TextEdit for Clipboard Content

The tool to handle complex RTF

I have been copying various text information online into Apple Pages. I have become frustrated with the formatting in Pages and spend a lot of time fixing bullet points and header text.

I recently found that if I use TextEdit the formatted text content from Google Chrome matches what I see in the browser. This is especially true for complex list types.

So if you're running into difficulty with Pages not handling Clipboard formatting, try using TextEdit.

Here's why this method is effective:

1. Different Formatting Standards: Google Chrome and Apple Pages might interpret and handle text formatting differently due to their distinct underlying technologies. This can lead to inconsistencies when you copy-paste directly from Chrome to Pages.
2. Neutral Ground with TextEdit: TextEdit, a simple and versatile text editor for macOS, acts as a neutral ground. It supports a wide range of text formats and provides a more consistent interpretation of the formatting. When you first paste into TextEdit, it adapts the formatting from Chrome in a way that's more compatible with Pages.
3. Maintaining Formatting: By copying from TextEdit to Pages, the likelihood of retaining the original formatting from Chrome increases. TextEdit essentially "translates" the formatting into a form that Pages can better understand and reproduce.
4. Simplicity and Accessibility: TextEdit is a basic tool that comes pre-installed on all Macs, making it an easily accessible solution for this kind of formatting issue.

To use this method, simply copy your formatted text from Google Chrome, paste it into TextEdit, and then copy from TextEdit and paste into Apple Pages. This should maintain most, if not all, of the original formatting.

Remember, though, that very complex formatting or certain specific elements might still not transfer perfectly due to inherent differences in how Chrome and Pages handle them.

iMac FaceTime Camera Quality

Use an old iPhone for better videos

My iMac, which is a Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019 has a built in camera. The built in camera is an HD camera. My Apple Thunderbolt Display also has a built it camera, and it's also a HD camera.

Today, the terminology "HD" doen't really mean High Definition as HD means 720p. Most smartphones front screens are now using 1080p image resolutions.

Video Resolution Fun Facts

720p vs 1080p

Do you really need a 1080p video resolution for Zoom or Microsoft Teams calls? Probably not. However it would help with low lighting and clarity. This would be good for job interviews or important job meetings.

Got an Old iPhone?

The camera on your iPhone is designed to capture high-resolution photos and videos. When used as a webcam, it can significantly outperform many standard computer webcams. The iPhone's sensor and lens are engineered to produce sharp, high-definition images, ensuring that you come across clearly and professionally. Furthermore, the iPhone's camera excels in a variety of lighting situations, adjusting to give you the best possible image.

Setting Up Your iPhone as Your iMac's Camera

Transforming your iPhone into a FaceTime camera for your iMac is relatively straightforward. You'll need a few things to get started:

• Your old iPhone (preferably one with a 1080p camera, such as the iPhone 6 or later).
• A stable stand or tripod to position your iPhone.
• A lightning cable to connect your iPhone to your iMac.
• Software to bridge the connection between your iPhone and iMac (apps like EpocCam or Camo).

Once you have everything you need, follow these steps:

1. Install the Webcam App: Download and install your chosen webcam app on both your iPhone and iMac. These apps will enable you to use your iPhone as a webcam via a USB or Wi-Fi connection.
2. Connect Your iPhone: Mount your iPhone on the stand or tripod and position it where you would normally have a webcam. Connect your iPhone to your iMac using the lightning cable.
3. Configure the Webcam App: Launch the app on your iMac and follow the instructions to connect it to your iPhone. You might need to allow some permissions on both devices.
4. Select the iPhone as Your Camera Source: In your video conferencing app's settings (like Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams), select the webcam app you've installed as the camera source.
5. Adjust the Settings: Fine-tune the camera settings to your liking. You can adjust the resolution, zoom, and even add filters if your webcam app supports these features.

Useful iPhone Tripod Stand

The Benefits of 1080p Resolution

With your iPhone now set as your FaceTime camera, you'll notice a considerable improvement in video quality. The 1080p resolution of your iPhone's camera provides a high-definition video feed, making your image on calls much sharper than the standard 720p webcam of older iMacs. You'll appear clearer, with more accurate colors and better detail. This can be particularly beneficial for professional calls where making a good impression is paramount.

