps at [Todoist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/how-i-use-todoist-to-organise-my-life/). 😉
### From Safari to Quiche: Discovering the browser that clicks
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/from-safari-to-quiche-discovering-the-browser-that-clicks/
Last updated: 2024-12-06T12:34:19.000Z
If you're like me, you've spent countless hours in search of the "perfect" web browser—one that fits your style, streamlines your workflow, and avoids the pitfalls of corporate-driven quirks. After bouncing between Safari and [Arc](https://arc.net/gift/f1766e6?ref=tsamoudakis.com) for over a year, I thought I’d seen it all. Then I stumbled upon [Quiche Browser](https://quiche.industries/browser/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). Its name piqued my curiosity, but it was the design philosophy that reeled me in.

## First impressions: A thoughtful design

Quiche Browser caught my attention with its **Toolbar Gallery**, a feature that shows just how much thought has gone into its customizability. With a single screenshot, it made one thing clear: this isn’t just another browser—it’s a personalizable tool crafted by someone who understands the nuances of digital workflows.

In an era where browsers often overwhelm with endless features or frustrate with inflexible designs, Quiche offers something rare: **choice**. Within minutes of downloading it, I had rearranged buttons, adjusted toolbar layouts, and even customized the address bar to prioritize what mattered most to me—site icons and estimated read times. It felt intuitive, fast, and refreshingly free from corporate fluff.

## Beyond the surface: A browser built for you

What makes Quiche stand out isn’t just its modular UI—it’s the intention behind it. Every button, menu item, and toolbar element can be tailored to your needs. Prefer minimalism? Strip it down to the essentials. Crave control? Organize your menus with separators and custom-sized buttons. The flexibility is unrivaled.

![Screenshots of various settings in the Quiche Browser](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/12/020-quiche-settings-screens.jpg)

On top of that, features like **tab sorting by read time**, grouping tabs by domain, and even the ability to adjust UI colors based on the website you’re visiting add layers of functionality that feel purposeful rather than gimmicky.

And while it’s missing cross-platform sync, considering this is the work of a single developer, it’s remarkable how polished it already is.

## Performance that keeps up with your workflow

When it comes to performance, Quiche Browser punches well above its weight. Despite being an indie project, it delivers a browsing experience that feels incredibly smooth and responsive. Pages load quickly, navigation is seamless, and the browser’s lightweight design ensures it doesn’t hog system resources.

Even when juggling multiple tabs or interacting with dynamic web apps, Quiche maintains its stability without missing a beat. It’s clear that the developer has prioritized efficiency, creating a browser that’s not just customizable but also highly reliable for everyday use. In a world dominated by corporate-backed browsers, Quiche proves that speed and polish aren’t exclusive to the big players.

## The iPad experience: A bigger canvas, a better workflow

While I fell in love with Quiche on my iPhone, discovering its iPad beta was a game-changer. The larger screen amplifies everything that’s great about the browser: the modular UI shines even brighter, and navigating feels more fluid. It’s here where Quiche Browser truly feels like a productivity powerhouse. My only wish? A seamless way to sync bookmarks and settings between devices—a feature I’m hopeful is on the developer’s roadmap.

![Screenshots of various settings in the Quiche Browser](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/12/020-quiche-feature-settings.jpg)

## Supporting indie excellence

Here’s the kicker: **Quiche Browser is free**, but for $1.99 a month, you can unlock custom icons and support its indie creator, [Greg](https://nckh.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). It’s a small price to pay for a project that prioritizes user experience over shareholder interests. In a sea of browsers backed by tech giants, Quiche stands as a testament to what one passionate developer can achieve.

## Final thoughts: A browser worth your attention

[Quiche Browser](https://quiche.industries/browser/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, nor does it need to. Its charm lies in its **thoughtful design and unparalleled customization**. It fits seamlessly into my daily routine, combining the stability of larger browsers with the creativity of indie ingenuity. For those looking for something fresh, polished, and personalizable, Quiche Browser is a deliciously good choice.

Download it, make it yours, and see how it redefines your browsing experience.
### Plan your next Trip like a Pro with this free Travel Planning Template
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/plan-your-next-trip-like-a-pro-with-this-free-travel-planning-template/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T17:02:27.000Z
I love traveling. Whether it’s for work, a vacation, or simply an excuse to avoid doing laundry for a week, the thrill of discovering new places and experiences never gets old. Working at [Doist](https://doist.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) has taken my travel game to new heights—sometimes quite literally (hello, jet lag). My job has introduced me to places I might never have thought to visit, and along the way, I’ve picked up some tricks for organizing seamless trips.

One person I owe a big thanks to is [Chase](https://x.com/dcwarrington?ref=tsamoudakis.com), our company’s resident travel maestro. His planning skills are so good that they deserve their own Michelin star. Inspired by Chase’s meticulous methods, I’ve adopted a similar approach for my personal trips. The result? An organized, drama-free experience that keeps everyone in the loop (read: no one gets lost, cranky, or “hangry”).

In this article, I’ll show you exactly how I plan my trips and share the trip-planning template I use for every journey. You can grab it, tweak it, and make it your own. Let’s dive in!

## My free trip-planning template

Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of note-taking apps to streamline my travel plans. Spoiler: not all of them are created equal. My gold medal goes to [**Craft**](https://craftdocsltd.sjv.io/MAQvjq?ref=tsamoudakis.com)—a beautiful, intuitive app with all the features I need to keep things organized. (Yes, as a designer, I fully admit to being swayed by Craft’s gorgeous UI. Guilty as charged.)

Within Craft, I created a [**trip planning template**](https://zoos-feel-4yq.craft.me/travel-planning?ref=tsamoudakis.com) that’s become my holy grail for every adventure. The best part? You can duplicate this template into your own Craft account and customize it to your heart’s content. Open the template and click the three-dots icon in the top right corner to duplicate it, and voilà—it’s yours!

[Travel Planning![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon.png)![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/thumbnail/VnmKAjCsSh2O1N)](https://zoos-feel-4yq.craft.me/travel-planning?ref=tsamoudakis.com)

## Gathering Points of Interest

We live in a world where almost every cool spot—be it a cozy cafe, a bustling market, or a must-see museum—has a website, Facebook page, or TikTok account. That’s often where I find inspiration for places to visit. But let’s be real: when you’re wandering the streets of a foreign city, juggling TikTok videos to figure out how to get to that trendy restaurant is *not* ideal.

That’s why I always start my trip planning with the **Points of Interest** section. Before diving into the itinerary, I list everything that catches my eye and categorize it according to the template. Once I’ve built this master list, I take a closer look at each place, checking it on the map to understand its exact location. From there, I group the places I want to visit based on proximity. This helps me minimize travel time and makes the day feel more seamless.

Every entry in my Points of Interest section includes the name of the place and a clickable Google Maps link—it’s a total game-changer. When I’m out exploring, I simply open Craft on my phone, tap the location, and Google Maps launches to guide me there. No fuss, no endless scrolling. Once the grouping is complete, I move on to building the actual itinerary (more on that in the next section). This process makes trip planning smooth, efficient, and way less stressful!

![A table view of various Points of Interest found in Dubai](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/11/Points-of-Interest-in-Craft-1.jpg)

## How I use the template

  
**1\. Customize the basics**

First, I rename the template to match the destination—something like “Rome 2024” or “Family Chaos in Dubai.” Then, I make it extra inspiring by adding a stunning cover photo using Craft’s Unsplash integration. Trust me, nothing gets you hyped for a trip like a photo of the Colosseum or the Burj Khalifa.

**2\. Flight and accommodation details**

I start by filling out the flight section with all the essential details: the names of the airports (to avoid any mix-ups—goodbye, LAX vs. LGA confusion!), the exact departure and arrival dates and times, and any important notes about luggage allowances, insurance, or those peculiar airline rules you don’t want to forget.

The accommodation section gets the same thorough treatment. I include everything from check-in and check-out times to the exact address and booking confirmation numbers. This ensures that if someone in the group happens to wander off, they’ll at least have all the information they need to find their way back.

**3\. Build the itinerary**

Here’s where the magic happens. The itinerary is structured by day, and we group activities by location to minimize unnecessary travel. Each day is broken into morning, afternoon, and evening activities to keep things manageable.

I also use each entry's "Notes" column to store essential details like opening hours, ticket prices, or reservation info. This way, I don’t have to dig through emails or websites when I need quick answers. Once we’ve finalized which spots we’re visiting, I move them to the itinerary for easy day-by-day planning. It’s simple, efficient, and keeps the “where should we go next?” debates to a minimum.

![Adding links to notes](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/11/GoogleLink-1.jpg)

Select the name and press ****CMD + K** to add the link to Google Maps

💡

Don’t skip the Google Maps links. They make on-the-go navigation ridiculously easy. Plus, you can add handy notes like opening hours or reservation details.

## Checklists: Your secret weapon for stress-free travel

No planning template is complete without a checklist—or, in this case, two!

🧳 **Packing checklist**  
This list covers everything I need to bring along for the trip. Sure, some of the items feel obvious (like socks and a toothbrush), but having them written down ensures I don’t forget something essential—because, let’s face it, realizing you forgot underwear halfway to the airport is *not* fun.

✈️ **Pre-travel reminders**  
The second list includes all the tasks I must tackle before leaving home. This list is more opinionated and tailored to my personal habits, but the key idea is separating tasks that happen at different times. For example, confirming reservations or downloading offline maps might happen 1–2 days before the trip, while locking the doors or unplugging appliances is saved for the day I leave.

Keeping these checklists separate makes it much easier to stay organized without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, ticking off those little boxes is so satisfying—it’s like a mini-win before your adventure even begins!

![Preview of the travel planning template](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/11/TripPlanningTemplates.jpg)

## Questions I get about my trip-planning process

While this is the first time I’m sharing my trip-planning process publicly, I’ve had plenty of friends peek at my itinerary notes over the years. Without fail, they’re full of questions about how I organize everything. Chances are, you’ve probably wondered about one or two of these yourself, so let me save you the trouble and answer them right here:

🗒️ **Can I use this template outside Craft?**

Of course! Craft supports Markdown, which is a standard used by many other popular note-taking apps. If you’d rather not use Craft, you can download the Markdown version of this template and import it into the app of your choice. Just make sure the app supports Markdown to preserve the structure—otherwise, you might lose some of the magic I’ve worked into the template.

[Travel Planning TemplateMarkdown version of the template, ready to use with your favorite app.Travel Planning Template.md2 KBdownload-circle](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/content/files/2024/11/Travel-Planning-Template.md "Download")

🖨️ **Do you print the itinerary?**

You can, but I don’t. Everything stays digital because it’s easier to update on the fly. Plus, most people I share itineraries with also use Craft. If you prefer paper, go ahead and print it—just make sure to bring a pen for last-minute edits.

📱 **Why not use a dedicated travel app?**

That's an excellent question! While travel apps can be amazing, I prefer to stick to one app for everything—especially one that I already use every day. [Craft](https://craftdocsltd.sjv.io/MAQvjq?ref=tsamoudakis.com) helps me keep all my notes and plans organized in one spot, saving me from switching between multiple apps. Plus, I’d rather avoid the expense of onboarding everyone onto a separate app. With Craft, even if they haven't used it before, I can easily share a PDF export with them, and we’re all set!

🎁

****Bonus inspiration!** Looking at a blank template isn’t exactly inspiring. So, as a little bonus, I’m sharing the plan I made for my recent [trip to Dubai](https://zoos-feel-4yq.craft.me/dubai-planning?ref=tsamoudakis.com). Hopefully, it will give you a better idea of how a completed plan comes together—and maybe even spark some inspiration for your travels!

## Ready to hit the road?

Unlike rigid business trip itineraries, this template is designed to be flexible. Think of it as a helpful guide rather than a strict schedule. Plans can (and often do) change, but having a solid starting point makes the whole experience less stressful and way more fun.

Feel free to [download my template](https://zoos-feel-4yq.craft.me/travel-planning?ref=tsamoudakis.com), adapt it to your needs, and share your feedback in the comments below. Did it save your sanity? Did you add something brilliant that I should steal—er, adopt? Let me know! Safe travels! 🚀
### LocalSend: The AirDrop alternative that works everywhere
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/localsend-the-airdrop-alternative-that-works-everywhere/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T16:59:35.000Z
As a digital product designer, a large part of my role involves researching mobile apps and platform patterns. This research is essential for crafting detailed mockups for iOS and Android devices, ensuring that each design feels native to its respective platform. My process involves capturing a significant amount of visual content, from simple screenshots to entire workflow videos.

When using Apple devices, transferring this content is easy thanks to AirDrop, which seamlessly moves files across the ecosystem. However, things get complicated when I need to transfer screenshots, videos, or any type of file from an Android device or a Windows PC. My previous solution was to use Dropbox, but it’s far from ideal. The reliance on a stable internet connection and the cumbersome interface make it inefficient for my fast-paced workflow.

💡

****AirDrop** is a file-sharing feature developed by Apple that allows users to quickly and securely transfer files, photos, and other data between Apple devices using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology. [Learn more](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102538?ref=tsamoudakis.com)

## Discovering LocalSend: The AirDrop for every device

Discovering [LocalSend](https://localsend.org/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) felt like stumbling upon a real game-changer in the world of file transfers. This app has made moving files between my devices incredibly straightforward. And it’s not just about handling simple screenshots—LocalSend is versatile enough to transfer any file, whether it’s a hefty video, a detailed PDF, or even design assets. What really sets it apart for me is how effortlessly it operates across every platform, including Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.

What’s even more impressive is that LocalSend is open-source and completely free to use. There’s no need to create an account, and everything is secured with end-to-end encryption, so privacy concerns never come into play. In my experience so far, the app has worked flawlessly, handling images of a few megabytes and even larger video files without a hitch. The transfers have been impressively fast, though I’m sure the speed might vary depending on your local network setup, since it doesn’t require an internet connection.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/11/018-localsend-settings-01.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/11/018-localsend-settings-02.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/11/018-localsend-settings-03.jpg)

Simple settings, yet just enough to tailor LocalSend perfectly to your needs.

## How LocalSend works

Setting up LocalSend is incredibly straightforward. To exchange files, simply keep the app open on all intended devices. There's no need for intricate configurations, no annoying compatibility hurdles, and you don’t have to be connected to the internet. Once LocalSend is active on both devices, you just hit send on one and receive on the other—file transfers work seamlessly every time. This dependability and cross-platform capability have greatly enhanced my daily workflow.

## An indispensable tool for designers

Thanks to [LocalSend](https://localsend.org/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), I no longer dread transferring research material or design files between devices. It’s fast, reliable, and versatile, making it an essential tool that has earned a permanent spot on my must-install apps list. If you’re dealing with a cross-platform workflow or need a simple, effective way to share any file, I highly recommend trying LocalSend.
### Replacing social media noise with an app that curates content that matters
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/replacing-social-media-noise-with-an-app-that-curates-content-that-matters/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T16:57:23.000Z
I’ve been an avid RSS feed enthusiast since the early days of the Internet, and I’ve watched the landscape shift in all kinds of unpredictable ways. Once upon a time, Google Reader was my go-to, the first thing I’d set up after reinstalling a system. However, as with many Google projects, they eventually pulled the plug on it. Cue social media, with Facebook and Twitter becoming the default for “staying informed.”

But, as you might know from personal experience, those platforms quickly turn into chaotic noise. The feed becomes an overwhelming mishmash of work updates, hobby interests, cousins’ vacation photos, and endless memes. It’s like trying to drink from a fire hose of randomness.

That’s why, a couple of years ago, I pretty much gave social media the boot. It no longer gave me the specific, curated information I craved. However, there was one thing I never let go of—blogs and RSS feeds. There’s something pure and uncluttered about them. You subscribe to the websites or topics you care about, and the rest of the world (and its unsolicited opinions) stays out of your way.

## Enter Reeder: My go-to for RSS (and more)

One app I’ve loyally supported throughout this journey is [Reeder](https://reederapp.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). Whenever it gets a major update, I’m there, ready to shell out for it. And trust me, it’s one of the few apps I don’t regret paying for, even though subscription-based models usually make me cringe.

At its core, Reeder has always been about keeping RSS feeds alive. But the latest iteration of Reeder isn’t just an RSS reader—it’s trying something a bit different, something ambitious. It aims to be your inbox for everything: RSS feeds, YouTube channels, Reddit threads, and even podcasts. Yes, you read that right. This simple little app is tackling the challenge of bringing all your content sources into one beautifully designed package.

💡

****What is an RSS feed?** An RSS feed is like a simple news service for websites. It automatically sends updates from a site—like news articles or blog posts—to a feed reader app. Instead of visiting each website to check for new content, you can see all the updates in one place, making it easier to follow your favorite sites. You just need to subscribe to the RSS feed, and it will show you when something new is posted.

## The “weird twist” that works

I’ll admit that I thought it was a bit weird when I first heard about this multi-source approach. After all, an RSS reader is supposed to be just that, right? But Reeder is onto something. After a month of using it, I have to say that my workflow has already been adapted, and I truly enjoy what it offers. It’s not just about reading anymore; it’s about curating.

Reeder’s main pitch is pretty straightforward: “Your inbox for reading, watching, and listening to content from various sources.” And it delivers exactly that. Whether on macOS, iOS, or iPadOS, Reeder syncs everything across your Apple devices using iCloud, so you can switch from your phone to your Mac without skipping a beat. No “unread posts” badge stress either—it presents everything chronologically, which is a game-changer for me.

## RSS, Reddit, YouTube, and more

Right now, I’m using Reeder mainly for the classic RSS feed setup, but I’ve also added some subreddits and a few YouTube channels that I like to keep tabs on. If you’re into podcasts, you’ll be happy to know that Reeder supports those, too. However, I personally like to consume my podcasts separately when I’m not in “news mode.” Still, I love the idea that it’s there, and I’ll probably add a couple of podcasts in the future.

It’s not just about aggregation, though—Reeder makes it easy to bookmark and favorite content. I bookmark things that I want to check out later (you know, those 5,000-word long reads I don’t have time for right now) and favorite posts that I want to save in my digital stash for future reference. It’s like building a mini-library within the app, and I find it invaluable.

## Sharing feeds made simple

A major perk for Reeder subscribers is the Shared Feeds feature, which makes sharing your curated content a breeze. It allows you to turn any tag—whether it’s Favorites, Later, Bookmarks, or any custom tag—into a public feed. This is perfect for collaborating or sharing collections of articles, videos, or resources with others who share your interests.

The shared feeds are accessible via any browser or can be added to any RSS reader that supports JSON feeds, keeping things flexible. Even better, the feed automatically updates as you add new items, meaning anyone following it gets the latest content without any extra effort on your part. Although there’s a cap of 50 items per feed, it’s still a fantastic way to share your curated collections with friends, colleagues, or even a wider audience.

![Reeder icons](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/10/017-15-years-of-reeder.jpg)

Reeder through the years: From classic to cutting-edge

## Reeder’s strengths (and a few misses)

I’d be lying if I said I don’t miss a few things from the older version of Reeder (now called Reeder Classic). Features like iOS widgets, better keyboard shortcuts, and support for Apple’s Shortcuts are still absent in the new version, and those are definitely things I hope to see in future updates. But despite these missing elements, this new Reeder has enough fresh ideas that I’m willing to be patient. The app is still early in its life cycle, and I’m confident that more features will be added with the same polish and attention to detail we’ve come to expect from [Silvio Rizzi](https://gloria.social/@rizzi?ref=tsamoudakis.com), the developer.

