Top 5 Wednesday Blog Post

A Year in Review

As 2023 winds down, it's a perfect time to reflect on the wealth of content that has graced my blog. This year, I explored a diverse range of topics, from the latest in tech gadgets to unique local spots. Out of all the posts, there are five that stand out, each offering a unique perspective and valuable insights. Here's a look back at these top five blog posts:

1. GoPro 9 Wide Screen vs iPhone 14 Pro Max (Posted on February 22, 2023)

This post sparked a lot of interest, primarily because it tackled the question of which device captures the best wide-screen images: the GoPro 9 or the iPhone 14 Pro Max. I delved into detailed comparisons of image quality, user experience, and versatility, providing a comprehensive guide for photography enthusiasts.

2. GoPro Feet Adapter (Posted on May 3, 2023)

In this intriguing post, I reviewed the GoPro Feet Adapter, a nifty accessory that enhances the GoPro's capabilities. This post was particularly popular among adventure sports enthusiasts and GoPro users looking for ways to augment their filming experiences.

3. Legacy Technology Drawer (Posted on July 12, 2023)

A nostalgic journey into the past, this post explored the concept of a 'Legacy Technology Drawer', where old gadgets and tech treasures are stored. It struck a chord with readers who share a fascination with the evolution of technology and the sentimental value of older gadgets.

4. Ashland Marathon Park (Posted on September 13, 2023)

Breaking away from tech, this post took readers on a virtual tour of Ashland Marathon Park, highlighting its history, beauty, and the community's connection to it. It was a favorite among local readers and those interested in discovering new places.

5. Custom Templates in Snagit (Posted on October 11, 2023)

Rounding out the top five, this post focused on how to create and use custom templates in Snagit, a popular screen capture tool. It provided practical tips and creative ideas, making it a go-to resource for both novice and experienced Snagit users.

Reflections and Looking Forward

Each of these posts reflects a unique aspect of my interests and expertise, ranging from technology reviews to local explorations. As I look forward to another year of blogging, I'm excited to delve even deeper into these topics and explore new ones that capture the curiosity and imagination of my readers. Stay tuned for more adventures in tech, productivity, and beyond in 2024!

Using macOS Stationary Pad feature with Snagit

Make Your Own Templates!

I'm excited to share a nifty trick that combines Snagit's robust screen capturing capabilities with a lesser-known macOS feature: the Stationary Pad. This powerful duo can dramatically streamline your workflow by creating a reusable template library.

Step 1: Crafting Your Main Template in Snagit

The first step is to create your main template in Snagit. This template will serve as the basis for all your future work, so it's important to design it carefully. Consider the elements you frequently use, such as specific annotations, shapes, or text formats.

How to Create a Template in Snagit:

1. Open Snagit Editor and select the option to create a new image.
2. Design your template by adding placeholders, text, shapes, or any other elements you regularly use.
3. Once satisfied, save the file as a Snagit Capture file (.snag file).

Step 2: Transforming Your Template into a Stationary Pad File

Once your template is saved, the next step is to leverage macOS's Stationary Pad feature. This feature allows you to create a "master copy" of your file. Whenever you double-click this master copy, macOS automatically creates and opens a new instance, leaving the original file untouched.

Setting Up Stationary Pad:

1. Locate your saved Snagit file in the Finder.
2. Right-click on the file and select "Get Info." (or use the shortcut Command-i)
3. In the Info window, find and check the option labeled "Stationary Pad."

Step 3: Utilizing Your New Template

Now, every time you need to use your template, simply navigate to where you saved it and double-click the file. A new copy of your template will open in Snagit, ready for use. This method ensures that your original template remains unchanged, no matter how many times you use it.

Benefits for QA Professionals

• Consistency: Ensures all your captures maintain a consistent format.
• Efficiency: Reduces the time spent on setting up each new capture.
• Organization: Keeps your workspace tidy by reducing clutter.

Tips for Maximizing Efficiency

• Customize for Different Needs: Create multiple templates for different types of QA tasks.
• Regular Updates: Periodically update your templates to reflect changes in your workflow.
• Template Folder: Create a Template folder in your home directory of all your Snagit Templates. If you make it easy to find, then you'll likely use it often.