Looking Your Best on Conference Calls

The higher resolution combined with your iPhone's superior sensor will mean that your video has less noise and better performance in low light conditions. You can say goodbye to pixelated video and embrace a more polished and flattering image. Remember, good lighting is key to professional video calls, so make sure you're well-lit from the front. Your iPhone will take care of the rest, ensuring that you look your best.

Closing Thoughts

Using your old iPhone as a FaceTime camera is not just a creative hack but a smart way to leverage technology you already own. It's a win-win situation that contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle while improving your professional presence online. So, dust off that old iPhone, set it up as your new iMac webcam, and get ready to show up on your next video call with clarity and confidence.

Testing Headset Microphones Volumes

Tips on improving your Microphone.

In the quest for impeccable audio quality during our virtual interactions, the microphone plays a starring role. This week, we delve into the realms of testing and enhancing your headset microphone's input on your Mac, ensuring your voice resonates clearly and accurately across digital corridors. Let?s explore some tools and techniques to boost up that input signal to achieve audio nirvana.

Understanding Your Microphone Settings

Before diving into external tools, familiarize yourself with the Sound settings on your Mac. Navigate to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Sound > Input. Here you can select your headset microphone and adjust the input volume.

Testing Your Microphone:

QuickTime Player: A simple yet effective way to test your microphone is by using the QuickTime Player on your Mac. Go to File > New Audio Recording, select your headset microphone, and hit the record button.

Online Tools: Websites like OnlineMicTest.com provide a platform to check your microphone's functionality and audio quality.

Boosting Your Input Signal:

Boom 3D: This software is a gem for enhancing audio quality. It provides a range of features including a volume booster, equalizer, and presets to refine your microphone input.

Audio Hijack: With Audio Hijack, you can boost the input levels and apply effects to improve clarity and eliminate background noise.

Noise Reduction:

Krisp: A stellar app that works magic in real-time to remove background noise. It also provides a gain control feature to boost your microphone input.

Auphonic: A web-based tool that offers noise and hum reduction, along with leveling and loudness processing to optimize your audio.

Advanced Calibration with Audio Interfaces

Consider investing in an audio interface like Focusrite Scarlett which provides robust preamps to boost your microphone's signal.

Regular Maintenance

Don?t forget the basics. Regularly clean your headset microphone and ensure it?s free from dust and debris, which can significantly impact sound quality.

Conclusion

Incorporating these tools and practices in your routine will significantly uplift your audio game on Mac. Whether you are in a professional meeting or a casual virtual hangout, ensuring your voice is heard loud and clear is quintessential. So, go ahead and explore these tools to find what resonates with your audio preferences, and keep the digital dialogues flowing smoothly.

Round Corner Images in Affinity Designer

Quick and Easy

Greetings Macintosh enthusiasts! This week, let's dive into a nifty trick using Affinity Designer, a powerful tool for graphic designers. Have you ever wondered how to add those smooth, round corners to your images, giving them a polished and professional look? Look no further! In just five simple steps, you can achieve this effect effortlessly. Here's how:

Step 1: Apply Your Desired Style

Start by applying your preferred style or effect to the image you want to edit. This could be anything from a filter to a color adjustment - it's up to you! Experiment with different styles until you find the one that suits your vision.

Step 2: Convert the Image to Curves

Once you've applied the desired style, it's time to convert your image to curves. To do this, select your styled image, navigate to the 'Layer' menu, and then click on 'Convert to Curves.' This step essentially changes your image into an editable vector graphic.

Step 3: Access the Corner Tool

With your image now in curve form, it's time to bring on the round corners! Locate the 'Corner Tool' in the toolbar. It usually looks like a square with a radius arc in one corner. Click on it to activate the tool.

Step 4: Adjust the Corner Radius

Now comes the fun part - adjusting the corner radius. Click and drag any of the corner nodes of your image to round the corners to your desired level. Affinity Designer allows for precise control, so you can make subtle adjustments or go for bold, rounded corners - the choice is yours!

Step 5: Apply and Save

Once you're satisfied with the rounded corners, it's time to apply the changes. Simply click outside the image or press Enter, and voil?! Your image now boasts those sleek, rounded corners you've been aiming for. Don't forget to save your work to preserve your edits.