One potential sticking point for some users is the subscription model. I get it—subscriptions are everywhere these days, and no one wants to deal with more of them. But I’m happy to report that Reeder is one of the few I don’t mind renewing. Why? Because it saves me from jumping between a half-dozen different apps and services to stay updated on all my interests. Everything I need is neatly organized in one beautifully designed app.

## Final thoughts: A tool for the digital age overload

Reeder is a breath of fresh air if you’ve been overwhelmed by the sheer number of platforms you have to juggle to stay informed. It’s ambitious to try to be your one-stop shop for news, blogs, videos, and more, and while it’s not perfect yet, it’s already miles ahead of other readers out there.

For me, it’s a little piece of sanity in a chaotic digital world—like Google Reader was back in the day, but evolved for 2024\. [Reeder](https://reederapp.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) might just make you fall in love with RSS again, or if you’re like me, remind you why you never stopped.
### How to easily Geotag your Photos with Geotag Photos Pro
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/how-to-easily-geotag-your-photos-with-geotag-photos-pro/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T16:55:32.000Z
In the age of digital photography, capturing the essence of your travels through photos has never been easier. However, one common frustration for many photographers is the lack of built-in GPS functionality in high-end cameras. While most smartphones and consumer cameras offer this feature, professional cameras often do not.

I used to always carry my DSLR when going on trips. However, after my two daughters joined the family, it became challenging to manage all the additional stuff, and the DSLR was the first thing I stopped packing. Now that my kids are older and we don't need to carry as much, I have started bringing my trusted Canon 90D on every trip to pursue my photography hobby. However, I've noticed that most of my trip photos are taken with an iPhone and conveniently organized in the "Places" section of the Photos app, while the DSLR photos are not.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/08/016-photos-laid-on-the-photos-app-map-1.jpg)

My Canon camera is equipped with an iPhone app that enables it to connect with my phone and utilize it as a GPS, instantly geotagging every photo I capture. However, the connection between the camera and my phone relies on Bluetooth, which makes the entire process quite cumbersome. I often forget to enable this connection before starting to shoot. This is where [Geotag Photos Pro](https://www.geotagphotos.net/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) comes in. It adds the much-needed solution by allowing me to accurately geotag each photo, regardless of the camera I use.

## Why geotagging matters

Geotagging is a valuable tool that adds location data to your photos, allowing you to easily track where each picture was taken. For photographers who enjoy documenting their travels, this feature is essential as it allows you to revisit your journey on a map and share detailed location information with others. Whether you are a professional photographer or a passionate hobbyist, geotagging can improve your workflow by adding a geographical context to your images.

Moreover, geotagged photos can help individuals remember their travel experiences by easily locating specific places they visited. For instance, you can search for the names of places you explored by referencing the location data in your geotagged photos. This is especially useful in recalling the names of restaurants, coffee shops, or landmarks that may have slipped your mind but are captured in your photos.

## Introducing Geotag Photos Pro

Geotag Photos Pro is one of those handy mobile apps that make life as a photographer so much easier. It’s designed to add GPS data to your photos without the need for an expensive and clunky separate GPS unit for your camera. The concept is brilliantly simple and straightforward.

Here’s how it works: First, you sync your camera’s time with your phone—this step is key since it ensures everything matches up later. Then, you open the app and start a new trip. As you go about your adventure, the app quietly records your location at intervals you set, whether that’s every few seconds or every few minutes. It’s like having a personal travel log running in the background, capturing where you are as you move.

Once your trip is wrapped up, the app does something pretty cool: it gives you a .GPX file. You can easily import this file into Lightroom or, if you’re not a Lightroom user, into their companion app. The magic happens when the app matches the timestamps of your photos with the GPS data, adding the correct geotag information to each shot. It’s a seamless way to ensure all your memories are accurately mapped, no matter where your travels take you.

![iOS screenshots of the app Geotag Photos Pro](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/08/016-geotag-photos-pro-screenshots.jpg)

## How I use it

Planning a trip means juggling a million little details, and honestly, remembering to start and stop Geotag Photos Pro often slips through the cracks for me. But I’ve discovered a trick that makes it foolproof: as soon as I step out of the house, I hit start on the app, and I don’t worry about it until I’m back home—even if that’s days later. Surprisingly, leaving the app running doesn’t drain my battery much at all, so it’s become a habit. I just let it quietly collect all the GPS data and store it in my iCloud account. When I’m back, no matter how long the trip was, the GPX file has all the location info my photos need.

I stopped using Lightroom a while ago (that’s a story for another time), so once I’m home, I load my DSLR photos into their macOS app (they’ve got a Windows version too). Then, I download the GPX file, and within minutes, my photos are mapped out in the Photos app on my Mac, just like the ones I took with my iPhone. It’s a seamless way to keep all my memories organized and visually connected to the places I’ve been.

## Conclusion

[Geotag Photos Pro](https://www.geotagphotos.net/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is priced at $12.99, and honestly, it’s worth every penny. If you’re like me and love the idea of adding GPS data to your photos, this app is a game-changer. It’s simple, efficient, and incredibly cost-effective—especially when you consider the alternative of buying pricey GPS equipment for your camera.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just someone who enjoys snapping photos on your travels, Geotag Photos Pro makes the whole process of location tagging a breeze. It adds that extra layer of detail to your images, turning them into more than just memories—they become a mapped-out journey you can revisit anytime. If you care about keeping your photography organized and enriched with location data, this app is a must-have.
### Give your MacBook's notch the Dynamic Island treatment with NotchNook
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/give-your-macbooks-notch-the-dynamic-island-treatment-with-notchnook-2/
Last updated: 2026-06-23T18:23:12.000Z
In 2017, Apple made waves by introducing the notch with the iPhone X, a bold design move that accommodated the TrueDepth camera system and enabled Face ID, the company's advanced facial recognition technology. This marked a pivotal moment in iPhone design, eliminating the Home button in favor of an edge-to-edge display with a small but noticeable cutout at the top.

Fast forward four years, and Apple brought the notch to its MacBook Pro lineup, first appearing on the 14-inch and 16-inch models. However, unlike its iPhone counterpart, the MacBook Pro's notch lacked the Face ID functionality, serving primarily to maximize screen real estate. While some users have grown accustomed to it, others find the notch intrusive, a distraction from an otherwise immersive display.

Interestingly, the notch on the iPhone has evolved into the Dynamic Island—a feature-rich area that offers functionality beyond a mere cutout, making it a more palatable design choice. While MacBooks have yet to receive a similar upgrade, there are creative ways to leverage the notch and introduce the functionality that many feel should have been there from the start. Enter [NotchNook](https://lo.cafe/notchnook?ref=tsamoudakis.com), a clever utility designed to transform the notch from a distraction into a functional feature.

## A Dynamic Island for your MacBook's notch

NotchNook is not just another utility; it feels like a natural extension of macOS. The app elegantly fills the notch area with information, turning what could be wasted space into a hub of useful data, from displaying what's currently playing on your favorite streaming platform to showing a beautifully designed calendar that surfaces upcoming events.

![The NotchNook app running on a MacBook with an iPhone next to it show its Dynamic Island](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/08/015-notchnook-macbook-iphone.jpeg)

The installation process is straightforward, and NotchNook integrates seamlessly with macOS. Once installed, it automatically detects the notch and adjusts its settings accordingly. It supports multiple monitors, and if you want to use it with an external notch-less display, it seamlessly transitions into a nice handler with the exact same functions.

## Features: small notch, big potential

Although NotchNook is still a relatively new app, it already offers a solid selection of widgets that not only provide quick and easy control over various tasks but also bring the Live Activities functionality familiar to iPhone users with Dynamic Island. In my experience with version 1.2.3, the following widgets are available:

### Media Player

Supporting both Spotify and Apple Music, the Media Player widget seamlessly integrates your music experience by displaying the album cover of the currently playing song alongside its details. It also provides essential controls for playing, pausing, and skipping tracks, making it easy to manage your music without missing a beat.

![The NotchNook app running on a MacBook showcasing its mirror widget](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/08/015-notchnook-mirror.jpeg)

### Mirror

In today’s world, where video calls can pop up at a moment’s notice, this convenient widget offers a quick preview of your MacBook’s camera feed. It’s a perfect way to check your webcam’s quality and lighting, ensuring you look your best before jumping into any online meeting.

### Calendar

The calendar widget provides streamlined access to a simple, elegant calendar that showcases your upcoming events. It's a convenient way to keep an eye on what's ahead at a glance.

### Shortcuts

I'm not typically a heavy user of Shortcuts on macOS, as I usually rely on keyboard shortcuts, primarily with [Raycast](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/unleash-your-productivity-with-raycast-for-macos/), to get things done efficiently. However, having your favorite Shortcuts just a few pixels away from your mouse is undeniably convenient, especially if you often depend on them.

### Tray

If you need a temporary file storage solution, the Tray widget in NotchNook has you covered. You can effortlessly drag and drop just about any file into the tray, making it an ideal spot for those PDFs or screenshots you plan to share with another app soon. But what truly sets the Tray apart for me is its seamless integration with AirDrop. With a quick drag and drop, you can instantly trigger AirDrop, bypassing the often tedious process buried in macOS menus. As someone who frequently AirDrops files between devices, I find this feature to be a game-changer.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/08/015-notchnook-settings-01.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/08/015-notchnook-settings-02.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/08/015-notchnook-settings-03.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/08/015-notchnook-settings-04.jpeg)

Some of NotchNook's settings

### Coming soon

As I explored what NotchNook has to offer, I stumbled upon some intriguing placeholders in the settings—widgets for Notes, Quick Apps, and To-dos, all marked as "Coming soon." It’s not every day that you discover upcoming features nestled within an app’s settings. It’s a clever, subtle way of keeping users in the loop about what’s on the horizon, and I'm certainly looking forward to them.

## Worth the price tag?

[NotchNook](https://lo.cafe/notchnook?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is a well-crafted app that reimagines the MacBook’s notch as a dynamic, functional part of your workflow. With its customization options, seamless integration, and clever use of the notch for displaying useful information, it offers a unique value proposition for MacBook users.

At $25 for a one-time purchase or $3 per month, NotchNook might seem like a small investment. Still, for those who appreciate maximizing their desktop real estate and enjoy the added utility, it’s a purchase that can truly enhance your macOS experience. If you want to make the most of your MacBook’s design, NotchNook is well worth considering.

## More tools to enhance your notch experience

While NotchNook stands out as the most feature-packed app for enhancing your MacBook's notch, it's encouraging to see that it's not alone, and I’m confident more are on the way! If you're interested in exploring additional apps that make the most of the notch, here are a few more recommendations:

- [FluidNoti](https://fluidnoti.vercel.app/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- [DynamicLake Pro](https://avirok1.gumroad.com/l/nyyfw?layout=profile&ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- [MediaMate](https://wouter01.github.io/MediaMate/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- [Korinotch](https://korinotch.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)

How do you feel about the notch on your MacBook—love it, hate it, or somewhere in between? Do you like the idea of turning it into something more than just a design quirk? With apps like NotchNook and others pushing the boundaries, I'm curious: Would you embrace enhancing the notch’s functionality, or do you prefer to keep it simple?
### 5 apps Apple needs to bake into macOS
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/5-apps-apple-needs-to-bake-into-macos/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T16:50:46.000Z
Have you ever noticed how some nifty features from third-party apps eventually make their way into macOS? This phenomenon, lovingly dubbed "sherlocking," might sound like a nightmare for indie developers who see their ingenious ideas scooped up by Apple. But there's a silver lining! When Apple incorporates these features, it integrates them so seamlessly into the operating system that it elevates the entire user experience in ways no independent developer could. Plus, it spurs those developers to innovate even further, giving us some of the most extraordinary software we enjoy today. Let's explore some apps that might soon get the Apple treatment.

Here are five apps that I've been enjoying for a while now, but I think their main functionality will eventually be integrated into macOS.

## Ice: Streamline your macOS Menu Bar management

MacOS has established several robust features, one of which is the Menu Bar, located at the top of the screen. The Menu Bar provides users easy access to system functions, application menus, and various utilities. It can be personalized to serve as a shortcut to the features that are most important to you.

Numerous helpful utility apps reside in the Menu Bar instead of as icons in the Dock. These apps aim to enhance user experience without displaying a separate app window. However, the Menu Bar can become cluttered over time. While macOS allows you to hide or rearrange items in the Menu Bar, it lacks detailed control over what's hidden and how it's displayed.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/07/Ice.jpg)

As a former Bartender user, I was initially skeptical about switching to a new menu bar management tool. However, the controversy surrounding [Bartender’s sale](https://www.macrumors.com/2024/06/04/bartender-mac-app-new-owner/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) made me explore alternatives, and that’s when I discovered [Ice](https://github.com/jordanbaird/Ice?tab=readme-ov-file&ref=tsamoudakis.com). Honestly, I didn’t delve deeply into the details of the Bartender sale, primarily because Ice instantly met all my needs.

Ice stands out as an exceptional Menu Bar management tool, with its primary function being to hide and show Menu Bar items. This simple yet effective app ensures your menu bar remains uncluttered and easy to navigate without spending a dime.

## ProNotes: Supercharge Apple Notes with the most advanced features

Usually, Apple's default apps are fairly simple and lack features that you'd find in third-party apps. However, their Notes app has come a long way in recent updates, adding many features that make it a worthy opponent to any other app. The problem is that the rate at which Apple updates its Notes app is unbelievably slow, and if there's one thing they rarely do, it is to follow trends.

I believe Notion was the first app to popularize slash commands. Now, when you type `/` on many apps (even those that aren't for notes), you get a dropdown menu with typography shortcuts. Some might argue that slash commands are mainly used by power users, but what about Markdown? People have been requesting it for years, but Apple still doesn't support it. This is where ProNotes comes in and enhances Apple Notes!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/07/ProNotes.jpg)

[ProNotes](https://www.pronotes.app/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is an Apple Notes extension that adds many missing features to your favorite note-taking app. From Markdown support and slash commands to a full-fledged formatting bar with AI support and bidirectional links, this extension will make you fall in love with Apple Notes.

## Sleeve: Elevate your macOS music experience with a stylish widget

As a product designer, it's impossible not to appreciate a well-designed app that takes a basic need and turns it into an app that can satisfy all tastes!

I'm the kind of person who mainly uses Apple Music or Spotify to find new music. After going through a couple of albums, these apps can make playlists personalized to my taste in music. But when I hit play, I usually just close the apps right away to focus on my work. This causes a couple of issues: I can't see any info about the track that's playing unless I switch back to the app, which can be a hassle. And it's not so easy to control or favorite the new tunes I discover.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/07/Sleeve.png)

For just a few bucks, [Sleeve](https://replay.software/sleeve?ref=tsamoudakis.com) restored my sanity by showing what's currently playing in the corner of my screen and providing complete control over the music and the appearance of its interface. Apple Music offers something similar called MiniPlayer. However, when comparing them directly, Sleeve emerges as the ultimate music accessory for your Mac!

I totally get it that Apple Music has lots of other stuff to fix instead of upgrading the MiniPlayer. But you know what? They've been steadily improving their apps, and it seems like making things look better is a big priority for them lately.

## SideNotes: Quick and accessible note-taking for macOS

If you're new to macOS, you may have overlooked the Stickies app that comes preinstalled in your Applications folder. This was one of the first apps I started using many years ago when I bought my first Mac (time flies; it's been more than 20 years 😲). Unfortunately, the Stickies app didn't really stick with me (pun intended). Its controls are odd, and after all these years, Apple seems to have completely forgotten about this app. However, users haven't forgotten the purpose of this app!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/07/SideNotes.jpg)

With Stickies, Apple tried to make a digital version of those real-world Post-it notes for macOS. Back then, it might have been enough. But now, things have changed, and people are way more tech-savvy. There's literally an app for everything you can think of. If you're looking for an app that keeps your notes on the side of the screen with easy access, then SideNotes is exactly what you need.

[SideNotes](https://www.apptorium.com/sidenotes?ref=tsamoudakis.com) has a surprisingly long list of features, given how simple it appears to be when you first launch it. It is very well designed, and I can't help but admire its theming capabilities, making it one of the most personalized quick note apps out there!

## MarkEdit: Simplify text editing on macOS with powerful Markdown support

I'm not trying to sound like a broken record, but there's another app that comes preinstalled with macOS that could use a bit of Apple love. I'm referring to TextEdit, and I bet you've used it before. Either to edit a text file quickly or to jot down a temporary note. TextEdit is pretty flexible and can pretty much do everything you'd expect from a text app. Well, everything except Markdown!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/07/MarkEdit.jpg)

I love Markdown because it's supported by most apps and services I use, and I can easily copy and paste without losing any formatting. [MarkEdit](https://github.com/MarkEdit-app/MarkEdit?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is a great Markdown editor for macOS that has completely replaced TextEdit for me. It's lightweight, opens super fast, and, best of all, it's free and open-source.

It's tough to predict when Apple will officially support Markdown, but rumors about this possibility arise from time to time. Markdown's popularity is increasing due to its simplicity and user-friendliness. If integrated into Apple's ecosystem, it could greatly enhance the user experience, particularly for developers and writers who favor this lightweight markup language.

## Conclusion

Every year, Apple releases some cool new features for macOS. Some are totally unique, while others seem to be "borrowed" from elsewhere. I'm not here to judge if this is good or bad, but it definitely helps move things forward for developers and users.

Even though we already have the scoop on what's coming in the next [macOS Sequoia](https://www.apple.com/macos/macos-sequoia-preview/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) this fall, I'm pretty sure that some of those apps will get their features added in future macOS versions. But until that happens, you can grab them now and enjoy the extra functionality today!
### The journey of building and selling my first Ghost-theme
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/the-journey-of-building-and-selling-my-first-ghost-theme/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T16:45:34.000Z
I've always been intrigued by custom-fitting my designs to any platform's constraints. Exploring a new CMS and understanding how things click in order to orchestrate the perfect blog post is a thrilling process with many knowledge benefits. I've designed and built a handful of themes for various platforms such as WordPress, phpNuke, Drupal, OpenCart, and more, but I never published a theme. I never went into the process of making something that can fit everyone's needs and not just my own. This time, I decided to change that, and the [journey began](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/rebooting-to-ghost-and-building-a-premium-theme-from-scratch/) with Ghost—a platform that captivated me from the start.

## Why Ghost

I've had my eyes on Ghost for a long time, but I was missing the right project to use it. Ghost is an open-source publishing platform that's both well-designed and well-maintained, making it an ideal choice for modern content creators, offering a seamless writing and publishing experience with a minimalistic yet powerful interface.

Some time ago, I was considering creating a tech-related website with a friend. We tried using Ghost and testing its default themes, but we realized that a custom design would be a better fit for our needs. Although the tech blog idea didn't progress further, I had already learned how to build a custom theme. I was already interested in the idea, so I decided to pursue creating a custom theme, even if it wouldn't be used for the original website.

## How I started

The process of creating a theme involves several stages, with research as the initial phase. I believe that premium themes should be customized for a specific niche to boost sales. However, the main goal for this theme was to gain a thorough understanding of Ghost's theming process, with sales being my secondary priority.

I experimented with Ghost's [starter theme](https://github.com/TryGhost/Starter?ref=tsamoudakis.com) to get a better grasp of the file structure and understand what I needed to design. After examining the free themes offered by Ghost, everything started to make sense, and I began doing what I do best: designing the theme.

### Designing the blueprint

Once I decided what I wanted my theme to be, I jumped into Figma and sketched out the layout, defined the typography, and experimented with multiple color schemes. Given that this wasn't a client's project, I took my time exploring multiple styles, and that's when I decided to make my personal website the testing ground for all this.