Conclusion

By combining Snagit with macOS's Stationary Pad feature, you can significantly streamline your repetitive tasks. This approach not only saves time but also ensures a high level of consistency and organization in your work. Give it a try and see how it transforms your workflow!

Snagit - More than a Capture Tool

Use Snagit to Communicate Better

As a QA professional with extensive experience using Snagit, I've come to appreciate its versatility beyond just being a screen capture tool. In this week's post, I'd like to highlight how Snagit can be an invaluable asset for communicating messages quickly and effectively in various platforms like Slack, Jira, or email.

Efficient Communication in Slack, Jira, and Email

• Slack: Snagit allows you to capture parts of your screen and directly paste them into Slack conversations. This is particularly useful for quickly showcasing bugs, design issues, or explaining complex ideas that are hard to put into words.
• Jira: For bug tracking and project management in Jira, Snagit's screenshots can be attached to tickets to provide visual context. This is crucial for developers and designers to understand the exact nature of the issue.
• Email: Sometimes, an email needs more than just text. With Snagit, you can add annotated screenshots or quick screen recordings to your emails, making your communication more comprehensive and less prone to misinterpretation.

Leveraging the Snagit Editor for Enhanced Communication

• Annotations and Markups: Snagit's editor is robust, offering various tools for annotations like arrows, text, shapes, and more. These can be used to highlight or point out specific parts of your screen capture, making your message clearer.
• Step-by-Step Guides: You can create step-by-step instructional content by combining multiple screenshots. This is especially helpful in creating tutorials or guides.
• Customization: The editor allows you to personalize your captures with effects like borders, shadows, and filters. This can be useful for adhering to brand guidelines or just adding a personal touch to your communications.

Speed and Convenience

• Quick Access Toolbar: Snagit's toolbar allows for rapid screen captures and quick access to editing tools, streamlining the process of creating and sending out visual messages.
• Templates and Stamps: Pre-designed templates and stamps can save time, especially when you need to create consistent documentation or reports.

In conclusion, Snagit is much more than a simple screen capture tool. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with tools like Slack, Jira, and email, combined with its powerful editing features, makes it an essential tool for any QA professional looking to enhance their communication. Whether it's explaining a complex issue, creating a guide, or just making your point clearer, Snagit provides the means to do so efficiently and effectively.

QA App Buttons for Snagit

Some Custom Stamps for QA

Hello fellow Quality Assurance professionals! Today, I'm excited to share a tool that has significantly streamlined my QA workflow over the past five years: Snagit's Stamp tool. As a seasoned QA professional, I've found that the right tools can make a world of difference in our daily tasks. This week, I'm introducing five custom stamps designed specifically for our QA needs, styled as sleek Apple App buttons.

1. Snagit Stamp Tool: A Brief Overview

Before diving into the custom stamps, let's briefly touch on what the Snagit Stamp tool is. For those unfamiliar, Snagit is a powerful screen capture utility that goes beyond simple screenshots. One of its features, the Stamp tool, allows users to add predefined or custom icons to their screenshots, making annotations quicker and more intuitive.

2. Why Custom Stamps for QA?

In our field, communication clarity is key. Whether we're approving features, flagging issues, or noting minor concerns, our feedback needs to be instant and unmistakable. That's where these custom stamps come in. Designed to be intuitive and eye-catching, they convey our message at a glance.

Click on image to download file.

3. The Five Custom Stamps

• Approved Stamp: This stamp signifies that a feature or section has passed QA testing. It's clean, clear, and gives a green light for progress.
• Approved Green Stamp: Similar to the Approved stamp but in a vibrant green, symbolizing a strong go-ahead.
• Fail Stamp: Use this when something isn't up to par. It's a straightforward, no-miss way to indicate that a feature needs revisiting.
• Fail Red Stamp: The red variant of the Fail stamp, for when you need to emphasize an urgent or significant issue.
• Minor Issues Stamp: Not everything is black or white. This stamp is for those in-between scenarios where minor tweaks are needed.