And there you have it - in just five steps, you've transformed a regular image into one with rounded corners, adding a touch of sophistication to your design. Feel free to experiment with different styles, corner radii, and image types to unleash your creativity!

Helpful Guide

Stay tuned for more exciting Macintosh tips and tricks next week. Happy designing!

Ricoh Theta Z1

Download Media from Ricoh Theta Z1

In this week's blog, I'm diving into the world of 360-degree photography with the Ricoh Theta Z1. Capturing stunning images and videos is one thing, but seamlessly transferring them to your Mac is a game-changer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it right.

Choose the Right Cable

First things first, ensure you have the correct data transfer cable. The right cable (usually USB-micro to USB-A) will establish a stable connection between your Ricoh Theta Z1 and your Mac.

You'll need a USB-Micro data cable. One was supplied with the Ricoh Theta Z1.

Utilize Image Capture App

When it comes to downloading files from your Ricoh Theta Z1, the Image Capture app is your best friend. It's pre-installed on your Mac and offers a straightforward interface. Connect your Ricoh Theta Z1 to your Mac using the cable and open Image Capture. Your device should appear on the left sidebar. Select it, choose where you want to save your files and click 'Import All' for a quick transfer. You can also selectively import specific photos and videos.

If you don't see the Ricoh Theta Z1, you are likely not using a data USB-micro cable

Stitch Spherical Images with RICOH THETA

Once your media files are safely on your Mac, enhance your creative process by stitching your spherical images together. RICOH THETA provides intuitive software that seamlessly blends your 360-degree images, giving them a professional touch.

And there you have it! With the right cable, Image Capture app, and RICOH THETA software, you can effortlessly transfer and enhance your Ricoh Theta Z1 media on your Mac. Stay tuned for more Mac tips and tricks next week!

Filling Forms using Apple Preview

Don't Print Documents to Fill Them

Forms are an integral part of our digital lives, whether it's filling out a job application, completing a survey, or submitting essential documents. Thankfully, with Apple's Preview application, the process of filling out forms on your Macintosh computer becomes seamless and hassle-free. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of filling forms using Apple Preview, making your paperwork woes a thing of the past.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure you have the latest version of macOS installed on your Macintosh computer. Preview is a pre-installed application, so there's no need to download or install anything separately.

Step 1: Open Your Form

• Locate the form you need to fill out on your Macintosh computer.
• Double-click the form file to open it in the Preview application.

Step 2: Click on the Text Tool

• In Preview, click on the toolbox icon in the toolbar, or press Shift + Command + A to activate the Markup Toolbar.
• Select the Text tool from the Markup Toolbar. It looks like a small 'T'.

Step 3: Place Text Boxes

• Hover your mouse over the area of the form where you want to enter text.
• Click to place a text box. Resize and reposition it as needed to fit the form fields perfectly.

Step 4: Enter Your Information

• Double-click inside the text box you just created.
• Enter your information. You can adjust the font style, size, and color using the formatting options in the Markup Toolbar.

Step 5: Checkboxes and Radio Buttons

• For checkboxes and radio buttons, use the Shapes tool in the Markup Toolbar.
• Click on the Shapes icon, select the appropriate shape, and place it over the checkbox or radio button. You can adjust the size to match the form's design.

Step 6: Save Your Form

• Once you've filled out the form, click File > Save to save your changes. Your form is now ready to be shared or printed.

Form Filling Toolbar

For most forms, simply clicking on the Form Filling Toolbar icon will enable the form to be editable.

Stage Manager and Desktop

Fix the Disappearing Apps

Earlier this week I installed macOS 14 (Sonoma). One of the first things I noticed was that every time I clicked the Desktop, all my open windows would move away. I didn't like this behavior. Turns out this is a default feature of Sonoma.

Easy Fix

Apparently Apple wants people to use Stage Manager to manage their desktop. Stage Manager came out in last year's release.

While this might be "cool" I don't like it, and I wanted to revert to the "old way."

To disable the feature:

• Click on the Apple Menu and select "System Settings..."
• Select "Desktop & Dock" on the left menu.
• Then in the "Desktop & Stage Manager" section, make sure the "Check wallpaper to reveal desktop" is set to "Only in Stage Manager"

See the image:

Review of macOS 14 (Soon!)