![Designing FineBits in Figma](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/07/013-designing-finebits-in-figma.jpg)

Designing [FineBits](https://www.thefinebits.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) in Figma

### Coding HTML and CSS

After finalizing the design blueprint, I proceeded with the coding stage. HTML and CSS are fundamental parts of any theme. It's important to prioritize semantics and accessibility at this point, as it can save a lot of time in the future. I emphasized developing clean, modular code to facilitate easier updates later on.

### Handlebars and Ghost

Ghost uses [Handlebars](https://ghost.org/docs/themes/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) as its templating engine, which makes the integration process straightforward. I converted my HTML files into Handlebars templates in line with Ghost’s theme structure. The key lesson from this process was that grasping the fundamentals of Handlebars is essential, as it enables the creation of dynamic and reusable components.

### Ghost on localhost

Setting up a local development environment for Ghost was a bit more challenging compared to other platforms that offer tools like [MAMP](https://www.mamp.info/en/mac/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) for local server functionality. However, it was essential for me to develop, test, and debug my theme effectively. Fortunately, Ghost's [documentation](https://ghost.org/docs/install/local/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is beginner-friendly and easy to follow. This led me to use Node.js, NPM, and Gulp, which helped streamline the development process and allowed me to make real-time changes. These tools significantly sped up the development cycle.

## Becoming my own PM

Organization is key when working on projects that have many moving parts, and you're acting as a one-man band. It's too easy to forget something that eventually will turn into this weird bug that you think you fixed, and yet it's still here. It's also important to avoid getting caught up in the excitement and trying to cram every possible feature into the first release.

I used [Todoist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/how-i-use-todoist-to-organise-my-life/) to keep track of tasks, separating ideas with the most impact for version 1 and creating a backlog to help me streamline my process. This approach ensured that I stayed focused and wasn’t overwhelmed by the long list of pending tasks.

![Managing tasks in Todoist's Board view](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/07/013-using-todoist-to-manage-my-tasks.jpg)

I use Todoist's Board view and custom labels to manage my tasks.

## The release

I'm not Apple, so while everything was planned, there was no big bang. Instead, I opted for a soft launch, enlisting beta testers to help identify and fix the first batch of bugs. This phase was crucial in refining the theme and ensuring that it met user expectations.

After collecting feedback, I paused development briefly to focus on bug fixing. Addressing these issues early on helped in building a more stable and reliable product.

## The first sale

The satisfaction of making the first sale, or any sale, goes beyond money. It's that recognition that someone liked what you created so much that they're willing to pay for it. More importantly, they trust your theme to deliver their knowledge, thoughts, and products to their audience. This validation was immensely rewarding and motivated me to continue improving [FineBits](https://www.thefinebits.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com).

![Gumroad sales](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/07/013-first-sale-of-finebits-in-gumroad.jpg)

FineBits first sale in [Gumroad](https://tsamoudakis.gumroad.com/l/finebits?ref=tsamoudakis.com)

With each new customer, I gained insights into what worked and what needed improvement. Continuous feedback loops enabled me to make iterative enhancements, ensuring the theme remained competitive and relevant.

## What's next?

FineBits has a long list of tasks on its roadmap. Once it's polished to the level I envision, I am considering creating another theme. The whole process was very enjoyable, and the more I learned about Ghost, the more I wanted to create.

Creating a theme for Ghost was an enlightening experience that not only honed my skills but also introduced me to a fantastic community of developers and content creators. If you're passionate about design and development, I highly recommend diving into Ghost theme development. The journey is challenging but incredibly rewarding.

For those interested in exploring the possibilities of Ghost and perhaps even creating your own themes, start by visiting the Ghost [documentation](https://ghost.org/docs/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) and engaging with the community. And if you'd like to see what FineBits has to offer, [check it out](https://www.thefinebits.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) and let me know what you think!

Stay inspired and keep creating.
### Leveraging AI as a Product Designer to enhance my workflows
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/leveraging-ai-as-a-product-designer-to-enhance-my-workflows/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T16:40:36.000Z
Designing in a digitally-centric world is an exercise in navigating complexity. Every day, digital product designers mold raw ideas into captivating interfaces that seamlessly guide users through the digital landscape. The job is as rewarding as it is rigorous, demanding both creative finesse and technical prowess. But what if I told you there's a secret ingredient that could bring your designs to life with a level of efficiency and innovation you've never experienced before?

Enter artificial intelligence (AI) – the not-so-hidden chariot of the digital design revolution. With AI, you can amplify your capabilities, not replace them. It becomes your trusted cohort, handling the heavy lifting while you steer toward the horizon of unprecedented design.

In this post, I'll explore the exciting potential AI offers for digital product designers. I'll explain how I've incorporated AI-driven tools into my daily schedule to save time, gather insights, and explore new territories that were previously seen as too ambitious.

## The AI paradigm shift

The initial introduction of AI to your design ecosystem is akin to welcoming a new team member. At first, there's the training phase, but soon enough, you'll wonder how you survived without their specialized skill set.

I understand the common worry that AI could replace us, particularly in creative fields that value intuition and human touch. However, it's essential to note that AI isn't meant to take over your role; on the contrary, it can complement and enhance human capabilities. Think of AI as a supercharged toolkit, something that, once you get the hang of it, makes your work life a breeze. It's all about augmentation, not replacement. By harnessing AI's power, you'll find that not only can you speed up your workflow significantly, but the quality of your outputs can soar, too. It's like having an assistant who's always on, ready to take on the grunt work, so you can focus on the fun part—the creative magic.

## Daily workflows enhanced by AI tools

Stepping into the workspace each morning, I'm often greeted by a familiar set of tasks—drafting designs, iterating on ideas, refining user interfaces, and collaborating across teams. It's a dance of creativity and precision that demands both our best ideas and our most efficient execution. Here's where the magic of AI tools comes into play, subtly transforming my daily workflows from routine to remarkable.

### Research with an ally

You might think a designer's life is all about creativity, turning pixels into visual gold. But here's the deal—research is our secret sauce. The key to those eye-catching designs? It's all about the prep work before we even touch a pixel. Meet [Perplexity](https://www.perplexity.ai/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), my reliable AI companion that effortlessly simplifies the challenging research phase.

![Results on a question posted on Perplexity](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/012-researching-with-perplexity.jpg)

Now, Perplexity isn't your run-of-the-mill design tool, but for me, it's a game-changer. It distills insights from tons of articles, serving up only the good stuff for my next project. This means less tab-juggling and more time shaping those stunning pixels. In a world where time is precious, Perplexity is my savvy, knowledge-fetching ally, ensuring every design decision is well-informed and every creative move is inspired.

### On-demand content generation

Integrating [Raycast's AI capabilities](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/unleash-your-productivity-with-raycast-for-macos/) into my design workflow has been nothing short of revolutionary, particularly when it comes to breathing life into my Figma mockups. Gone are the days of constantly switching to a "lorem ipsum" generator tab.

![Raycast's AI capabilities used to create dummy content for product design](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/012-raycast-generating-content.jpg)

Using Raycast's AI to generate dummy tasks for a set of [Todoist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/todoist-shaping-productivity-through-design/) mockups

With Raycast's AI capabilities, I can generate any type of dummy content within seconds, ensuring that my designs aren't just visually appealing but also contextually accurate. Whether it's tech jargon for a software app or lifestyle blurbs for a health and wellness website, [Raycast](https://www.raycast.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) intuitively fills the voids with content that mirrors real-life scenarios. This not only enhances the credibility of my mockups but also helps stakeholders better visualize the end product. It's like having a content team on demand, making my workflows smoother and my designs more immersive.

### The power of words

Navigating the multifaceted world of product design means that while our core focus remains on visual and interaction design, we often tread into territories not traditionally our own, like copywriting. It may seem out of the blue, given our visually-driven tasks, but copywriting is a silent hero in our design process. Whether it's setting the tone in mockups, designing intuitive user flows, or articulating our visions to stakeholders, the right words can make or break our designs. They're the invisible threads that guide users, enhance usability, and subtly influence their perception of the product.

![Jasper's AI chat generating informative text](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/012-jasper-acting-as-my-personal-copywriter.jpg)

My go-to has been Grammarly for ensuring my prose is on point, but recently, [Jasper](https://www.jasper.ai/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) has become a game-changer. With its AI-driven insights tailored specifically for copywriting, Jasper offers a more nuanced approach. It's like having a linguist at your disposal, smoothing out rough edges and ensuring your words resonate with their intended audience. While I'm still exploring Jasper's full spectrum of capabilities, its impact on my work is undeniable, making every word as powerful as the designs they accompany.

### Designers who code

Despite not wearing the hat of a full-fledged developer, I've found a way to amplify my coding knowledge significantly through the strategic use of AI. Raycast's AI capabilities have become my go-to whenever I encounter a stumbling block or something that puzzles me in the coding realm. This approach has enabled me to venture beyond mere design into bringing a basic project to life, like [the Ghost theme I'm currently building](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/rebooting-to-ghost-and-building-a-premium-theme-from-scratch/).

![Customizing Raycast's AI parameters](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/012-raycast-development-chat.jpg)

The knowledge I've gained from AI has not only empowered me but also sparked a deeper curiosity about what I can achieve with code. While [ChatGPT](https://chat.openai.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) has been a fantastic ally in this development process, offering timely advice and insights whenever I hit a snag, I've been eyeing [GitHub's Copilot](https://github.com/features/copilot?ref=tsamoudakis.com) lately. The allure of having an AI-driven pair programmer to shepherd me through the more intricate aspects of coding is too compelling to ignore. It's not just about getting by with what I know; it's about elevating my skills to a whole new level, with AI serving as both a teacher and a collaborator.

### Machine learning analytics

While not strictly categorized under the umbrella of AI tools, Google Analytics makes a compelling case for the power of machine learning in rendering user behavior patterns more accessible and actionable. Personally, I've always viewed Google Analytics as an immensely powerful asset; however, it often seems like a leviathan of complexity, one that I could never fully comprehend or utilize to its utmost potential. The depth and breadth of Google Analytics are so vast that there are literally entire courses dedicated to mastering its intricacies!

In an effort to demystify Google Analytics and make its profound insights more digestible, I kicked off a unique experiment inspired by a [YouTube video](https://youtu.be/7usyQHMi7w0?si=7HTWq0-SvoD6s3iM&ref=tsamoudakis.com) I stumbled upon. The idea? To take various data points from Google Analytics and feed them directly into ChatGPT. This wasn't just about playing with data; it was about asking pointed, project-specific questions and receiving insights that felt like they were custom-made for my projects. Talk about a lightbulb moment! This innovative approach has revolutionized how I view Google Analytics, transforming it from an overwhelming tool to an intuitive ally in my design endeavors.

[How to Combine ChatGPT and GA4 for Content AnalysisThis tutorial video will show you the step-by-step process for using ChatGPT-4’s Code Interpreter with data exported from Google Analytics 4 (GA4) for data-d…![](https://www.youtube.com/s/desktop/4feff1e2/img/favicon_144x144.png)YouTube![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7usyQHMi7w0/hqdefault.jpg)](https://youtu.be/7usyQHMi7w0?si=7HTWq0-SvoD6s3iM&ref=tsamoudakis.com)

## Fun and useful tools

In these past few months, the landscape of online tools has been profoundly transformed by the advent of AI, blooming with an array of impressive innovations. While many of these tools spark curiosity and offer unique functionalities, the reality is that not all of them seamlessly integrate into my daily workflows. However, amidst this vast pool of options, there are a few gems that stand out, not just for their novelty but for their genuine utility in practical scenarios.

### Five shades of inspiration

In the world of design, where color holds the power to evoke emotions and shape perceptions, [Colormind](http://colormind.io/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) emerges as a beacon for those of us navigating the subjective seas of color selection. Its use of deep learning to generate harmonious color palettes simplifies what has traditionally been a challenging and time-consuming task.

![Color palette generated by Colormind](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/012-colormind-generating-colors.jpg)

While I remain skeptical about entrusting an AI with the entirety of a color scheme for large-scale projects—where context and nuanced understanding play critical roles—Colormind proves invaluable for smaller tasks. Whether it’s crafting a visually appealing banner, designing a catchy social media post based on a photo, or piecing together a basic landing page, tapping into Colormind’s capability to draw inspiration feels like discovering a secret hack. For these scenarios, it’s less about relinquishing control and more about harnessing a sophisticated tool that empowers creativity and efficiency.

### Pairing the right fonts

[Fontjoy](https://fontjoy.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) takes the art of design a step further by harnessing the power of AI to streamline the process of font selection, acting as a digital muse for designers. Just like Colormind illuminates the path to the perfect color palette, Fontjoy lights up the way to harmonious typography. It's more than just a tool; it's a source of endless inspiration, magically pairing fonts and images in a way that feels almost too good to be true. In the same vein of creativity and innovation, Fontjoy stands as a testament to how technology can simplify the complex, making it an indispensable ally in creating promotional material that doesn’t just speak to the audience but sings to them.

### Simplifying illustrations

Admitting that not every designer is an illustrator can sometimes raise eyebrows, but it's a truth I've come to accept in my own career. The ability to transform ideas into intricate drawings is a formidable skill, separate and distinct from the design expertise many of us rely on daily. This is where [Google's AutoDraw](https://experiments.withgoogle.com/autodraw?ref=tsamoudakis.com) becomes a game-changer for folks like me. It's not just about filling in the gaps in our drawing skills; it's about leveraging AI to enhance our creative storytelling. When I sit down to design an icon—particularly one that's complex or a bit out of the box—I turn to [AutoDraw](https://www.autodraw.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) as a sounding board. It's fascinating to see what the AI suggests based on my initial sketches. Sometimes, it sees something altogether different in my doodles, offering a fresh perspective or an unexpected source of inspiration. This synergy between human creativity and AI prediction enriches the design process, making AutoDraw more than a tool—it's a collaborator that validates and extends my visual storytelling capabilities.

[AutoDrawFast drawing for everyone. AutoDraw pairs machine learning with drawings from talented artists to help you draw stuff fast.![](https://www.autodraw.com/assets/images/favicon.png)![](http://www.autodraw.com/assets/images/autodraw-shareimage.png)](https://www.autodraw.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)

## Summary

In conclusion, the symbiotic relationship between AI and creativity is not just beneficial; it's revolutionary. By integrating AI into our creative workflows, we unlock doors to unparalleled innovation, efficiency, and personal growth. AI stands not as a replacement for human creativity but as a catalyst that propels it to new heights, challenging us to reimagine the boundaries of what's possible.

Those who adopt this mindset, leveraging AI as a co-creator, will find themselves at the forefront of their fields, armed with a competitive edge that is both rare and invaluable. In contrast, professionals who view AI with skepticism or fear—whether they are designers, developers, or digital creators—risk being left behind in a rapidly evolving market that rewards agility, innovation, and the daring pursuit of excellence.

What do you think about AI tools in your creative or professional workflows? Are you currently using any, and if so, which ones have become indispensable to your work?
### Budapest bound: The power of in-person team retreats in a remote work culture
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/budapest-bound-the-power-of-in-person-team-retreats-in-a-remote-work-culture/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T16:37:06.000Z
The virtual realm is an incredible space where teams can collaborate from all corners of the globe. Yet even the most fantastic digital interactions sometimes crave the tangibility of a real handshake or a shared piece of European strudel. This year, my remote team at Doist took to the heart of Hungary for our annual gathering, swapping pixels for Goulash Soup and Zoom calls for a euphoric riverside stroll along the Danube.

For teams at [Doist](https://doist.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), a company without a fixed office, these retreats serve as lifelines, moments to come together, brainstorm, and most importantly, connect. Fresh off our adventure in Budapest, I'm here to take you through the whirlwind week of productivity, passion, and play that encapsulates the essence of retreats for remote teams and why this strategy could be the missing piece in your team's puzzle.

## The magic of retreats in remote teams

Remote work offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, but it's not without its challenges, especially when it comes to team dynamics and collaboration. While digital tools keep the work flowing, they can only go so far in fostering the human element of teamwork.

Doist truly grasps this concept, coming together every year at a venue capable of hosting our combined presence for a special event known as "Doist Connect". Additionally, each department enjoys its own annual mini-retreat, focusing on team building at a smaller yet equally impactful level. These retreats go beyond simple connections; they are immersive experiences crafted to strengthen bonds and rejuvenate team morale.

As a product designer, I'm part of the design team that also includes brand and motion designers, as well as illustrators. We are a team of 11, and in these mini retreats, our goal is to discuss and brainstorm on things that cannot be done in an asynchronous environment. It's like gathering the Avengers, each with their unique superpowers, except our mission is to conquer the world of design, not aliens. We start planning what we'll do a month before the retreat happens, and in the last week, we have a solid agenda of what we'll do. You could say our retreats are a smorgasbord of creativity, where the main dish is innovation served with a side of bonding. And honestly, it’s a refreshing change from the usual Google Meet fare–way more tasty and far less likely to leave you with screen-induced dry eyes.

## Crafting the perfect escape

Choosing the perfect retreat starts with selecting the right location. We seek places that are convenient, offer diverse attractions, and cater to both work and leisure. Our past mini-retreats in Prague, Barcelona, and Athens were truly memorable. This year, Budapest's grandeur called out to us.

Local culture, a rich historical tapestry, and a burgeoning tech scene were the backdrop against which our team could unfurl its creativity. From the towering spires of Buda Castle to the vibrant nightlife along the Danube, Budapest promises the perfect blend of inspiration and relaxation.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/011-budapest-bridge.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/011-budapest-road.jpg)

Exploring the charming streets of Budapest.

Thorough planning is crucial. Starting with a flexible schedule and gathering input from the team, these retreats come together through collaboration. It all begins with Chase, the Head of Remote at Doist, crafting the initial plan. With experience in organizing such retreats, we have curated a selection of remarkable destinations that ensure a memorable experience. Once the plan is in place, the DRD, or Directly Responsible Doister, steps in to represent the team and finalize the finer points. I had the honor of serving as the DRD for the second time this year, gaining insights into Budapest and compiling a list of must-see attractions in this enchanting city.

## The retreat's logistics: making it work

Time is precious during these retreats. With just a few days available, every moment is valuable. While we have a total of 5 days, the first day involves arrivals at various times, and the last day is dedicated to departures. Considering the diverse locations of participants, jet lag needs to be taken into account for everyone to recover and engage effectively. In essence, we have 3 full days, and the objective is to maximize their potential!

The hotel's location significantly influences our itinerary. We typically choose a central spot in the city for easy transportation and convenient access to restaurants, attractions, and our co-working space. Whenever feasible, we prefer holding work sessions at the hotel rather than a co-working space to eliminate commuting (our remote-first culture isn't a fan of commuting 😅). During our stay in Budapest, our hotel provided a fantastic meeting room equipped with coffee, water, stationery, and everything necessary for peak productivity.

While these short retreats are effective for boosting productivity, the primary focus nowadays isn't just work; it's about fostering connections with colleagues and enjoying ourselves. When this social aspect thrives, our remote work benefits immensely from these relationships!

To add more excitement and enjoyment, we incorporate activities such as cooking classes, escape rooms, museum visits, hikes, and more into our daily agenda. Each activity we've tried has been a great success, with my personal favorite being the cooking class in Athens last year. Escape rooms are also a blast and serve as a team-building activity that unites everyone in various ways.

## Workshops: the core of our retreat

For a company with a fully remote workforce, it's crucial that everyone excels in managing their workday efficiently. While modern tools facilitate remote work, there are unique advantages to in-person brainstorming sessions or workshops. We keep this consideration in mind year-round, noting down our collaborative goals for when we convene in person.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/011-doist-design-team-in-hotel-mirror.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/011-doist-design-team-in-meeting-room.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/011-doist-design-team-presentations.jpg)

Doist's design team delving into fresh concepts for enhancing Todoist!