4. How to Add These Stamps to Your Library

Adding these custom stamps to your Snagit library is easy. Here's how you do it:

Select Your Image: First, drag one of the images to the Snagit icon. (Or select File>Open within Snagit and select one of the images) Save As Stamp: Navigate to the top menu and choose File > Save As Stamp. This action adds your selected image to the 'Custom' section of the Stamp tool.

5. Download the Custom Stamps

I've made these stamps available for you to download and add to your personal stamp library. Download the Stamp Images.

Conclusion

Incorporating these custom Snagit stamps into your QA process can save time, reduce miscommunication, and add a touch of professionalism to your work. I encourage you to download them, try them out, and see the difference they make in your QA workflow.

Stay tuned for more QA tips and tools in future posts!

Snagit Signature Stamp

Create your Own Signature Stamp

What makes the Stamp tool remarkable is its simplicity and effectiveness. You can choose from a range of pre-made stamps or create your own. Here's where it gets exciting: incorporating your signature into screenshots. (Putting your signature on your testing!)

I recently experimented with adding my signature, crafted in the elegant Jamesville Script font, as a custom stamp in Snagit. The process was straightforward. I first created a signature in Jamesville Script, saved it as an image file, and then imported it into Snagit as a custom stamp. Now, with a few clicks, I can add a personal touch to my screenshots, whether for professional documentation or personal projects.

This feature is particularly useful for QA professionals like myself. We often need to sign off on captured images or mark them as reviewed. Adding a signature stamp not only streamlines this process but also adds a layer of personalization and authenticity.

In conclusion, Snagit's Stamp tool opens up a realm of possibilities for creative and practical applications. The ability to add a personal signature stamp, like the one in Jamesville Script, elevates your screen captures from mere images to personalized documents, reflecting both professionalism and a hint of personal style.

Mastering Snagit's Fill Tool

A Game Changer for QA Professionals

Today, I want to dive deep into one of its lesser-known but incredibly useful features - the Fill tool.

What is the Fill Tool in Snagit?

The Fill tool in Snagit is a simple yet powerful feature that allows you to replace a specific color in an image with another color of your choice. This can be incredibly useful for highlighting issues or anomalies in screenshots of software UIs, especially when dealing with design-related problems.

Why Use the Fill Tool for QA?

In QA, our job is not only to identify bugs but also to communicate them effectively to developers and designers. A picture is worth a thousand words, and using the Fill tool to highlight issues can make your bug reports significantly more effective and easier to understand.

Case Study: Highlighting a Navigation Bar Issue

Scenario: Imagine you're testing a web application and you find that a navigation bar, which shouldn't appear on a certain page, is visible.

Before Using the Fill Tool: You take a screenshot of the page. The unwanted navigation bar is there, but it doesn't stand out in the screenshot, making it less obvious to someone who wasn't directly involved in the testing process.

After Using the Fill Tool: You use Snagit's Fill tool to change the color of the problematic navigation bar. Now, it's vividly highlighted, instantly drawing attention to the issue.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Fill Tool

1. Capture the Screenshot: First, use Snagit to take a screenshot of the issue.
2. Open the Image Editor: Open the screenshot in Snagit's image editor.
3. Select the Fill Tool: Choose the Fill tool from the tool menu.
4. Choose Your Color: Select the color you want to use to highlight the issue.
5. Apply the Fill: Click on the color in the image you want to replace. Snagit will fill all contiguous pixels of that color with your chosen highlight color.
6. Adjust Tolerance: If the color doesn't fill as expected, adjust the tolerance setting. A higher tolerance will fill colors that are similar but not identical to the one you clicked on.

Tips for Effective Use

• Color Choice: Use a color that contrasts strongly with the screenshot's color palette for maximum impact.
• Annotations: Combine the Fill tool with other Snagit features like arrows or text boxes for more detailed explanations.
• Before and After Images: If possible, show both the original and modified images in your report for context.

Conclusion

The Fill tool in Snagit is a simple but highly effective way to communicate visual bugs and design flaws in software testing. It's a testament to how small tools, when used creatively, can have a significant impact on our work as QA professionals.