I am still playing around with macOS 14 (Sonoma) and I'll blog about it next week. I did let other people know that this isn't really a much-have update.

Backup Voice Memos

Easy Way to Backup You Audio Files

This past week I was trying to update my iPad to iPadOS 17 but ran into an issue with disk space. Turns out the resource that was using the most amount of space was my Voice Memos.

I wanted to back up my Voice Memos before deleting the files. The best way that I found to do that was on my Macintosh computer.

If you have Voice Memos saved to the Apple Cloud, you can find the files in the Application Support folder.

Here's the file path:

Open up the Recording folder and you should see the VoiceMemo files. If you don't chances are you are not storing voice memos in the iCloud.

To back up the files, simply drag and drop the Recording folder to an external device. Obviously, check to make sure that the files have moved over before taking any actions.

Once completed, I then went on my iPad and started deleting Voice Memos that I didn't absolutely need to have on the iPad.

I am providing this tip here because I googled "How to backup Voice Memo" and couldn't find any practical tips - many of them were 5+ years old and weren't very helpful.

Create Video DVD from Disk Images

macOS Ventura

Due to the limited space on DVDs these days, I rarely burn them anymore. Instead, I backup my files using external hard drives and flash drives. This gives me more storage space and allows me to access my files from any device. Plus, it's much more convenient than burning DVDs.

Every once in a while, I am asked to create a DVD from a video.

Currently, I'm working on a video project, and I wanted to burn the video to a DVD. To accomplish that, I created a Disk Image, which I'll explain more about next week.

The creation of a Video DVD under macOS Ventura is a little tricky. Toast 19 Pro does not allow you to create a Video DVD from a disk image.

The following steps will guide you through the process of creating a playable DVD in macOS 13.5.2:

Step 1: Create a video Disk Image using Final Cut Pro or another video editor. (More Details about how to do this next week in Final Cut Pro. )

Step 3: Double Click on the Disk Image to open and mount it.

Step 4: Select the disk image in the Finder side bar.

Step 5: With the window selected, go under the Finder File menu and select "Burn to Disk." (Note: If you don't see "Burn Disk" that means you don't have a DVD burner connected.)

Step 6: You will be asked in insert a disk. (Your content must fit in on the disk or the dialog box won't go away.)

Step 7: You will then be asked to confirm that you want to burn the content to the disk. Use the Maximum Possible settings as it will take a long time if you had a different setting.

That's it! The DVD will start to burn. Once completed the new disk will mount and the video will play.

YouTube Shorts in Final Cut Pro

Simple Settings

Create a blog using markdown about the proper Project settings in Final Cut Pro for YouTube Shorts. Make sure to use the Vertical video format and 1080x1920 Resolution.

When creating YouTube Shorts using Final Cut Pro, it is important to configure the project settings correctly to ensure optimal results. To meet the requirements of YouTube Shorts, you should use the vertical video format and set the resolution to 1080x1920. This blog post will guide you through the necessary steps to achieve the proper project settings in Final Cut Pro.

Step 1: Creating a New Project

1. Launch Final Cut Pro and click on "File" in the menu bar.

2. Select "New" and then "Project" from the dropdown menu.

3. In the Video Properties section, set the format to "Vertical."

4. Enter the resolution as 1080x1920.

5. Adjust the frame rate according to your preference, but for YouTube Shorts, it is recommended to use 29.97 frames per second (fps).

Step 2: Saving and Importing Media

1. Save your project by clicking on "File" in the menu bar and selecting "Save" or pressing Command+S.

2. Import your media files by clicking on "File" and selecting "Import Media," or by using the shortcut Command+I.

3. Drag and drop your media files into the timeline to start editing your YouTube Shorts.

Step 5: Exporting the Final Video

1. Once you have finished editing your YouTube Shorts, click on "File" in the menu bar and select "Share."

2. Select the "YouTUbe & Facebook"

3. Click "Next" and choose the destination folder for your exported video.

4. Finally, click on "Save" to export your YouTube Shorts video with the proper project settings.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your YouTube Shorts videos are created with the proper project settings in Final Cut Pro. Remember to always preview your videos before uploading them to YouTube to ensure they meet the desired quality and format requirements.