This year, we've decided to kick off our morning sessions by diving deeper into what each designer has been up to, going beyond our usual weekly catch-ups. We also planned a workshop focused on "Delight", exploring how we can infuse more of it into our products through motion design, illustration, animation, and copywriting.

In past team retreats, we used tools like Figma, FigJam, Sharpies, and Post-its. However, this year, we decided to step up our game and had everyone bring their laptops. After discussing our topic and goals, we divided into three teams and got creative, crafting prototypes and designs to elevate Todoist! While I'd love to spill more details, not everything might make it into production, and the timeline for those that do is still up in the air. So, envision delightful animations sprinkled throughout the app and customizations that enhance the brand! ✨

When brainstorming new ideas in person, unexpected discoveries often arise. For instance, I recently learned about an [interactive cheat sheet for easing functions](https://easings.net/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) (thank you, Julia), which greatly aided our animations. Additionally, witnessing [ProtoPie](https://www.protopie.io/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) in action and receiving a detailed explanation piqued my interest, prompting me to consider trying it myself. Moreover, my usage of Raycast sparked intriguing discussions, especially since I had previously [written an article on it](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/unleash-your-productivity-with-raycast-for-macos/). This spontaneous exchange of knowledge truly stands out as the primary advantage of these gatherings.

## Budapest, beyond workshops

While this is a subjective viewpoint, overall, everyone had a fantastic time during our recent trip to Budapest. The city's charm and friendliness made exploring a joy. We found the city incredibly navigable, which allowed us to visit numerous attractions and create unforgettable memories. Our culinary adventures led us to discover several exquisite restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. We leisurely strolled through the city, admiring the architecture and crossing the connecting bridges between Buda and Pest, taking in the stunning views. One of the highlights was our visit to the Light Art Museum, where we were captivated by the innovative exhibits.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/011-budapest-at-night.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/011-budapest-parliament-front-view.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/011-budapest-parliament.jpg)

Budapest shines at night, illuminated by its enchanting lights.

Additionally, our team bonded over an exciting escape room experience with an Egyptian theme, followed by an evening of lively music covers at a karaoke venue by Doisters. Unfortunately, I had to miss the karaoke session due to an early flight, but the photos and videos captured the fun atmosphere, ensuring I won't miss out next time!

## The lasting legacy of retreats in remote work

In wrapping up, our adventure in Budapest wasn't just a detour from the usual; it was a vivid chapter in our collective journal. It reinforced the essence of connection in a remote work environment and highlighted that while technology can bridge gaps, the warmth of human interaction remains irreplaceable.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/011-doisters-having-dinner-in-budapest.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/011-doisters-in-budapest-bridge.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/011-doisters-in-budapest-escape-room.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/03/011-doisters-in-budapest-streets.jpg)

From culinary delights to urban strolls, culminating in conquering Egyptian escape rooms. This crew is the ultimate squad!

Each laughter shared and insight exchanged under the Budapest sky wasn't just a moment passed; it was a brick laid in the foundation of our team's spirit. As we anticipate our next gathering, it's clear that these retreats are more than an escape—they're a beacon guiding the way to deeper connections and a more cohesive team. Here's to finding that magical blend of productivity and camaraderie, making every remote interaction count, and remembering that sometimes, stepping away from our desks can bring us closer together. 🌍

[Alex](https://twitter.com/alexmuench?ref=tsamoudakis.com), [Ana](https://twitter.com/theanaferreira?ref=tsamoudakis.com), [Ben](https://twitter.com/benbreckler?ref=tsamoudakis.com), [Heather](https://www.instagram.com/h%5F%5Fman/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), [Julia](https://twitter.com/piixelcat?ref=tsamoudakis.com), [Luis](https://twitter.com/lmjabreu?ref=tsamoudakis.com), and [Stijn](https://twitter.com/stijnzoontjens?ref=tsamoudakis.com), a big thank you for all the wonderful memories! Looking forward to our next hangout! 🤗

## Kick off your first team retreat!

Reading about our Budapest escapade might just be the nudge you need to march over to your manager or huddle up with your team and float the brilliant idea of a team retreat. Imagine trading those endless Zoom calls for face-to-face brainstorming by some scenic vista or bonding over a local culinary delight. It's about taking the mundanity of daily tasks and injecting them with a dose of adventure, all while tightening the team's camaraderie. If this idea is nudging you into action, here's how to bring it to life:

1. **Reflect on your team dynamics:** Is your remote team missing the cohesion that comes with shared physical spaces? Consider the value a retreat could add to your collective dynamic.
2. **Pitch the idea:** Take inspiration from our experience and present the concept of a team retreat to your leadership or fellow team members. It could be the spark that ignites collaborative innovation.
3. **Plan an itinerary:** Should you secure approval, cultivate an agenda that balances work, play, and cultural immersion. A thoughtful itinerary can unlock the full potential of a retreat.
4. **Reap the benefits:** Post-retreat, monitor the qualitative and quantitative shifts in your team's productivity and satisfaction. Document the changes as a testament to the retreat's impact.

Taking these steps could not only make your retreat vision a reality but also contribute significantly to the team's dynamic and productivity. With a mix of careful planning and enthusiastic pitching, you're just steps away from creating memories and experiences that could last a lifetime.
### Mechanical keyboards: A newbie's narrative
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/mechanical-keyboards-a-newbies-narrative/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T16:33:00.000Z
From an innocent Instagram scroll to the satisfying thuds of custom builds, my journey into the world of mechanical keyboards has been an unexpectedly thrilling ride. If you've ever looked at an exquisitely designed keyboard and felt the inexplicable urge to dive in, this might just resonate with you. For tech enthusiasts, keyboard aficionados, and curious wanderers, here's a tale that could spark your next obsession.

## Hesitant beginnings

Picture this—it's 2020, and I decide that I'm done admiring those drool-worthy mechanical keyboards on the internet. I want in. I wanted not just a keyboard, but a piece of art that I would use daily. The [Keychron K3](https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k3-wireless-mechanical-keyboard?ref=tsamoudakis.com) caught my eye, sleek and minimal; it was unimpeachably good-looking.

But there was a hiccup. I was so entranced by its aesthetics that I overlooked an essential detail—the layout. It might seem trivial, but going from a UK to a US layout felt like learning to type all over again. It was a small mistake with big consequences, and it made me realize that choosing a keyboard is not just about looks; it's about a hundred little preferences that make the typing experience truly yours.

## The safe harbor

Looking to bounce back from previous keyboard woes, I decided to go for the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini. With Logitech being a trusted brand in the tech industry, I was drawn to their promise of simplicity in mechanical keyboards - a refreshing change from the overwhelming jargon often associated with enthusiast builds.

When browsing through the options, I appreciated how the keyboards were categorized based on 'styles' - clicky, tactile, and linear. This approach made the buying process feel more intuitive and user-friendly. Opting for the Logitech keyboard seemed like a reliable and safe choice, and indeed, it proved to be just that over an extended period. Its sturdy build and consistent performance rekindled my love for the tactile joy of typing.

## The enlightenment

The thirst for customized perfection didn't settle easily. After a year of contentment with the Logitech keyboard, my curiosity sparked a quest for knowledge in the realm of mechanical keyboards. Immersing myself in countless YouTube tutorials, each serving as my personal mechanical keyboards 101 course, I delved into the intricate world of switches to stabilizers. The journey of discovery revealed the significance behind every component, shaping my understanding and preferences.

As my understanding deepened, I embarked on a quest to find my ideal keyboard. While impatience tugged at me during the wait for custom orders, the payoff was worth it. Each moment of waiting was a step closer to refining my checklist, driven by informed choices and a passion for the perfect typing experience.

💡

If you're just as intrigued as I was and you're yearning to quench that thirst for keyboard knowledge, there’s no better start than diving into a comprehensive guide that lays it all out. [Here's an article](https://www.alexotos.com/introduction-into-keyboards/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) that I stumbled upon during my enlightenment phase—a treasure trove of everything you need to know.

## Finding the one

Armed with my newfound information, I meticulously scoured the market with renewed purpose and a keen eye for detail. This time, after thoughtful consideration, the [Keychron K6](https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k6-wireless-mechanical-keyboard?ref=tsamoudakis.com) emerged as the shining star among the array of options, standing out as the ideal candidate for my coveted setup. With its compact 65% layout, satisfying Gateron brown switches, and captivating RGB backlighting, I found myself ticking off each requirement on my checklist.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/02/010-mechanical-keyboards-a-newbies-narrative-05.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/02/010-mechanical-keyboards-a-newbies-narrative-02.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/02/010-mechanical-keyboards-a-newbies-narrative-04.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/02/010-mechanical-keyboards-a-newbies-narrative-03.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/02/010-mechanical-keyboards-a-newbies-narrative-06.jpg)

Customizing the Keychron K6 with the Terminal Keycaps

Moreover, to personalize my experience further, I opted for the exquisite [qpbt Terminal Keycaps](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005320934712.html?ref=tsamoudakis.com), adding a touch of uniqueness and character to my keyboard. These keycaps not only enhance the aesthetics but also reflect a part of my personality, celebrating the geeky side that appreciates functionality intertwined with storytelling.

## Journey concluded

For the keyboard connoisseurs already navigating the custom-built seas, you've probably clocked that I played it safe by snagging a pre-built treasure with the Keychron K6\. But let's be real - this likely isn't my last voyage in the land of clackity companions. I've got this itch, see, and it hints that my next trusty clicker will be a bespoke masterpiece, a keyboard that's all me from stem to stern. So while I'm over the moon with my current setup (truly, it's all I was angling for), consider this a "brb" rather than a solid "over and out." I'm just gearing up for the day when I wade into the bespoke waters and craft my very own keyboard from scratch. Until that chapter unfolds, I’ll be here, basking in the glow of my Keychron K6 – a stellar sidekick amidst my clatter-loving chronicles.
### 5 apps I'm putting to the test on my next trip
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/5-apps-im-putting-to-the-test-on-my-next-trip/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T16:28:55.000Z
As much as I love the comfort of my desk in my home office, I also enjoy traveling, and my MacBook is the first thing I pack! When working from home, my MacBook is connected to my large screen, which gives me plenty of space to handle any task. The screen real estate is definitely a challenge when traveling, and I often find myself trying new tools to combat the pixel loss.

Not all apps I test gain a permanent spot on my [essential apps list](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/essential-apps-for-the-digital-citizen/), but I love testing new things in the right environment. With that in mind, I've already booked my tickets, and here are 5 new macOS apps that I'll be putting to the test while I'm on the go.

## MediaMate

In my current home setup, I usually have Apple Music open on my MacBook while it's blasting over AirPlay to my HomePods. I also have [Sleeve](https://replay.software/sleeve?ref=tsamoudakis.com) in a corner of my 30" monitor to keep an eye on what's playing. But things take a different turn when it's just me and my MacBook on the go. With its 14" screen barely meeting my needs, poor Sleeve always ends up getting buried. That's where [MediaMate](https://wouter01.github.io/MediaMate/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) swoops in to save the day, filling that void perfectly.

![MediaMate taking advantage of MacBook's notch](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/02/009-mediamate.jpg)

MediaMate offers fresh visuals for volume, brightness, and now playing, as mentioned on its website. The volume and brightness visuals are heavily inspired by iOS, giving macOS a nice touch. But what really sold me on this app is the Now Playing feature. It takes advantage of the MacBook's notch to show and hide what's currently playing, along with the media controls. It's a clever use of technology that enhances the user experience (reminds me a lot of the dynamic island approach Apple took on iPhones).

## HiDock

Another app to help me combat the screen downsizing when traveling is [HiDock](https://hidock.app/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). It's a handy utility that lets you customize the macOS dock for each screen connected to your Mac. Personally, I love seeing my dock and those pixel-perfect macOS icons when I'm at home plugged into my large monitor. But when I'm traveling, I prefer to hide it completely to maximize my MacBook's screen space for the app I'm focused on.

![HiDock settings](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/02/009-hidock-settings.jpg)

I'm surprised this functionality isn't already baked into macOS, but I'm really glad this app exists. It makes my life a little bit easier by saving me the time and hassle of constantly adjusting the dock settings whenever I leave my office.

## One Switch

Staying focused while traveling can be a challenge, especially when you're navigating through the settings menu on macOS in search of your preferences. Luckily, [Raycast](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/unleash-your-productivity-with-raycast-for-macos/) has made it easier to handle those mundane tasks. But let's be honest, sometimes you just want a one-click solution. That's where [One Switch](https://fireball.studio/oneswitch?ref=tsamoudakis.com) comes in. It simplifies managing your Mac's settings, creating a distraction-free environment with just a toggle switch in the menu bar.

![One Switch options in light and dark theme](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/02/009-one-switch.jpg)

One Switch is a clever utility app that gives you quick access to various system functions. Whether you want to hide desktop icons, enable dark mode, or activate Do Not Disturb mode, it's all there in one place. Seems like a must-have for any productivity-focused traveler who wants to effortlessly adjust their settings to match their current task or environment.

## PixelPerfect

When Apple made the switch to its own Apple Silicon chips, it not only gave MacBooks a massive performance boost but also the ability to run iPhone and iPad apps. I was genuinely excited about this, and it was one of the first things I tried after switching to a new Mac. However, things didn't turn out as expected.

![PixelPerfect next to Overcast running on macOS](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/02/009-pixel-perfect-app-and-overcast.jpg)

There are Mac apps built with [Catalyst](https://developer.apple.com/mac-catalyst/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) that can share code with iPad apps, making them available on macOS as well. But it requires some effort from the developers, which not everyone prefers (understandably, but that's a topic for another post). However, if you're using an Apple Silicon Mac, you can download most iOS apps straight from the App Store. The only catch is that those apps (which aren't exactly built for macOS) tend to have small fonts and blurry graphics in many cases. This is where [PixelPerfect](https://github.com/cormiertyshawn895/PixelPerfect?ref=tsamoudakis.com) comes in. With a simple switch per app, you can make your favorite iOS app appear super crisp on your Mac and enjoy it as if it were built specifically for macOS.

To be honest, I don't miss many apps on macOS, but this little gem brought [Overcast](https://overcast.fm/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) to my MacBook, and I'm sure I'll be adding more to the list soon.

## Dropover

The last app on my list has revolutionized the way I handle files and move content between apps on my Mac. This drag-and-drop utility creates a temporary holding space or "shelf" for files and content, making it incredibly easy to gather and organize items before moving them to their final destination.

![Dropover shown overlayed on Finder](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/02/009-dropover.jpg)

This app has the potential to become a permanent resident in my Mac's Applications folder. I find that the best way to put it to the test is when I'm "forced" to use a trackpad (e.g. while traveling), as it makes the shake gesture that spawns the shelf feel more natural. Of course, you can also trigger [Dropover](https://dropoverapp.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) by holding down `Shift` while dragging, but I personally find the shaking gesture to be more "magical".

In wrapping up, experimenting with fresh apps is a bit of a passion project for me. I especially get a kick out of finding the ones that offer that extra bit of convenience when I'm out and about. It's fair to say I'm something of an app connoisseur—a bit selective, even meticulous, about what makes it onto my [must-have roster](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/essential-apps-for-the-digital-citizen/). And it's crucial that I put these apps to the test in a natural setting, where I'm as likely to experience their strengths and quirks as in my everyday life. These five macOS apps have earned their place in my upcoming travel plans, but the ultimate test will be seeing if they can withstand the scrutiny of my high standards and earn the distinguished title of essential.
### Essential apps for the digital citizen
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/essential-apps-for-the-digital-citizen/
Last updated: 2024-02-07T07:25:11.000Z
In the vast digital landscape, a handful of applications have become the very keystones of how we function, both personally and professionally. Just like the 'default' programs that come pre-installed on your OS, there are user-curated tools that transcend their novelty and become indispensable.

In this curated annual roundup, I'll walk you through my perennial favorites, essential for anyone looking to streamline their day, increase efficiency, and leverage the power of technology to its fullest extent. Embracing the ethos of digital minimalism, these applications are not only high in utility but also offer a clean, intuitive, and often stylish design.

## Productivity

In my experience, productivity is all about accomplishing more with less. It's a philosophy I embrace in my daily workflow. Among the applications I find indispensable is Todoist, which offers multifaceted capabilities for keeping my daily tasks in check and capturing my thoughts on the go. Another essential tool is Craft, my go-to for constructing a digital second brain that remains accessible wherever I am. And let's not overlook Raycast, my time-saving sidekick for streamlining repetitive tasks. Armed with these tools, I've crafted a personalized productivity system that cuts through the noise and keeps my priorities at the forefront.

- 📅 Calendar: [Fantastical](https://flexibits.com/fantastical?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- ✅ Task Management: [Todoist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/how-i-use-todoist-to-organise-my-life/)
- 💌 Email client: [Apple Mail](https://support.apple.com/mail?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- 📬 Email service: [Google Workspace](https://workspace.google.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- 🗒️ Notes: [Craft](https://www.craft.do/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- ☁️ Cloud storage: [iCloud](https://www.icloud.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- 🚀 Launcher: [Raycast](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/unleash-your-productivity-with-raycast-for-macos/)
- 📖 Read later: [Omnivore](https://omnivore.app/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- 📸 Screenshots: [CleanShot X](https://cleanshot.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)

## Media & Entertainment

When it comes to Media and Entertainment, my choices prioritize organization, accessibility, and a seamless user experience. For managing and enjoying my photo collection, I rely on Apple's built-in Photos app with its intuitive library categorization, advanced editing features, and cloud synchronization across devices. For video, Infuse stands out as an all-in-one media solution that connects to my Synology NAS, organizes my videos, and allows for streaming on any device. As for music streaming, while I used to be dedicated to Spotify, in 2023 I made the switch to the [Apple One](https://www.apple.com/apple-one/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) plan for me and my family, giving Apple Music the reins to our musical needs.

- 🎙️ Podcasts: [Overcast](https://overcast.fm/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- 🎵 Music: [Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- 🏞️ Photos library: [Apple Photos](https://www.apple.com/lae/macos/photos/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- 🎨 Photo editing: [Pixelmator Pro](https://www.pixelmator.com/pro/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- 🎬 Video player: [IINA](https://iina.io/?ref=tsamoudakis.com), [Infuse](https://firecore.com/infuse?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- 🍿 Show tracking: [TV Forecast](https://tvforecastapp.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)

## Utility

Within my collection of utility apps, there are a select few that truly stand out for their robust functionality. Arc Browser is my preferred choice when it comes to a clean and efficient web browsing experience that is tailored to my preferences, enabling me to save valuable time while surfing the internet. The unwavering security offered by 1Password is absolutely essential; it effortlessly safeguards my abundance of passwords, private documents, and sensitive information. Meanwhile, MoneyWiz has become an indispensable tool for financial tracking and budgeting, providing me with a comprehensive overview of my finances with meticulous detail and user-friendly reporting tools. These apps work in perfect harmony to support a seamless and worry-free interaction with technology, enhancing productivity and instilling a sense of tranquility.