Call to Action

Have you used Snagit's Fill tool in your QA work? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Backing Up Your Snagit Folders

A Guide for Protecting Your Work

As a QA professional with five years of experience using Snagit, I've learned the importance of backing up my work. Snagit, a powerful screen capture tool, is integral to documenting and sharing information in a visual format. However, like any digital asset, these files can be lost due to hardware failure, accidental deletion, or software issues. To prevent such losses, it?s crucial to regularly back up your Snagit folders. Here's a guide on how to do it effectively.

Understanding Snagit Files

Before diving into the backup process, it?s important to understand how Snagit stores its files. Snagit typically saves captures in the ?AutoSave Captures? folder by default. However, if you save your captures on remote drives or change the default location, you might need to track them down.

File Types and Locations

• AutoSave Captures Folder: This is the default location where Snagit saves your screen captures. You can find this folder in your Snagit directory.
• .snagprog Files: Snagit uses the .snagprog extension for files that are saved outside the ?AutoSave Captures? folder. These are usually saved on remote drives or specified locations.

Step-by-Step Backup Process

Locate Your Files

AutoSave Captures: Search for this folder in your Snagit directory. The path usually follows a standard format, such as C:Users[YourUsername]DocumentsSnagitAutoSave Captures.

.snagprog Files: To find files with the .snagprog extension, use your operating system's search function and look for *.snagprog. This will show all Snagit files saved outside the AutoSave folder.

Choose a Backup Method

Select an appropriate backup method. You can use external hard drives, cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox, or dedicated backup software.

Copy Your Files

Manual Copy: If using an external drive, simply copy the AutoSave Captures folder and any .snagprog files you find onto the drive.

Cloud Storage: Upload your files or folders directly to your chosen cloud service.

Backup Software: Set up the software to recognize your Snagit folders and .snagprog files as part of its regular backup routine.

Regularly Update Your Backup

Make a schedule to regularly update your backup. This ensures that your latest work is always protected.

Best Practices

• Consistency: Regular backups are key. Set reminders or schedule automatic backups if possible.
• Multiple Backups: Don?t rely on a single backup method. Use a combination of physical drives and cloud storage for added security.
• Test Your Backups: Periodically check your backups to ensure that files are intact and recoverable.
• Stay Updated: Keep your Snagit software updated to the latest version for the best performance and security.

Backing up your Snagit folders might seem like a mundane task, but it?s essential for safeguarding your work. By following these steps and best practices, you can ensure that your valuable screen captures and annotations are protected against loss. Happy capturing and stay backed up!

Easily Create Custom Stamps in Snagit

Cool New MacOS Feature

In Snagit Editor, click to select a capture in the recent captures tray. Select File > Save As Stamp. Snagit adds the image to Custom.

Hello, fellow Snagit enthusiasts! As a QA professional with five years of experience using Snagit, I've come to appreciate the versatility and utility of this powerful screen capture tool. Today, I want to focus on a feature that is often overlooked but incredibly useful - the Stamp tool in Snagit for MacOS. This tool can significantly streamline your workflow, especially when it comes to annotating and personalizing your captures. Let's dive in!

What is the Stamp Tool?

The Stamp tool in Snagit is a feature that allows you to use images as stamps, adding them to your screen captures for annotation or emphasis. It's particularly useful for marking up documents, adding consistent branding, or simply personalizing your captures.

Creating Your Own Stamp

Creating your own stamp in Snagit is straightforward. Here's how you do it:

1. Select Your Capture: First, open Snagit and select a capture in the recent captures tray in the Snagit Editor.
2. Save As Stamp: Navigate to the top menu and choose File > Save As Stamp. This action adds your selected image to the 'Custom' section of the Stamp tool.

Key Considerations

While creating a stamp is simple, there are a couple of key points to keep in mind:

• Whole Image Becomes a Stamp: Remember, when you save an image as a stamp, the entire image is used. This means if you only want a specific part of the image as your stamp, you'll need to crop the image first.
• Cropping for Precision: If you need just a portion of your capture as a stamp, use Snagit's cropping tool to select and isolate the desired area before saving it as a stamp.
• Using the Clipboard: Alternatively, you can select and copy the part of the image you want (using the selection tool), then use the 'New from Clipboard' option to create a new image from your selection and save that as a stamp.