- 🌐 Browser: [Arc](https://arc.net/gift/f1766e6?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- 📰 RSS client: [Reeder](https://reederapp.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- 📓 Journaling: [Everlog](https://everlog.app/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- 🌎 VPN: [Mullvad](https://mullvad.net/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- 🔐 Passwords: [1Password](https://1password.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- 🧑‍💻 Code editor: [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- 💵 Budgeting: [MoneyWiz](https://www.wiz.money/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- 💬 Chat: [Messages](https://support.apple.com/guide/messages/welcome/mac?ref=tsamoudakis.com), [Telegram](https://telegram.org/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)

## Wrapping up

The key to a seamless digital experience lies in the clever curation of apps that not only spark joy but actually work wonders in keeping our lives organized and our minds uncluttered. Remember, these are the apps that have earned their place on my digital shelf for good reason. I'm sharing them with you not just because they're tried and true, but because they have genuinely improved my day-to-day life. So why not take a page from my digital playbook? Test them out, mix and match to find what suits you best, and watch as they transform your own digital routine. Who knows, they might just become your new favorites, too. 😊
### Unleash your productivity with Raycast for macOS
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/unleash-your-productivity-with-raycast-for-macos/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T16:21:16.000Z
I rely on a handful of apps on my Mac every day to handle personal and work tasks, stay entertained, and unleash my creativity. Choosing the right apps to occupy my Mac's storage is a meticulous process. But when it comes to productivity apps that I use multiple times a day, my standards get even more specific. I look for a combination of stability, performance, and intuitiveness, which can be quite hard to find. That's why I'm always on the lookout for new gems, although it's rare for any of them to stay on my Mac for more than a couple of weeks. But if I had to pick just one app that ticks all the boxes and that I simply can't do without on my Mac, it would definitely be Raycast. Believe it or not, I actually uninstalled that app three times before I finally fell head over heels in love with it!

So, what exactly is Raycast? Raycast is a productivity tool designed specifically for macOS with the sole purpose of speeding up your workflow. Think of it as Spotlight on steroids. With Raycast, you can control your tools with a few keystrokes, eliminating the need to navigate through numerous applications. This nifty tool integrates seamlessly with a variety of apps and services such as Spotify, GitHub, Todoist, Craft, and many more. Whether it's creating a new event in your calendar, managing your to-do list, or searching your notes, Raycast lets you do it all without leaving your keyboard.

## Using Raycast

[Raycast](https://www.raycast.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) can be easily downloaded and installed on your macOS. Just drag it to your Applications folder, like most macOS apps. You have the option to go for the Pro version, which costs $8 per month, but the Free tier also offers a wide range of features. So you can pretty much do everything you need without spending a dime.

![Raycast in its default collapsed state](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/01/007-raycast-collapsed.jpg)

Once you have Raycast installed, there's really no need to keep Spotlight around. Raycast can do everything Spotlight does and more! That's why I personally choose to completely override Spotlight's shortcut and assign it to Raycast. For me, this shortcut is `CTRL + Space`.

Before diving into its extensions and all the love it gets from developers, let's start with the basics. Raycast is all about hotkeys and shortcuts, making it super convenient. The one I use the most every day is `CTRL + CMD + Space`, which overrides the native shortcut of macOS that brings up the emoji picker. I prefer Raycast's emoji picker over the native one because I can search for the emoji I want without remembering their names. Even if my keywords don't match any available emojis, Raycast's AI capabilities suggest remarkably accurate alternatives. So, it's like having a personal emoji assistant!

Moving on to the next item on my list of common use cases: launching apps and searching for files. I must say, the interface is incredibly helpful. Not only does it provide accurate results, but it also gives me an instant preview of everything I highlight with the arrow keys. I find this feature particularly handy when I'm trying to locate specific files or quickly access my favorite apps. It saves me a lot of time and effort, and I appreciate how user-friendly it is.

![Using Quicklinks in Raycast to query Google](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/01/007-raycast-google-quicklink.jpg)

One of the coolest features in Raycast that I absolutely love is [Quicklinks](https://manual.raycast.com/quicklinks?ref=tsamoudakis.com). It's like bookmarks on steroids! With Quicklinks, you can add shortcuts to your most frequently visited websites right within Raycast. No need to open your browser, type in the URL, or search through your bookmarks. Just fire up Raycast, type in the name of the Quicklink, and hit enter. Want to take it up a notch? You can even add `{Query}` to your link, and it'll perform a search on your Quicklink's target. Talk about convenience!

💡

****In practice:** I start with `CTRL + Space` to bring up Raycast, type `G` to invoke my Google Search Quicklink, press `Tab` once, and I start typing my search query. Once I hit `Enter`, I'm immediately directed to Google's search results for whatever I'm looking for!

## Extensions

The true power of Raycast becomes evident when you dive into its extensions. The app boasts a vast library of extensions that broaden its functionality to an extraordinary degree. From managing your tasks in Todoist to controlling your Spotify playlists, and from creating pull requests in GitHub to browsing your Craft notes, Raycast's extensions empower you to wield control over your favorite apps and services directly from your keyboard. The sheer quantity is mind-blowing, and it's a true testament to the power of Raycast as an incredibly versatile productivity tool.

![Raycast's extensions list](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/01/007-raycast-extensions.jpg)

Let me share **my top 10 extensions** that have completely transformed my productivity game based on my usage. These tools have been a game-changer for me!

### Music

I love listening to good tunes while I work. It's essential for me. But sometimes, when I'm in my flow state, switching to Apple Music can be a bit distracting. You know how it is – one second you're changing a song, and the next thing you know, you're diving into a 10-minute music discovery session because you spotted a new cover or playlist.

That's where the [Music](https://www.raycast.com/fedevitaledev/music?ref=tsamoudakis.com) extension comes in handy. With Raycast, I can bring up the Music extension and manage my music without losing focus. I can pause, skip, like, and do whatever I want without getting sidetracked.

Now, there's a powerful Spotify extension too, but these days, I'm subscribed to Apple Music. So, the Music extension is my go-to tool for staying in the zone while enjoying my favorite tunes.

### Window Management

Raycast comes with some incredibly powerful preinstalled extensions, in addition to the ones available for download from its store. One of these gems is the [Window Management](https://manual.raycast.com/window-management?ref=tsamoudakis.com) extension, which grants you access to a variety of window placements.

![Raycast's list of window placements from its Window Management extension](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/01/007-raycast-window-management.jpg)

While there are plenty of window management apps in the app store, some free and others requiring payment, I've personally relied on [Rectangle](https://rectangleapp.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) for years. Its shortcuts have become second nature to me. However, to streamline my workflow, I made the decision to uninstall Rectangle and assign those familiar keyboard shortcuts to Raycast's Window Management extension instead. This seamless transition went completely unnoticed by my muscle memory, leaving me with one less app to load and hog up memory on my Mac. It's one of my favorite app replacements, offering the same functionality as Rectangle, but with the convenience of already being a part of Raycast's arsenal.

### Coffee

Just like the app I mentioned earlier, I used to use another app called Caffeine. It was a small program that put an icon in the menu bar. Whenever I clicked it, my Mac wouldn't fall asleep. It wasn't anything groundbreaking, but it saved me time since I didn't have to go into macOS settings every time I wanted to keep my Mac awake. Eventually, that app stopped being updated, and other alternatives popped up over the years. While it was another utility that my Mac had to load, I was thrilled when I found Raycast's [Coffee](https://www.raycast.com/mooxl/coffee?ref=tsamoudakis.com) extension. It does the exact same thing and only takes a couple of seconds and a few keystrokes to keep my Mac awake (they call it Caffeinate).

### Calculator

When it comes to calculations, the native Spotlight of macOS can do a lot. But hey, as mentioned above, Raycast takes even the simplest task (or app) to a whole new level! That's where its built-in [Calculator](https://manual.raycast.com/calculator?ref=tsamoudakis.com) extension comes in. Once you fire up Raycast, you can do currency conversions, date calculations, time zone conversions, unit conversions, and so much more. And here's the cool part - the calculator history. A nifty feature that lets you go 3 months back and bring back something you thought was gone forever.

![Calculating time zone difference with Raycast](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/01/007-raycast-timezone-conversion.jpg)

My personal favorite is the time zone conversion. Imagine this - while [working in a remote team](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/best-practices-for-remote-work-communication/) scattered all around the globe, just type "10 am Seattle to Cambridge" and bam! You instantly know if you can make that meeting. Talk about a real time-saver!

### Clipboard History

Copying and pasting on any operating system (especially macOS) is as effortless as breathing. It happens automatically, without a second thought. But what I often think about is the things that were saved on my clipboard just a minute ago, or even 256 entries ago! Having the ability to seamlessly go back and handpick anything that passed through my clipboard has become absolutely essential in my daily workflow.

Clipboard History is one of Raycast's [core extensions](https://manual.raycast.com/core?ref=tsamoudakis.com), and it does exactly what its name implies. It grants you access to previous entries on your clipboard. What truly makes it useful is that the moment you invoke it, you can start typing what you're looking for, and it instantly filters through all your past clipboard entries. It's like having a supercharged memory for your clipboard. Once you find what you're looking for, simply press `Enter`, and that entry is now loaded on your clipboard and ready to be pasted.

### Snippets

As I was exploring the Clipboard History one day, I had this realization that I kept repeating the same text in different places. It felt like I had countless versions of the exact same thing. But then, I stumbled upon this incredible feature called "Save as Snippet" under the Actions menu, which you can easily toggle by pressing `CMD + K`. Let me tell you, this discovery was a game-changer for me. It opened up a whole new world of productivity!

Raycast's [Snippets](https://manual.raycast.com/snippets?ref=tsamoudakis.com) extension is an incredibly versatile tool that lets you save and organize frequently used text snippets. By storing these snippets, you can quickly access and paste them wherever you need them with just a few keystrokes. This feature not only boosted my productivity but also brought consistency to my work, eliminating the need for repetitive typing or copy-pasting.

### Floating notes

I'm a huge fan of all things digital, so I rarely keep a pen and paper nearby for note-taking. Craft is my go-to app for all my note-taking needs, but there are times when I just want to jot something down quickly without searching for an app or navigating to a specific note.

I used to use [Unclutter](https://unclutterapp.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) for years until I stumbled upon Raycast's Floating Notes. It's another one of those extensions with a name that says it all. Once I trigger it, a small floating window appears, acting as my instant scratchpad. I even assigned the keyboard shortcut `OPT + N`, so no matter which app I'm using on my Mac, I can instantly take notes without losing focus!

💡

[Pedro](https://twitter.com/peduarte?ref=tsamoudakis.com) from Raycast recently shared an exciting update about Floating Notes in one of their [videos](https://www.youtube.com/@raycastapp/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). The new version will support markdown and even allow for multiple notes! While there's no specific release date yet, I'm really looking forward to trying out this amazing feature!

### Color picker

As a designer, it's no wonder that colors are an integral part of my daily life. Especially in a recent [Todoist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/todoist-shaping-productivity-through-design/) update where we revamped the color pallets of all its themes, dealing with colors was quite a challenge. While usually, the color picker function within Figma is sufficient, having a system-wide color picker makes comparing colors in screenshots and other elements outside Figma much easier. It simplifies the process and saves time.

Raycast's [Color Picker](https://www.raycast.com/thomas/color-picker?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is the latest extension that replaced an app on my Mac. While it doesn't have all the fancy features of [ColorSlurp](https://colorslurp.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) (my previous app of choice), it does the job well enough for me. So I ended up assigning it the keyboard shortcut `CTRL + CMD + C` to summon it whenever I need to pick a color from anything on my screen.

### GIF Search

The [GIF Search](https://www.raycast.com/josephschmitt/gif-search?ref=tsamoudakis.com) extension in Raycast is nothing short of a lifesaver for those of us who believe that a well-placed GIF is worth a thousand words - or at least a good chuckle during a long day.

![Searching for GIFs in Raycast](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/01/007-raycast-gif-search.jpg)

Picture this: You're in the middle of a conversation on Slack and you find the perfect moment to slide in a GIF for comic relief. Instead of switching tabs and scrolling endlessly for a suitable GIF, you simply invoke Raycast, type "GIF", followed by your keyword, and voila! A plethora of top-tier, humorous GIFs at your service.

Raycast turns you into the GIF wizard of your team, making your digital conversations more lively, expressive, and downright fun. Remember, productivity doesn't always mean being serious - laughter is a great productivity booster too!

### Craft

I rely on various extensions that offer functionalities missing from macOS or are difficult to access. But the real productivity boost comes when you bridge the apps of your choice with something that makes them work seamlessly, and that's where Raycast shines. It's hard to find an app or service without a Raycast extension these days, and I personally use several of them, but my go-to is [Craft](https://www.raycast.com/bgnfu7re/craftdocs?ref=tsamoudakis.com).

Craft is my preferred note-taking app. While it's powerful and flexible, it can be a bit cumbersome to search for something buried deep within multiple layers of notes. Luckily, the Raycast extension makes searching in Craft as easy and fast as searching local files. What's even better is that it allows me to search for a keyword and jump directly to the relevant block! Incredibly convenient!

## Raycast Pro

If you're already impressed with Raycast's free tier, just wait until you pair it with ChatGPT's capabilities. We live in an era of AI, after all, and the productivity boost that comes from using Raycast Pro is impossible to ignore. With Cloud Sync and Raycast AI, the Pro tier unlocks even more features that can take your productivity to the next level. And for a tool that's already incredibly valuable for no cost at all, upgrading to the Pro tier is a no-brainer.

If you're someone who's seriously considering an upgrade, it's reasonable to wonder what you're actually getting for your money. While there are certainly several features that may catch your eye, Raycast AI is undeniably the standout. It's the one feature that truly sets the upgrade apart. But what exactly can you do with it?

### Quick AI

Speed is absolutely crucial when it comes to boosting productivity, and Quick AI is hands down the fastest way to get instant answers to your questions right from within Raycast. All you have to do is fire up Raycast, type your question, press `Tab`, and voila! The results are right in front of you. It's as simple as that!

Gone are the days when I had to rely on a pinned ChatGPT tab in my browser, dealing with annoying login prompts due to expired cookies or pesky connectivity issues that wasted precious seconds. With Quick AI, I bypass all of that hassle and can access my trusty AI assistant within seconds, without the need to open an app or visit a website.

![Asking Raycast to generate sample content](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/01/007-raycast-quick-ai.jpg)

In my daily workflow, I frequently use it to generate dummy content for my Figma mockups. For instance, when I'm working on a Todoist mockup, I simply ask it to generate sample tasks for an imaginary project, and within seconds, I have a list of tasks that adds a whole new level of realism to my mockups.

### AI Chat

While it's great to get quick AI answers for immediate queries, there are times when we want more than just a simple question-and-answer exchange. Sometimes, we want to have a proper chat conversation with AI. This approach allows for deeper learning, a series of questions, and the discovery of new insights. It's like having a virtual brainstorming or knowledge discovery session.

Raycast's AI Chat elevates the interaction with AI to another level by allowing the creation of dedicated chat instances, tailored to your specific topics. These instances can be armed with system instructions that guide the AI's responses, ensuring you receive the information most relevant to your needs. Whether you're diving deep into productivity hacks, brainstorming marketing strategies, or exploring the latest design trends, AI Chat can adapt to your chosen topic, providing an interactive and invaluable tool in your quest for knowledge and growth.

![Creating a chat specifically for development in Raycast](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/01/007-raycast-development-chat.jpg)

My favorite way to utilize AI Chat is by setting up a "Development" chat. This chat acts as a virtual developer buddy, providing me with actionable solutions to any coding problems I encounter. I even assigned the keyboard shortcut `OPT + A` to quickly surface AI Chat over VS Code. It's like having a helpful mentor right by my side! While I don't consider myself an expert developer, AI Chat has helped me achieve impressive results so far.

Lately, I've also been toying with the idea of having an AI assistant for copywriting. It would be a great help in refining certain aspects of my work, but that's still very experimental.

## Concluding thoughts

In my initial days with Raycast, I struggled to see the appeal. It seemed like a decent tool, but it didn't exactly revolutionize my workflow or enhance my productivity in a noticeable way. It was the discovery of the vast array of extensions and somewhat hidden features that truly transformed my experience with Raycast, propelling it from a neat addition to my toolkit to an absolute game-changer for my productivity.

Raycast, with its extensions and AI capabilities, has now become an integrated part of my daily workflow. It has streamlined my tasks and significantly reduced the time I spend on handling and organizing my operations. Its powerful functionalities, coupled with a friendly user interface, have made my work more efficient, enjoyable, and highly productive. For anyone looking to unlock new levels of productivity, I highly recommend exploring all that Raycast has to offer. Unearth its hidden gems, and you might just discover your own game-changer.

Curious to know if and how Raycast fits into your workflow! 😊
### Rebooting to Ghost and building a premium theme from scratch
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/rebooting-to-ghost-and-building-a-premium-theme-from-scratch/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T16:11:09.000Z
After years of using ExpressionEngine and WordPress, I have finally decided to transition to Ghost for my website. I have been intrigued by this CMS for quite some time and recently had the chance to experiment with it on a side project. I was immediately captivated by its elegant design language and the streamlined approach that permeates its entire feature set.

Although [Ghost](https://ghost.org/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) already offers a wide selection of visually appealing themes, I made the decision to fully immerse myself in the platform and create my very own unique theme. I must admit that delving into a new platform can be intimidating, especially when it comes to theme development. However, I saw this as an opportunity to enhance my development skills and push myself beyond my limits.

During the development of my theme, I realized my aspiration to go beyond and create a comprehensive design that encompasses all of Ghost's features. A premium theme accessible to all! This long-term endeavor is already in use on my website, indicating my active dedication towards its continuous improvement. Although the exact release date remains uncertain, the first version is not too far away.

## The theme

Introducing FineBits, a meticulously designed theme that combines minimalism with a hint of playfulness and a mobile-first approach. It is specially tailored for personal blogs and diverse news sites, ensuring a seamless and captivating experience for readers.

The plan at the moment is to thoroughly test the theme on my website, ensuring its performance matches that of a world-class premium theme. Address any bugs and then conduct a beta test within a closed group before releasing the initial version.

I intend to fully embrace and enhance all of Ghost's features, while also exploring opportunities to incorporate additional functionality. However, I have established a clear boundary in the feature list below to ensure that version 1 is released within a reasonable timeframe.

✅ Ready for Ghost 5.x  
✅ Fully responsive  
✅ Featured posts  
✅ Comments  
✅ Tag page support  
✅ Tags page support  
✅ Support all of Ghost's cards  
✅ Author page support  
✅ Portfolio taxonomy  
✅ Multiple authors  
✅ Members & Subscribers Support  
✅ Social accounts

### Future additions

⭐ Dark theme  
⭐ Featured posts carousel  
⭐ Code syntax highlighter

📣

****Update:** The theme has been officially released! For those keen on exploring further, please [click here](https://www.thefinebits.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) to discover more details, test the demo, and peruse the documentation.

## Research

As a product designer, I can't help but wonder about a bunch of things whenever I create something new. To keep up the pace, I make decisions on the go and revisit them later if necessary. But there are a few questions that would really help me shape this theme, and I'd love to hear your feedback.

🤔

What is the one essential feature you think this Ghost theme absolutely should have?

🎨

Would you also like to get the theme's design Figma files? I so, why?

Feel free to share your thoughts and leave a comment down below.

## Sign up for updates

So here's to rebooting my website with Ghost and all the exciting possibilities that come with it. If you’re interested in the Ghost theme I’m building and want to be in the loop with updates on my journey, or if you generally enjoy my posts, make sure to sign up.
### Gradience wallpaper pack
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/gradience-wallpaper-pack/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T16:05:49.000Z
As someone who spends a lot of time on my computer, having a wallpaper that I truly enjoy is pretty important. It's been a whole year since I last created one that I really loved, and even though it still looks great, I'm getting the itch to change things up a bit. I tend to shuffle things around pretty often, so having a wallpaper that can keep up with my latest obsessions is key. Plus, there's something so satisfying about creating something new and seeing it on my screen every day. Time to break out the design tools and start getting creative!

When I first created the [Darknetic wallpaper](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/darknetic-wallpaper/), I was aiming to match the aesthetic of my office. I thought it looked pretty slick, but after sharing it, I received a lot of feedback on the color choices. Turns out, not everyone has the same workspace as I do! So, I decided to switch things up a bit this time around. I wanted to make sure everyone could enjoy the dark, moody vibe, but with a touch of personalization. That's why I created a complete set of wallpapers that come in various color options. Flexibility is key, and I want everyone to be able to enjoy these designs no matter what their style is.

![The wallpaper Gradience showcased on an iPhone and a MacBook](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2023/12/005-gradience-wallpaper-on-macbook-and-iphone.jpg)

I'm not a big fan of very bright wallpapers because I want them to stay in the background and keep the emphasis on whatever app I'm working on. I have a habit of temporarily putting files and folders on the upper right side of my desktop, and this wallpaper is designed around that idea. There's a bright corner on the lower left where [Sleeve](https://replay.software/sleeve?ref=tsamoudakis.com) displays the music I'm listening to and a gradient pattern that fades to dark to emphasize the icons I need to clean off my desktop. This wallpaper is elegant but also encourages a clutter-free workspace. 😃

## The creation process

When it comes to designing, sometimes simple tools are the best ones. That's why I always go back to Figma, it never lets me down. After coming up with a design idea, I created the required layers and experimented with how shadows and transparencies blend. It's amazing how even the slightest tweak on the effects panel can completely transform everything. Figma made it so easy to experiment until I was happy with the final result.

Choosing a color scheme for a project can be daunting - do you go for a bright and bold look or something more subdued? I picked out some of my all-time favorite colors and switched my color picker to HSB mode so that I could generate related shades and hues. I made sure to tweak the saturation and brightness for each overlapping element, resulting in a beautiful set of colors that I then turned into Figma color styles.

Defining the attributes for each element helped me to control the color of the element, the border, and its shadow in three separate layers. Once I had all the colors defined in Figma, I simply duplicated the color set and utilized the [Swapper](https://www.figma.com/community/plugin/833287008340340220/Swapper?ref=tsamoudakis.com) Figma plugin to effortlessly change the wallpaper to my desired color style. Even though it sounds simple now that it's finished, I experimented a lot before settling on this method.

The result is something I enjoy looking at every day as much as I did while creating it, and I hope you do too. 😊

## Supported devices

I started designing this wallpaper for my MacBook, but the more I played around with it, the more I fell in love with it. That's when I decided to make it available for all screen sizes, including Apple's Pro Display XDR. And, why stop there? I made versions for tablets and mobile devices, too. You'll love how it looks on any iPad, iPhone, or Android device.

![The wallpaper Gradience showcased on three stacked iPhones](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2023/12/005-gradience-wallpaper-variations-on-iphones.jpg)

### Available resolutions

- Desktop: 6048 × 3928
- iPhone Pro: 1179 × 2556
- iPhone Pro Max: 1290 × 2796
- Android HiRes: 1440 x 2960

### Color schemes

- Blue
- Red
- Green
- Purple
- Mixed
- Ash
- Orange
- Fuchsia

[Gradience Wallpaper PackGet ready to elevate your device’s style with Gradience, the first collection of wallpapers that I’ve created. With eight variations to choose from, each one featuring vibrant colors and a dark overall theme, you’re sure to find the perfect backdrop for your device.Whether you’re an Android or iOS user, you can enjoy these wallpapers in high resolution, providing stunning visuals that will make your phone, tablet, or desktop stand out from the rest. Don’t settle for a boring wallpaper — upgrade to Gradience and show off your personal style with a touch of wit.Bonus: Want to know how I created Gradience and what other digital products I’ve got up my sleeve? Head over to my blog for all the juicy details. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it. See you there!Heads up, this wallpaper pack is available for instant download right after purchase — no waiting around! To get all the images at once, just hit the ‘Download’ button and they’ll come to you in a handy zip file. Keep in mind, these are super high-quality PNG images so the file size for all of them is around 230MB. And just a reminder, this is a digital product so there won’t be anything physically mailed out to you.I would love to see how you’re bringing these wallpapers to life on your devices. If you want to show me, feel free to reach out on Twitter or Instagram, or simply tag me in your posts.Thanks for backing my content — your support means a lot! And if you’re loving this collection, a review would really make my day. Wishing you an awesome one! 💙FOR YOUR PERSONAL USE ONLYNo reselling, distribution, or commercial use. Refunds are not available on digital products.![](https://public-files.gumroad.com/zwi2ezmbmd5t3q4ibp4xptxghukl)Gumroad![](https://public-files.gumroad.com/oik1ivs8b1aubrjbav6361asu7pg)](https://tsamoudakis.gumroad.com/l/gradience?ref=tsamoudakis.com)

[Download](https://tsamoudakis.gumroad.com/l/gradience?ref=tsamoudakis.com)

Transform your device's screen with Gradience, the ultimate wallpaper collection that brings a splash of vibrant color to your everyday life. I have created eight variations with a modern and timeless look. They have a dark theme that exudes sophistication, and I've put a lot of effort into making them exquisite. Trust me, your eyes will thank you when they gaze upon these high-resolution masterpieces that are the perfect fit for any device.
### Best practices for remote work communication
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/best-practices-for-remote-work-communication/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T16:01:30.000Z
Working in an office environment wasn't much of an option for me. I grew my career as a Product Designer while living on a fairly remote Greek island, Rhodes, and the concept of startups wasn't as trendy back then as it is nowadays. Generally speaking, there were few to no big companies that would need an in-house designer. So the internet became my number one tool, and remote work my unintentional norm.

Taking on a new way of working can be daunting, especially when it comes to remote work. Mistakes can be costly because the lack of in-person interactions can make it challenging to understand how your teammates operate when you're not in the same room. Throughout my journey as a remote worker, I've tackled various projects ranging from small freelance gigs to huge corporate contracts. One fundamental lesson I've learned along the way is that clear and efficient communication is the key to thriving in a virtual work environment.

To be successful at communicating with your colleagues, it's important to get your ideas across without overwhelming them with lengthy messages. Be mindful of their location and availability and choose the right tools and techniques to replicate those face-to-face interactions.

Fortunately, the internet provides various tools for remote workers nowadays that can help everyone to work effectively, similar to working in-house. However, the challenge lies in using these tools properly rather than just finding the right one.

## Establish clear communication channels and expectations

With so many communication tools out there, it can be overwhelming for teams to pick the best ones for efficient collaboration. But here's the thing: the real key to success is how we talk to each other, not just the tool we use. Let's focus on improving our communication skills, and we'll see better results from any tool we choose.

Tools that promote real-time chat (aka synchronous communication), like Skype, Slack, Telegram, and others, can be overwhelming in a remote working environment. By default, they create the sense that you can reach out to anyone on your team at any time. The worst part is that the recipient also feels like they have to respond right away. There are tools like [Twist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/twist-redefining-communication-in-remote-work/) that promote a calmer communication model, but it ultimately comes down to the team's culture to build an environment where communication isn't disruptive.

## Asynchronous communication allows for in-depth responses

Communication isn't a game of “ping-pong” – you don't have to respond immediately! Whether you're messaging one person or the whole team, don't stress about an immediate reply. Sure, some may answer back lightning-fast, but don't expect it! Think of it as a surprise bonus rather than a standard response time.

![Close-up shot of an iPhone showing an iMessage chat](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2023/12/004-synchronous-imessage-chat.jpg)

Take a minute to craft your words wisely. Don't just toss out a few abbreviations and spam your contacts with notifications. This isn't the wild west of messaging – we've evolved. So give a little context and hit that send button with intention. Trust me, no one needs to hear “Ding!” every five seconds.

When using apps that encourage thoughtful replies, pressing `Enter` does not automatically send your message. In most cases, it's `⌘ + Enter` or clicking the send button with your mouse. That's not always the case, though, so you'd better be cautious. I know I am whenever I compose a comment in Figma!

![The Unclutter app showcased on macOS](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2023/12/004-using-unclutter-to-draft-messages.jpg)

Here's a helpful productivity tip that you should adopt as a habit. To enhance your messaging, consider using a digital notepad like [Unclutter](https://unclutterapp.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). I've been using it on macOS for years because it's easily accessible. By taking a moment to review and refine your words, you can ensure that your message is clearly understood and acted upon effectively.

When you communicate asynchronously, you demonstrate that you respect the recipient's time and attention.

## Links and screenshots paint a clearer picture

Studies reveal that remote workers engage in more multitasking compared to their counterparts in office-based setups. I couldn't agree more, as context switching is one of the most difficult abilities I had to develop. Thus, it's highly valuable when someone sends a few links or a screenshot, as it lets me sharpen my attention to exactly what they want me to see.

Context is key when communicating with others outside of your field. The speed and accuracy of their response rely on it. It's easy to become immersed in technical details and forget that the person you're speaking with may not comprehend your goals. Don't get lost in the details; provide the necessary context for clearer communication. Using the built-in screenshot tool of macOS is a good start. I recommend [CleanShot X](https://cleanshot.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) due to its added features, such as advanced annotation tools and the ability to easily record and include videos with your face. Using these features can help improve the clarity of the information you are trying to convey.

![Combination of text and images illustrating how a post should look like](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2023/12/004-long-post-with-links-and-screenshots.jpg)

Make it a rule to provide ample context when asking a question. You won't be criticized for giving too much information.

## Default to email for longer and in-depth discussions

Remote teams often don't have the luxury of being in the same location. This means that communication may not be as synchronous as it would be in an office setting. Apps like Slack and Discord can facilitate quick discussions, but it's important to keep in mind the appropriate topics for these apps.

When it comes to discussing complex or detailed matters, defaulting to email can be the way to go. Not only does it offer a written record of the conversation, but it also gives the recipient time to digest the information and respond thoughtfully. With lengthy discussions, it can be easy to forget important points or details when communicating verbally. Email allows for a clear and concise exchange without the threat of miscommunication or confusion. While a Slack DM or a FaceTime call may be better suited for more immediate needs or simple updates, turning to email for in-depth discussions can provide a level of clarity and organization that can benefit all parties involved.

Remember the importance of context! While emails are great for conveying thoughtful messages, they can also lead to misunderstandings if the context is lost. To avoid this, include links, screenshots, and other references to help ensure a clear understanding, even if it means repeating yourself.

## Utilize audio and video for synchronous communication

While real-time chats and emails have become key tools for communication, they don't always suffice. Sometimes, we need to convey smaller details that can't be easily written down, or we need to solve a problem quickly without needing to schedule a long discussion. That's when audio and video communication come in handy.

Whether it's brainstorming new ideas, collaborating on a project, or just having a one-on-one chat with a colleague, adding an element of face-to-face communication can make all the difference. Life may not be black and white, but with the right tools, we can communicate more effectively even in our remote workplaces.

However, online meetings are not always enjoyable! Synchronous calls, in particular, can feel overwhelming and disrupt our daily rhythms. That's why it's important to be considerate of everyone's time and location when scheduling video calls. Before hitting that video button, ask yourself if a call is truly necessary to solve the problem at hand. If not, stick to your team's usual communication channels. Being mindful of how you schedule meetings can help foster a positive work culture that respects everyone's time and attention.

## Maximizing meeting outcomes with a clear plan

Unavoidable meetings can be a necessary evil. Sometimes, face-to-face interactions are needed to attain productivity rather than sending lengthy messages. Perhaps some individuals are not fully familiar with remote operations, making in-person meetings essential. Regardless, these meetings must occur, but sporadically. The goal is to ensure that progress is made and that there is an achievable outcome or action item to follow up on.

I am a big fan of creating quick to-do lists during meetings and always make sure to include a sentence or a link that provides enough context for executing each task assigned to me. My trusty tool for this is [Todoist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/todoist-shaping-productivity-through-design/), with its convenient Quick Add feature that allows me to capture anything during a call without losing focus. Once the meeting has wrapped up, I revisit the tasks I've captured, add more details if needed, and schedule them in advance to ensure they appear in my Today view and don't slip through the cracks.

![Laptop showing a Zoom call with Todoist's Quick Add feature overlapping the screen](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2023/12/004-using-todoist-quick-add-to-capture-tasks-easily.jpg)

There are a million to-do or even note-taking apps out there. Todoist is my choice, but you can use whatever makes sense to you. You can even use a pen and paper instead of an app, but only if you write faster than me. 😇

## Establish an effective communication rhythm with your team

Building a great company culture without feeling disconnected from your colleagues can be a true challenge. Without the ability to chat over coffee or gather around the water cooler, building meaningful relationships with your team can be a challenge. That's why it's important to establish a communication cadence that works for everyone. One way to do this is with casual video calls. They provide an opportunity to catch up with your team members, chat about non-work-related things, and help build a sense of community. Just 1-2 calls per month can be enough to make a difference in how connected you feel to your coworkers. So why not schedule a virtual coffee break and take a few minutes to connect with your team? It could be just what you need to combat loneliness and build stronger bonds.

At work, we use Google Meet for casual conversations, but for a select group of friends, I prefer to use FaceTime. Ultimately, the communication tool doesn't matter as long as it enables the best remote interaction.

## Let's sum everything up

- Be mindful of other people's location, time, and availability.
- Prefer asynchronous communication and promote autonomy.
- Group sentences when instant messaging to reduce notifications.
- Provide context; remember to use links and screenshots when possible.
- Don't expect an answer right away.
- When things get complicated, a quick call can be more effective.
- Meetings should end with a list of agreed actions.
- Don't underestimate the productivity of a casual chat. It's not all about work.

Working remotely for over 20 years has taught me a thing or two about managing my work-life balance. From staying organized to finding ways to keep communication with colleagues friendly and efficient, it's been a journey of learning and adaptability. And yet, with all that experience, I still find myself discovering new techniques every day. However, I know that everyone's work-from-home routine can look vastly different, and I would love to hear about your best practices.
### Equinox wallpaper
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/equinox-wallpaper/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T15:50:05.000Z
A couple of weeks have passed since I installed iOS 16 on my phone, and like many people are saying, the most notable part of this release is the new lock screen. I love the customization options it offers and the depth effect that can be added to any photo so effortlessly! Apple always kills it with their wallpapers, and the new Astronomy one is no different! The sleek animation between the lock and home screens is amazing, and the active dot on Earth that indicates your current location is a brilliant detail. But I'm never fully satisfied with the default offerings of any operating system, regardless of how good they are. 🤷‍♂️

It's been 5 months since I created my [previous wallpaper](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/darknetic-wallpaper) colors, and it's still the default background on all of my devices. Even though it wasn't necessary, I felt that my new iPhone 14 Pro deserved a small UI upgrade. As always, I'm a big fan of dark-colored wallpapers and as minimalistic as possible. This time, rather than using Pixelmator Pro, I decided to have some fun and experiment with Figma. With vectors and components, I wanted to see what effect one change would have on my wallpaper as a whole.

![Showcasing the wallpaper effect of Equinox](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2023/12/003-Equinox-Lock-Screen-Animation.gif)

Several explorations later, I came up empty-handed. So I gave up and joined a video chat with my good friend [Stefanos](https://twitter.com/titanas?ref=tsamoudakis.com). We frequently exchanged design ideas through brainstorming, and it was his previous work on a comparable wallpaper that inspired my new concept! The idea came to me in a sudden moment of clarity, and all that was left to do was put it into action.

Back to Figma, and now the concept was much more apparent. I needed to create two types of wallpaper: one for the lock screen and another for the home screen. In iOS 16, there is a different transition between these two screens than in earlier versions, which helped me refine my concept. It took several iterations, but eventually, I arrived at a design with three components and four variants each. I used six colors total, and the effect I was going for was a transition from the lock screen to the home screen that kept the same wallpaper but in a different, dimmed style.

![Designing Equinox in Figma](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2023/12/003-Equinox-Figma.jpg)

Designing Equinox in Figma

Introducing Equinox, the new iPhone wallpaper that's sure to make an impression! Equinox is a wallpaper design for the Pro and Pro Max iPhones that consists of two separate images meant to be used on the Lock and Home screens. When you unlock your phone, the combination of the two produces a subtle transition effect that shifts the focus to your app icons while gradually fading out the wallpaper elements. It's a small detail, but it's one that I think really makes a difference in the overall look and feel of your phone. Plus, it's just really cool to see in action. If you're someone who likes to keep up with the latest trends in iPhone design, Equinox is definitely worth checking out.

[Equinox WallpaperIntroducing Equinox, the new iPhone wallpaper that’s sure to make an impression! Equinox is a wallpaper design for the Pro and Pro Max iPhones that consists of two separate images meant to be used on the Lock and Home screens. When you unlock your phone, the combination of the two produces a subtle transition effect that shifts the focus to your app icons while gradually fading out the wallpaper elements. It’s a small detail, but it’s one that I think really makes a difference in the overall look and feel of your phone. Plus, it’s just really cool to see in action.If you’re someone who likes to keep up with the latest trends in iPhone design, Equinox is definitely worth checking out.![](https://public-files.gumroad.com/zwi2ezmbmd5t3q4ibp4xptxghukl)Gumroad![](https://public-files.gumroad.com/ci1crdr7ycao9t6b28yscs0ra91n)](https://tsamoudakis.gumroad.com/l/equinox?ref=tsamoudakis.com)

[Download](https://tsamoudakis.gumroad.com/l/equinox?ref=tsamoudakis.com)

## What about the iPad?

Once I was happy with how the new wallpaper looked on my iPhone, I started experimenting with larger versions of it that could work on the iPad and even on a Mac. However, there are certain things on the iPad's home screen that don't align the way I want them, and this kind of wallpaper doesn't look as good. I may return to my ideas and bring Equinox to the iPad and Mac, but for now, this wallpaper is only available for the iPhone.
### How I use Todoist to organize my life
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/how-i-use-todoist-to-organise-my-life/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T15:56:06.000Z
In today's world, it seems like everyone is always busy. We are all constantly juggling tasks and trying to fit more into our day. It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to getting organized and becoming more productive. Thankfully, there are plenty of to-do list apps that can help you take control of your life and get organized like never before.

[Todoist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/todoist-shaping-productivity-through-design/) is my to-do app of choice because it hits the perfect balance of features and simplicity. As someone who works in Todoist's design team, I am probably biased when it comes to comparing Todoist with other apps. However, this doesn't change the fact that Todoist has all the features I need to keep my life organized without feeling overwhelmed by features that try to do everything but nothing extremely well.

In this post, I'll try to highlight some of my daily workflows and the ways I use Todoist. I hope it inspires you to start using a to-do app to organize your work or even your life, or it will spark ideas on how to improve it.

## My top 5 Todoist use cases

Todoist has become one of my most essential tools for managing my life and work. I use it for a variety of different purposes, from keeping track of my groceries to collaborating with colleagues on work projects. Here are my top 5 use cases:

### Work

Given my role at Doist, having a project for pretty much anything we're working on at any given month is quite normal. I'm always juggling a few different balls - from work productivity to daily tasks and more - and it can be tough to keep everything straight. That said, I've found that some work productivity benefits come with having daily tasks that don't necessarily fall into a project. For one, it helps to break up the monotony of working on the same thing day in and day out. And secondly, it gives me a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day when I can look back and see all that I've accomplished outside of my assigned project work. Sure, some might say that checking things off a to-do list isn't as gratifying as completing a project, but for me, it's just another way to measure my work productivity.

### Side-projects

I have a lot of ideas for side projects - more than I could ever realistically hope to realize. However, that doesn't stop me from creating a Todoist project for each and every one of them. In fact, I see it as an essential part of the brainstorming and planning process. Having a dedicated space to capture my thoughts, plans, and design tasks helps me to organize my ideas and start to see the potential in each project. Even if the project never comes to fruition, the act of creating the Todoist project helps me to focus my thoughts and develop a clearer understanding of what I want to achieve. And who knows, maybe one day I'll actually get around to finishing one of these projects!

![Todoist's sidebar menu](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2023/12/002-Projects.jpg)

Grouping related projects together into nested projects can help keep your project list clean and organized.

### Supermarket

Supermarket runs can be a pain, especially when you forget an essential item. To avoid this, my wife and I created a Supermarket Todoist project that we can both access. Now, whenever either of us realizes that we're out of something, we can just add it to the list. That way, whoever goes to the store next will know exactly what we need. This has been a huge time-saver for us and has prevented many frustrating trips to the store.

### Finance

One of the most important things in life is staying on top of your finances. However, it can be difficult to keep track of everything, from credit cards and direct debits to subscriptions and bills. That's why I created a Todoist project for my finances. I divided the project into sections for each type of payment and set up reminders for when payments are due. This way, I always know what's coming up and can plan accordingly. Plus, I imported the calendar feed for the project into my calendar so I can see upcoming payments at a glance. This system has been a lifesaver for me and has helped me stay on top of my finances.

### Household

It's always the little things that seem to take up the most time. Keeping on top of household tasks and chores can feel like a never-ending battle. Family life is hectic enough without having to worry about remembering to take out the trash or change the water filter. However, there are ways to make things run more smoothly. One way is to create a Todoist project for household tasks. This can help you to keep track of what needs to be done and when and ensure that nothing gets forgotten. Family life is full of surprises, but with a little organization, it doesn't have to be so chaotic. A Todoist project can help you get on top of things and make your home run like clockwork. Plus, it's the perfect type of project to get your partner hooked on Todoist! 😉

## Adding tasks in seconds

Todoist's interface is clean and concise, and I can easily add new tasks or rearrange my existing ones with just a few clicks. However, for me, the real superpower in any to-do app is the speed at which you can add new tasks. Todoist has a feature called Quick Add, and it's something that can be invoked from everywhere!

### Quick Add all the tasks

On macOS, I use my custom global keyboard shortcut `CMD + CTRL + A` , which brings up Quick Add to the front of any running app, allowing me to capture my task. While this is my most-used way of adding tasks to Todoist, I sometimes also use the native Share option from any macOS app to create more app-specific tasks.

![Todoist's Quick Add feature](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2023/12/002-QuickAdd.jpg)

On iOS and iPadOS, my task entry is mostly done from within the app, but I also use a couple of Apple Shortcuts that speed up my task entry process.

### Adding to my supermarket list through Siri

Apple's Siri is a handy voice assistant that can do a lot of things, from setting alarms to sending messages. One feature that I use often is the ability to add items to my shopping list. However, Siri sometimes has trouble understanding what I want to add, and I often find myself having to say the same thing multiple times. Apple [Shortcuts](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/shortcuts/welcome/ios?ref=tsamoudakis.com) can be helpful in this regard, as they allow me to create custom commands that Siri will understand more easily.

One of the shortcuts that I use the most is called “Add to Supermarket”. With this shortcut, all I need to do is trigger it, and Siri will ask me what I want to be added to my shopping list. In just a few seconds, the item is added to my list, and I can continue with my day. This shortcut is especially convenient when I’m using Siri through my HomePods, as I don’t even need to pick up my phone.

![Building shortcuts for two of my most common daily actions](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2023/12/002-Shortcuts.jpg)

I also have a similar Shortcut for adding general tasks to a specific Todoist Project. Both of them have saved me a lot of time and effort, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a way to streamline their daily tasks.

### Save for later with Todoist

Another Shortcut I use daily is to quickly save text, links, or images from another app into my Todoist task list. This is extremely helpful when browsing apps like Twitter, Facebook, or any other website with interesting links. My time isn't endless, and this shortcut captures the link, text, or anything else and creates a task in a specific project, and sets the due date for Today so that the task doesn't get buried or forgotten. At the end of the day, if I have time to get to these links, I will. Otherwise, they'll be postponed for the next day, depending on what priority I assign to them.

## Filtered views

Now that you've mastered adding tasks to Todoist, it's time to start customizing your productivity system to better suit your needs. Todoist's [Filters](https://todoist.com/help/articles/introduction-to-filters?ref=tsamoudakis.com) are a great way to do this. Filters let you create task views that focus on specific projects, due dates, labels, priorities, and more.

![Creating a Todoist filter](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2023/12/002-Filters.jpg)

I have a few filters that I use regularly, and they've been a lifesaver. One of my favorites is the filter that shows all tasks assigned to me within any project that I share with my team. This helps me keep track of what needs to be done, and it makes sure that I don't miss anything. Another great filter is the one that shows all upcoming payments from the Finance project mentioned above. This helps me stay on top of my finances and make sure that I'm not missing any payments. 

Todoist's flexible filtering system is one of its greatest strengths, and it's something that I rely on heavily to stay productive.

## Bringing my tasks into a weekly perspective

Integrations are key to productivity. By integrating [Fantastical](https://flexibits.com/fantastical?ref=tsamoudakis.com) and Todoist, I'm able to bring my tasks into a weekly perspective, which helps me stay on top of things. The integration between the two apps is fantastic, as it allows me to see my calendar and my to-do list in one place. This gives me a clear overview of what I need to do and when I need to do it. Additionally, the integration between Fantastical and Todoist allows me to create new tasks directly from my calendar. This is a huge time-saver, as I no longer have to switch between apps to create new tasks.

![Monthly view of Fantastical](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2023/12/002-Fantastical.jpg)

### Project calendar feeds

In addition to integrations, Todoist also offers **Project calendar feeds**. By using the unique URL for each project, you can subscribe to their feed on any calendar app or service. This allows you to have a second overview of your tasks, which is particularly useful for complex projects.

The best part is that you can share specific project feeds with others so they can stay up-to-date on your progress without them having to join your project or even Todoist! This is a great productivity hack for team projects, as well as for keeping loved ones in the loop on important tasks. Whether you're working on a work project or a household chore, Project calendar feeds are a valuable tool for staying organized and on track.

## Todoist as a macOS menu bar app

Todoist is available on a wide variety of platforms, from browser extensions to mobile apps and integrations. However, one place where it is not present is the menu bar of macOS. Having a small Todoist always available on the top right corner of my Mac could provide unobtrusive and easy access to my tasks instead of having to constantly switch between app windows. However, this isn't a minor feature request, and I'm not sure if it will ever make it to Todoist's roadmap.

![Todoist used within Menubar X](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2023/12/002-MenubarX.jpg)

If you're looking for the wallpaper shown above, it's called Darknetic and can be downloaded [here](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/darknetic-wallpaper).

Thankfully, though, the Todoist Web app works flawlessly on small mobile screens, and there is a third-party app that brings the functionality I imagined to life. [MenubarX](https://menubarx.app/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) is an app that takes any Web app and puts it on the macOS menu bar for quick access.

Combining the global Quick Add shortcut and the ability to access my lists without switching my focus makes Todoist transparent to my daily workflow. A powerful app that is always there when I need it, but never in the way!

## Conclusion

As a tech person, I test and use a plethora of apps daily to make my life easier and boost my productivity. Most of them focus on a specific task, and they do it very well! Todoist is one of those, and what makes it irreplaceable to me is the fact that it's available everywhere and there's always a way for it to adapt to any situation!

Hopefully, the above has given you an idea of how I utilize Todoist or what you may accomplish with a highly effective to-do list app. I'd love to hear about your workflows or how and what you're employing to maintain your daily productivity at its top level.
### Darknetic wallpaper
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/darknetic-wallpaper/
Last updated: 2025-11-20T15:33:30.000Z
Every time Apple releases a new OS update, I immediately switch to one of its new wallpapers. I'm not sure if it's the popularity of the wallpaper or just me getting bored with it, but it doesn't take me long to seek out something new. This is probably the reason why, over the years, I have built a large collection of wallpapers that I rotate on my MacBook's desktop every few weeks.

Given how much I love customizing my desktop and my mobile devices, I decided to let my creativity dress up my devices in a way that matches both my taste and my office. Inspired by the dark colors of my current desk setup, in combination with the accent colors produced by a couple of light strips, I created this minimal wallpaper that I like to call Darknetic.

Darknetic is a minimal dark-toned wallpaper with subtle gradient colors that blend at the bottom to create really nice and calming color combinations, which are great for working or studying. It was designed to create a sophisticated and elegant look for your desktop or mobile device that sits in the background and complements any app that has your focus.

## How to change your wallpaper

Desktop and mobile devices nowadays have a ton of different resolutions, but they all allow you to scale the wallpaper of your choice to your desired aspect. Below, you'll find download links of Darknetic in high resolution, suitable for every device.

And if you're new to customizing the look and feel of your devices, here are some useful links on how to change your wallpaper on [macOS](https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT207703?ref=tsamoudakis.com), [iOS](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT200285?ref=tsamoudakis.com), [Android](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7289143?hl=en&ref=tsamoudakis.com), and [Windows](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-your-desktop-background-image-175618be-4cf1-c159-2785-ec2238b433a8?ref=tsamoudakis.com).

[Darknetic WallpaperDarknetic is a minimal dark-toned wallpaper with subtle gradient colors that blend at the bottom to create really nice and calming color combinations, which are great for working or studying. It was designed to create a sophisticated and elegant look for your desktop or mobile device that sits in the background and compliments any app that has your focus.Darknetic is available in multiple resolutions to fit your phone, tablet, and desktop device!![](https://public-files.gumroad.com/zwi2ezmbmd5t3q4ibp4xptxghukl)Gumroad![](https://public-files.gumroad.com/chb6vldmvx4rtaocyzmf25m170vq)](https://tsamoudakis.gumroad.com/l/darknetic?ref=tsamoudakis.com)

[Download](https://tsamoudakis.gumroad.com/l/darknetic?ref=tsamoudakis.com)

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy using Darknetic as your new wallpaper! 😊
### Todoist: Shaping Productivity through Design
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/todoist-shaping-productivity-through-design/
Last updated: 2025-03-30T12:25:47.000Z
### Project Snapshot

- **Company**: [Doist](https://doist.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- **Product**: [Todoist](https://todoist.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) (iOS, Android, Web)
- **Role**: Product Designer (2017–Present)
- **Focus Areas**: Core UX, Feature Design, Visual Systems, Product Growth
- **Highlights**: Task Details revamp, Deadlines, Search, Favorites, Dark Theme, Teams Growth

### Problem & Context

Todoist is a productivity tool used by millions every day to organize both personal and professional lives. Designing for such a widely adopted product means balancing consistency and innovation—every improvement must feel natural, be accessible across platforms, and deliver real value without adding friction.

Over my 8+ years at Doist, I've contributed to many parts of the product. The examples below reflect some of the work I’m most proud of—features that made a real difference in users’ workflows and in how Todoist continues to evolve.

### My Role

As a Product Designer, I own design end-to-end—from research and early exploration to visual polish and developer collaboration. I work closely with cross-functional squads to ship features that align with user needs and company goals. I also contribute to long-term product vision, interface consistency, and incremental polish through internal roles like “Design Hero.”

### Process & Approach

**Evolving Core UX (Todoist Foundations)**

I was part of the team that redefined the app’s structure and interactions in a major overhaul called Foundations—an initiative that modernized our core experience and paved the way for future features.

**Feature Design Highlights**

- **Task Details**: I designed this central screen to be more intuitive and actionable. It remains one of the most positively received changes by our user base.
- **Deadlines**: I designed this much-requested feature across platforms, supported by user research and interactive prototypes.
- **Favorites**: I introduced the ability to favorite projects, labels, and filters—giving users faster access to what matters most and improving task navigation across devices.
- **Search Redesign**: I reimagined the search experience to make finding content easier and faster, reducing friction in everyday workflows.
- **Emoji Reactions in Comments**: A small but high-impact improvement that brought more fun and personality to collaborative work, helping teams communicate faster and with more emotion.

**Visual Design & Accessibility**

- I launched Todoist’s first **Dark Theme**, refining the full theme system to ensure readability, elegance, and brand consistency.

**Growth & Adoption**

- As part of the **growth squad** for **Todoist Teams**, I worked on improving the “Workspace” experience—shipping small, high-impact features that helped increase adoption and clarify the product's value for team collaboration.

**Maintenance & Iteration**

- As “Design Hero,” I focus on polishing rough edges and fixing usability bugs—quiet work that helps keep Todoist feel reliable and delightful day after day.

![Designing Todoist Deadlines with Figma](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/12/Todoist-Deadlines-Figma.jpg)

### Outcome & Impact

- **Millions** interact daily with features I helped design.
- The **Task Details** and **Favorites** updates continue to streamline task management.
- The **Deadlines** feature helped users stay accountable and plan with more clarity.
- **Emoji reactions** and **Dark Theme** brought more joy and personalization to the experience.
- Our work on **Todoist Teams** led to noticeable improvements in feature adoption and user retention.
- Continuous design maintenance ensures high-quality user experience across platforms.

Looking back, my time at Todoist was an extraordinary journey of growth, creativity, and impact. I’m proud of my role in making productivity accessible and enjoyable for millions of users worldwide. As a designer and a user myself, it’s gratifying to know that my work helps people organize their days and achieve their goals.

So, if you haven’t already, give Todoist a try. Who knows? It might just [transform your productivity game](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/how-i-use-todoist-to-organise-my-life/)—and make tackling your to-do list a little more fun.

[Todoist | A To-Do List to Organize Your Work & LifeTrusted by 30 million people and teams. Todoist is the world’s favorite task manager and to-do list app. Finally become focused, organized and calm.![](https://todoist.com/static/safari-pinned-tab.svg)Todoist![](https://todoist.com/static/ogimages/en/og-image-home.png)](https://todoist.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
### Twist: Redefining Communication in Remote Work
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/twist-redefining-communication-in-remote-work/
Last updated: 2025-03-30T12:25:30.000Z
### Project Snapshot

- **Company**: [Doist](https://doist.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- **Product**: [Twist](https://twist.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) (iOS, Android, Web)
- **Role**: Product Designer (2017–Present)
- **Focus Areas**: Async-first UX, Feature Design, Cross-Platform Systems, Interface Modernization
- **Highlights**: Expandable Composer, WYSIWYG Editor, Settings Revamp, New Twist Facelift, Out of Office Scheduler

### Problem & Context

Twist is Doist’s answer to the noisy, real-time culture of traditional messaging apps. It promotes asynchronous collaboration, allowing remote teams to focus, communicate clearly, and avoid the pressure of always being online.

Designing for Twist means challenging long-standing norms in team communication. Every feature must reduce friction, encourage thoughtfulness, and work seamlessly across platforms. When I joined Doist, Twist was still in internal beta. Since then, I’ve helped bring it to life as a tool now used by teams around the world to work calmly and intentionally.

### My Role

As a Product Designer on Twist, I own features end-to-end—from discovery and research to design execution and final polish. I collaborate closely with engineers and PMs across web, iOS, and Android, ensuring design consistency and a high-quality experience on every platform. My work spans foundational improvements, interface upgrades, and user-facing features that support asynchronous workflows.

### Process & Approach

#### Expanding the Core UX (Async Communication Foundations)

One of my first projects was rethinking how people write messages in Twist. I introduced the **expandable composer**—a flexible input field that encourages long-form, structured messages over the rapid-fire chat norms seen in apps like Slack. This change allowed users to slow down, organize their thoughts, and communicate with intention, reinforcing Twist’s async-first identity.

Building on that, I designed our first **WYSIWYG editor**, which brought formatting options to the composer for the first time. Now users can bold, italicize, and structure content more clearly—without needing markdown. It made communication more expressive while keeping the interface clean and intuitive.

#### Cross-Platform Design Consistency

Consistency across platforms is essential. When revamping the **Settings experience**, I restructured the interface for better discoverability and improved the underlying information architecture. The redesign reduced friction and clarified key actions like notifications, profiles, and integrations—all while maintaining a cohesive feel across web and mobile.

As part of Twist’s larger evolution, I contributed to the **“New Twist” facelift**—a visual and UX refresh that fine-tuned structure, navigation, and interaction details. Though it didn’t change core functionality, it gave the app a more modern feel and helped surface its core value through polish and clarity.

#### Supporting Async Culture Through Features

Most recently, I led the design of the **Out of Office scheduler**—a feature that allows users to set their availability for upcoming days or vacations. It helps teammates set expectations without the need for constant pings or reminders, fully supporting the async ethos at the heart of Twist.

![Designing Twist's settings screens in Figma](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/12/Twist-Settings-Figma.jpg)

### Outcome & Impact

- The **expandable composer** made communication in Twist feel calmer and more deliberate.
- The **WYSIWYG editor** added clarity and expressiveness without increasing cognitive load.
- The **Settings redesign** modernized the experience and simplified everyday interactions.
- The **New Twist facelift** introduced structural and visual improvements that increased usability.
- The **Out of Office scheduler** strengthened async workflows by reducing status uncertainty.

While Twist started as a tool for Doist’s internal needs, it evolved into something much larger—a product that helps teams worldwide communicate better. It’s more than just an app; it’s a reimagining of how work should feel: calm, productive, and human.

Looking back, my time working on Twist was as rewarding as it was challenging. The experience honed my skills in designing for clarity, collaboration, and user empowerment. And while Twist continues to grow, I’m proud to have played a part in shaping its journey.

[Twist: Organized work communication for flexible teamsSee how much more efficient your teamwork can be (even across time zones). Named a World Changing Idea by Fast Company.![](https://twist.com/assets/favicons/icon.svg)Twist![](https://twist.com/assets/ogimages/en/og-image-default.jpg)](https://twist.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
### fooodlove: A blend of Taste and Technology
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/fooodlove-a-blend-of-taste-and-technology/
Last updated: 2025-03-30T12:41:25.000Z
### Project Snapshot

- **Client**: [fooodlove](https://www.fooodlove.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) (independent food blog)
- **Platform**: ExpressionEngine, Bootstrap
- **Role**: Product Designer & Developer
- **Focus Areas**: Responsive Design, Custom Development, Video Workflows, UX Strategy
- **Highlights**: Mobile-first Rebuild, Automated Google Web Stories, Figma Component System

### Problem & Context

Fooodlove is a vibrant Mediterranean food blog with a global audience, beloved for its easy-to-follow recipes and short-form cooking videos. Despite its growing popularity on social platforms, the original site—built on a basic WordPress theme—struggled to support new features and provide a mobile-friendly experience. The blog needed a full transformation: modern infrastructure, flexible content capabilities, and a UX that matched its visual personality.

My challenge was to redesign and rebuild the site from the ground up, turning it into a responsive, content-rich experience that felt like a native app when accessed from mobile devices—where over 70% of the traffic came from.

### My Role

I led the project as a **Product Designer** while also taking on full development responsibilities. I collaborated closely with the blog owner, a copywriter, and a marketing strategist to align the design and functionality with the brand’s tone and growth goals.

From the initial research to final implementation, I wore multiple hats: defining the structure, designing reusable components in Figma, developing the site using ExpressionEngine, and even producing video content and food photography. My goal was to deliver a polished, scalable platform that honored fooodlove’s charm while expanding its potential.

![fooodlove file organization within Figma](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/01/fooodlove-file-organization-1.jpg)

### Process & Approach

#### Research & Planning

I began by diving into dozens of food blogs and recipe communities, evaluating which features actually served audiences and which felt redundant. I mapped these findings against the client's wishlist to shape a roadmap rooted in user needs rather than assumptions.

#### Platform & Flexibility

ExpressionEngine was chosen over WordPress to give us more flexibility in managing complex content types and building custom features. This allowed us to develop bespoke interactions and workflows tailored to both the team’s content creation process and the user experience.

#### Design System

Before jumping into visuals, I created a comprehensive style guide in Figma—defining the visual language through reusable typography, color, and UI components. This system helped us stay consistent and efficient throughout development.

#### Mobile-First Design

Given the mobile-heavy audience, I treated small screens as the primary platform. The result is a fully responsive experience that behaves and feels like a native app on mobile devices—fluid, focused, and frictionless.

#### Custom Development

Beyond the interface, I built a powerful automation that generates [Google Web Stories](https://creators.google/en-us/content-creation-products/own-your-content/web-stories/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) from recipe content—something most blogs still do manually. This feature amplified discoverability while saving countless hours of production time.

#### Content Production

To further elevate fooodlove’s brand, I created repeatable workflows for photography and video. Using Figma templates and Final Cut Pro, I helped the team produce consistent, high-quality recipe videos that fit seamlessly with the site’s visual style.

![Designing fooodlove in Figma](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/01/fooodlove-in-figma.jpg)

### Outcome & Impact

- The new **fooodlove.com** delivers a fast, responsive experience that feels native on mobile
- Organic traffic increased, and **engagement across social platforms surged**
- The Google Web Stories automation enhanced content reach with minimal effort
- The new design provided a **solid foundation for future features and marketing initiatives**
- The blog expanded into **YouTube**, adding a new layer to its audience strategy

While the website has come a long way, the journey isn’t over. With a roadmap full of exciting features, fooodlove continues to evolve, and I’m thrilled to be part of its growth. Here’s to more delicious challenges ahead!

[fooodlove.comTasty food blog featuring easy Greek and Mediterranean-inspired recipes.![](https://www.fooodlove.com/apple-touch-icon.png)fooodlove![](https://fooodlove.com/images/fl/fooodlove.jpg)](https://www.fooodlove.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
### theFineBits: Turning a Solo Project into a Premium Ghost Brand
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/thefinebits-turning-a-solo-project-into-a-premium-ghost-brand/
Last updated: 2025-03-30T13:43:46.000Z
### **Project Snapshot**

- **Studio:** [theFineBits](https://www.thefinebits.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- **Product:** FineBits (Ghost CMS Theme)
- **Role:** Designer, Developer, Founder
- **Focus Areas:** Design Systems, Frontend Development, Theme Architecture, Indie Sales
- **Highlights:** Responsive Design, Figma Prototyping, Handlebars Integration, Ghost Marketplace Approval

### **Problem & Context**

After years of designing for platforms like WordPress and ExpressionEngine, I decided to explore Ghost—an open-source CMS known for its clean writing experience and elegant interface. While Ghost had many solid themes, none truly matched the blend of minimalism and personality I envisioned. I saw an opportunity not just to create a theme for my own blog but to launch a product others could use and trust. That’s how FineBits was born—and with it, my design studio, theFineBits.

### **My Role**

This was a one-person project: from research, design, and development, to launch, support, and iteration. I wore every hat—designer, developer, project manager, and customer support agent. My goal was to design a premium theme that felt custom-crafted yet scalable, intuitive yet flexible enough for personal blogs and small publications alike.

### **Process & Approach**

**Starting with a design-first mindset**

I kicked off the project in Figma, defining typography, layout structure, and color themes with a mobile-first approach. Having no client to report to allowed me to fully explore different styles before settling on something clean, functional, and slightly playful.

**From HTML to Handlebars**

Once the blueprint was ready, I coded the theme using semantic HTML and modular CSS. Ghost uses Handlebars as its templating engine, which meant converting static HTML into reusable, dynamic templates—components like post listings, tag pages, and author views.

**Ghost Dev Environment**

Developing locally with Ghost took some extra setup (Node.js, Gulp, NPM), but once the workflow clicked, it made iterating a breeze. I was able to preview every change instantly and troubleshoot quickly, which was crucial in fine-tuning the final product.

**Managing the solo grind**

Working solo meant I had to be highly organized. I used [Todoist](https://www.tsamoudakis.com/how-i-use-todoist-to-organise-my-life/) to break the project down into sprints and track what made the cut for version 1\. I also created a backlog of ideas to avoid feature creep and keep my initial launch manageable.

![Figma design file showcasing the FineBits Ghost theme with light and dark mode layouts](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/03/FineBits-in-Figma.png)

Designing FineBits in Figma: Exploring layouts, color systems, and both light and dark modes.

### **Outcome & Impact**

After a soft beta launch and several iterations, *FineBits* was approved and listed in the official [Ghost Marketplace](https://ghost.org/marketplace/?ref=tsamoudakis.com). The first sale came just days after launch—and while it wasn’t life-changing money, it was validating in the best way possible.

People were buying it, using it, and reaching out with feedback. I refined the documentation, fixed bugs, and started building a small, supportive customer base. Each interaction helped shape what *FineBits* would become: a reliable, elegant theme that felt both personal and professional.

![Minimalist workspace with a MacBook running VS Code blending code and calm design](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/03/macbook-finebits-development.jpg)

### **What’s Next**

FineBits was just the beginning. I’m now working on a second theme called FlexiBits—a minimal yet highly flexible theme designed to adapt to a wider range of publishing needs.

While FineBits focuses on simplicity and structure, FlexiBits was born from user feedback asking for more layout control, personalization options, and creative freedom. It’s not a direct successor, but rather a complementary theme that serves a different purpose. The goal is to offer a cleaner starting point for those who want minimal aesthetics without sacrificing flexibility.

With theFineBits, I aim to grow a collection of carefully designed Ghost themes that each solve different problems while staying true to a high standard of quality and attention to detail.

[theFineBitsThe FineBits is a high-quality Ghost theme perfect for blogs, publications, podcasts, and beyond!![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1.png)theFineBits![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/thumbnail/thefinebits.jpg)](https://www.thefinebits.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
### WatchCrunch: A Digital Haven for Watch Enthusiasts
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/watchcrunch-a-digital-haven-for-watch-enthusiasts/
Last updated: 2026-02-01T06:32:51.000Z
### Project Snapshot

- **Company:** [WatchCrunch](https://www.watchcrunch.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- **Product:** WatchCrunch (iOS, Android, Web)
- **Role:** Product Designer
- **Focus Areas:** Mobile-first Design, Design Systems, Cross-Platform Consistency
- **Highlights:** iOS & Android App Design, Design System Creation, QA & Dev Collaboration

### Problem & Context

WatchCrunch is a niche social platform for watch enthusiasts, aiming to combine the elegance of luxury timepieces with the usability of a modern digital experience. When I joined the team, their web platform was already live and serving thousands of daily users.

My mission was clear: bring that experience to mobile—design world-class iOS and Android apps that felt as timeless and refined as the community they served.

### My Role

As the sole product designer on the team, I led the design efforts across all three platforms. My responsibilities included setting up a scalable design system, designing and adapting features for mobile and web, collaborating closely with developers, and ensuring pixel-perfect QA across every release.

Even with a small team, we aimed for excellence, and according to user feedback, we delivered just that.

### Process & Approach

#### Establishing Foundations

I began by evaluating the live web product to understand its visual language and UX patterns. From there, I set the groundwork for a cross-platform design system, establishing a consistent set of colors, typography, and reusable components.

#### Mobile First

I tackled the iOS app first, focusing on sleek navigation, immersive content feeds, and a visual tone that echoed the sophistication of horology. Once the iOS design was complete, I translated the experience to Android, adapting every component to Material Design standards.

#### Cross-Functional Collaboration

I worked closely with developers to ensure that every design decision was feasible and platform-appropriate. Through continuous handoff and discussion, we maintained a high level of polish across all features.

#### QA & Pixel Perfection

Every time a feature was implemented, I took the lead on QA—checking for visual accuracy, interaction integrity, and overall usability. No element was shipped unless it was exactly as intended.

![Multiple iPhone's showing different WatchCrunch screens](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2024/12/WatchCrunch-iOS.jpg)

### Outcome & Impact

WatchCrunch’s mobile experience received immediate praise from the community. Users highlighted the app's refined design, ease of use, and attention to detail, comparing it favorably to much larger platforms.

- **Positive user feedback:** Watch lovers appreciated the thoughtful UX and elegant design
- **Cross-platform consistency:** From web to mobile, the experience felt seamless and familiar
- **Future-ready design system:** Our component libraries made feature development faster and more scalable

I'm excited to see WatchCrunch continue to grow into a polished, world-class product—and proud to see my design work reflected in an experience that truly resonates with its community.

[WatchCrunch – The world’s watch networkWatchCrunch is a place for watch lovers to discuss, share, learn, and geek out about watches. Like you, we LOVE watches! We believe watch discussions should be fun and inclusive, not snobby and intimidating, so whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the watch world or an absolute beginner, come join the conversation.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/icon/icon-1.svg)WatchCrunch![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/thumbnail/wc-default-1.png)](https://www.watchcrunch.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
### Coinlib: Designing a Seamless Crypto Experience
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/coinlib-designing-a-seamless-crypto-experience/
Last updated: 2025-03-30T12:43:36.000Z
### Project Snapshot

- **Company:** [Sidebar](https://sidebar.gr/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- **Product:** [Coinlib.io](https://coinlib.io/?ref=tsamoudakis.com) (Web, iOS & Android)
- **Role:** Product Designer
- **Focus Areas:** End-to-end Product Design, Responsive Web UX, Mobile Feature Parity, Asset Library
- **Highlights:** Responsive Web Platform, React Native Mobile Apps, Design System

### Problem & Context

Before Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies exploded in popularity, Coinlib set out to build a platform for crypto investors—one that made sense of real-time market data, analytics, and news in a simple, elegant way.

This was my first encounter with blockchain and crypto. To get up to speed, I read books and immersed myself in the ecosystem before jumping into design. The challenge was clear: turn complex, intimidating data into an intuitive experience that worked seamlessly across desktop and mobile.

### My Role

I joined Coinlib as the sole designer, working directly with the founders to bring their vision to life. From the very beginning, I was responsible for the end-to-end design of the product across all platforms. I led the design of the web experience from the ground up—defining the layout, structure, and visual language—while ensuring the platform felt approachable, fast, and visually clear.

Once the web platform launched, I shifted focus to mobile. I designed high-fidelity mockups for both iOS and Android, making sure the apps maintained full feature parity and a consistent user experience. While the apps were built in React Native by Coinlib’s development team, I delivered a robust design system and asset library to support implementation. At the time, Sketch was my primary design tool, and I used it to maintain consistency, precision, and visual polish throughout the project.

Throughout the process, I collaborated closely with developers, reviewed builds, and made sure every screen and interaction met our shared standards. This was more than just a freelance gig—it was a deep partnership built on trust and shared ambition.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/01/coinlib-sketch.jpg)

### Process & Approach

#### Web Platform

Our journey began with the desktop web app, where most users would first interact with Coinlib. The goal: create a professional-grade platform that remained accessible to both crypto newcomers and experienced traders.

- **Interface design:** Built a clean, data-focused UI that supported exploration without clutter.
- **Information hierarchy:** Prioritized the most important insights—prices, trends, news—up front.
- **Responsiveness:** Ensured smooth performance and usability across screen sizes.
- **Developer collaboration:** Worked in lockstep with engineering to ensure seamless integration.

#### Mobile Apps

Once the web platform was live, we expanded to mobile with React Native apps for iOS and Android. The challenge was to preserve the web app’s utility on smaller screens.

- **Feature parity:** Replicated core functionality in a mobile-optimized interface.
- **Consistent design language:** Extended visual elements and UX patterns to mobile.
- **Interaction design:** Focused on smooth transitions, intuitive gestures, and clarity.
- **Design handoff:** Provided detailed mockups and a structured asset library for the dev team.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/01/coinlib-mobile.jpg)

### Outcome & Impact

- Delivered a **highly responsive web platform** that translated complex crypto data into a usable product.
- Brought the experience to mobile with **feature-rich, elegant apps** that worked on both iOS and Android.
- **Coinlib was later acquired**, a proud milestone that marked the success and maturity of the product.
- My design work still lives on, supporting thousands of users navigating the crypto market.

Coinlib.io is more than just a project; it’s proof of my ability to tackle complex challenges and deliver results that exceed expectations. By blending user-centered design with technical precision, I transformed a data-heavy concept into an elegant, user-friendly platform—a shining example of what’s possible when vision meets execution.

In an exciting turn of events, Coinlib was eventually acquired, marking the end of my direct partnership with the project. However, I’m proud that the design decisions I made continue to stand the test of time, ensuring the platform’s usability and appeal remain intact.

[Coinlib - Crypto Prices, Charts, Lists & Crypto Market NewsLive and historic cryptocurrency prices, news, charts and coin rankings. Portfolio tracking, price alerts and other advanced tools.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/icon/dark180x180.png)Coinlib.io![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/thumbnail/coinlib_fb_card_1200x630.png)](https://coinlib.io/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
### Wifi Catalogue: Elevating Hospitality Businesses
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/wifi-catalogue-elevating-hospitality-businesses/
Last updated: 2025-03-30T12:15:29.000Z
### Project Snapshot

- **Company:** [Wifi Catalogue](https://wificatalogue.gr/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- **Product:** QR-based menus and guides for hospitality businesses
- **Role:** Product Designer
- **Focus Areas:** Design System, Visual Design, Technical Alignment
- **Highlights:** Design System Creation, Developer-Friendly Implementation, Platform Polish

### Problem & Context

As the hospitality industry rapidly shifted toward contactless experiences, Wifi Catalogue emerged with a timely solution—QR menus and digital guides for restaurants and hotels. While functional, the platform lacked visual consistency and polish. The design felt fragmented, and the interface didn’t reflect the product’s growing relevance and potential.

This project came at a critical moment: demand was rising, and the team needed to act fast. I joined to elevate the product’s visual language while ensuring any changes wouldn’t disrupt development. We had limited time, and a long dev backlog was not an option.

### My Role

I led the design efforts, working closely with the founders to shape a new design system that improved the visual and functional quality of the product. I began by immersing myself in both the user experience and the codebase—understanding the platform’s strengths and limitations was essential to crafting designs that could be implemented smoothly. My goal was to deliver high-impact, low-friction improvements. Despite the short timeline, I made sure every decision pushed the product forward in meaningful ways.

### Process & Approach

**Laying the Foundation**

My first step was a deep audit of the platform—color palettes, typography, layout structure, and component behavior. From this, I built a robust design system tailored to the platform’s needs and constraints. The system emphasized clarity, scalability, and elegance.

**Collaborating with Developers**

I reviewed the codebase early to ensure all proposed updates would align with existing structures. This allowed for smoother collaboration and faster implementation. I worked closely with the devs to iterate quickly, addressing edge cases and refining component logic as needed.

**Designing for Growth**

Every component was designed with the future in mind. Whether a small icon or a full layout, I made sure it could evolve as the product scaled. The system was modular and flexible—easy to maintain, and even easier to build on.

### Outcome & Impact

The project delivered immediate and long-term value. The interface became more intuitive and visually cohesive, creating a smoother experience for customers. The design system made the development team faster and more confident in future rollouts.

This wasn’t just a visual upgrade—it was a foundational shift that helped Wifi Catalogue mature as a product. Even though the project was relatively short, its impact continues to shape how the platform grows.

Wifi Catalogue is at an exciting crossroads. With a strong design foundation established, the platform is well-positioned to explore new features and capabilities that further enhance value for hospitality businesses. The journey to innovate and deliver exceptional user experiences continues, and the future looks brighter than ever.

[Wifi Catalogue HomeΑναβαθμίστε την εμπειρία των πελατών σας με το QR menu του Wificatalogue.gr! Δημιουργήστε ψηφιακά μενού γρήγορα και εύκολα, προσφέροντας άμεση πρόσβαση σε πληροφορίες και παραγγελίες. Ιδανικό για εστιατόρια, καφετέριες, ξενοδοχεία και καταλύματα. Ξεκινήστε σήμερα και εξοικονομήστε χρόνο και πόρους!![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)Wifi Catalogue![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/thumbnail/WifiCatalogue_1200x560.jpg)](http://wificatalogue.gr/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
### Nissia Holidays: Redefining Luxury Travel through Design
URL: https://www.tsamoudakis.com/portfolio/nissia-holidays-redefining-luxury-travel-through-design/
Last updated: 2025-03-30T13:21:53.000Z
### **Project Snapshot**

- **Company:** [Nissia Holidays](https://www.nissiaholidays.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)
- **Deliverables:** Brand Identity Refresh & Custom WordPress Theme
- **Role:** Product Designer & Developer
- **Focus Areas:** Branding, Visual Systems, UX Strategy, WordPress Development
- **Highlights:** New Logo & Style Guide, Custom Booking Experience, Travel Blog, Responsive Design

### **Problem & Context**

Nissia Holidays is a high-end travel agency offering curated luxury holidays across the Greek islands. While the brand had an excellent reputation, its visual identity and digital presence had grown outdated and fragmented.

I was brought in to lead a full refresh of the brand—starting from the logo and visual language all the way to a fully custom WordPress website that would house villa listings, travel guides, blog content, and an integrated booking system.

From the start, I worked closely with the CEO of Nissia Holidays to ensure every design decision aligned with the company’s values and vision for the future.

### **My Role**

This was a solo, end-to-end project. I led the rebranding effort, designed the new identity, and developed a custom WordPress theme to support the company’s content and operational needs. My goal was to elevate the brand visually while making the user experience smoother, faster, and more intuitive across all devices.

### **Process & Approach**

**Refreshing the Brand**

The first step was reimagining the brand identity. I redesigned the logo, created a refined color palette, and developed a new typographic system. The goal was to communicate luxury and professionalism while staying warm and approachable—just like the hospitality Nissia is known for.

The new style guide was designed to scale effortlessly across digital and print use, helping the team maintain consistency in everything from marketing materials to customer emails.

**Designing a Seamless Experience**

I mapped out a clean, mobile-first layout system that could adapt to Nissia’s evolving needs. The website now showcases:

- A detailed listing system for villas and holiday packages
- A dynamic travel blog
- Island guides filled with helpful tips and recommendations
- A streamlined booking flow that encourages exploration and conversion

**Custom WordPress Development**

I built a bespoke WordPress theme tailored to Nissia’s goals and content strategy. The backend is flexible and easy to manage, allowing their team to update listings, post articles, and make edits without relying on outside help.

Each feature—from image galleries to booking links—was designed to serve both travelers and the business, making it easy for users to plan their trip while supporting Nissia’s operational workflows.

![Figma design file of Nissia Holidays website showing villa reservation form](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/2025/03/Designing-Nissia-Holidays-in-Figma.png)

Crafting a seamless travel planning journey—Figma layouts for the Nissia Holidays website.

### **Outcome & Impact**

The rebrand brought a fresh sense of clarity and elegance to Nissia Holidays—both online and offline. The new website now fully reflects the premium experience that Nissia offers, and it has become a powerful tool for storytelling, marketing, and customer acquisition.

Beyond visual improvements, the project helped streamline how the business operates online. Everything lives in one place, from villa listings to travel content, and the site is flexible enough to grow with the company’s ambitions.

Working directly with the CEO throughout the process made a huge difference. We were able to align on vision, iterate quickly, and ensure that the final product truly captured what makes Nissia special.

[Nissia Holidays | Unspoilt Greek Island HolidaysFor the perfect Greek getaway, choose Nissia Holidays, the UK’s unpackaged holiday specialists for Halki, Tilos, Nisyros — the unspoilt Greek islands.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-180x180.png)Nissia HolidaysNeill, Sue, Agnes & Joe![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/72/e1727581-3411-494e-b727-d5894a93d7ac/content/images/thumbnail/logo.svg)](https://www.nissiaholidays.com/?ref=tsamoudakis.com)