Creative Uses of Stamps

The Stamp tool is not just for branding or simple annotations. Here are some creative ways to use it:

• Feedback and QA: Mark specific areas in UI screenshots with custom stamps like 'Approved', 'Needs Change', etc.
• Branding: Add your company logo or specific icons to images for consistent branding.
• Instructional Design: Create a set of instructional icons and use them in tutorials or guides.
• JS Library Logos: Show which library is being used in the screen shot.

Conclusion

The Stamp tool in Snagit for MacOS is a powerful feature that offers significant flexibility for customizing and annotating your screen captures. Whether you're a professional in QA, design, or education, or just someone who loves to organize and personalize your work, mastering this tool can add efficiency and creativity to your workflow. Happy Stamping!

Snagit Presets

Useful Tips and Tricks

Welcome to another exciting journey through the world of screen capturing and image editing with Snagit! Having used this versatile tool for over 5 years, I've discovered numerous tips and tricks to optimize the capturing process, making it faster, smoother, and more tailored to individual needs. In this blog, we're going to delve deep into setting up personal capture presets, a feature that can significantly enhance your efficiency and productivity. Let's get started!

Why Use Capture Presets?

Snagit is renowned for its extensive array of capturing options, but sometimes, repeatedly customizing settings for each capture can be time-consuming. This is where personal capture presets come into play. By creating presets, you can save your preferred capture settings and apply them with a single click, eliminating the need to adjust settings manually every time.

Setting Up Personal Capture Presets:

• Open the Capture Window: Start by opening the Snagit Capture Window. You can do this by clicking on the Snagit icon in your taskbar or using a shortcut key (if you have set one).
• Configure Your Capture Settings: Choose the type of capture you want to perform (e.g., Image, Video, Panoramic, etc.). Adjust the settings according to your preferences. For instance, if you want to capture a region of your screen without any delay, choose the "Region" capture type and set the delay to 0 seconds.
• Adjust Advanced Settings: Click on the 'Capture Settings' (gear icon) to access advanced settings. Here, you can customize various options such as effects, selection style, and more. If you want to turn off the "Copy to Clipboard" functionality, ensure that the checkbox next to this option is unchecked.
• Save Your Preset: Once you have configured the settings to your liking, click on the 'Presets' dropdown menu at the bottom of the Capture Window and select 'Save Preset.' Give your preset a descriptive name that makes it easy to identify later.
• Accessing and Using Your Preset: Your newly created preset will now appear in the 'Presets' section of the dropdown menu. To use it, simply select it from the list, and click the capture button. Snagit will apply all the settings you've saved, allowing you to capture content quickly and effortlessly.

Tips and Tricks

• Organize Your Presets: If you find yourself creating multiple presets for different purposes, take a moment to organize them. Rename them for easy identification, and delete any that you no longer need.
• Shortcut Keys: Assign shortcut keys to your presets for even faster access. Go to 'File' > 'Capture Preferences' > 'Shortcuts' to set up keyboard shortcuts.
• Update Presets as Needed: Don't forget to update your presets if your capturing needs change. Simply adjust the settings as required and save the preset again.
• Share Presets with Others: If you work in a team, you can export your presets and share them with your colleagues, ensuring consistency across all captures.

Conclusion

Creating personal capture presets in Snagit is a powerful way to streamline your workflow and save valuable time. With just a little bit of initial setup, you can enjoy faster, more efficient screen capturing tailored to your specific needs. Experiment with different settings, organize your presets, and discover how this feature can transform your capturing experience. Happy capturing!

Halloween Snagit Stamps

Brighten Up Your Testing Tickets

Snagit is a popular screen capture utility used by QA professionals to document their testing and create bug reports. But did you know that you can add fun and spooky Halloween-themed stamps to your Snagit captures?

In this blog post, I'll show you how to install five new Halloween Snagit stamps that are perfect for QA to lighten up testing during the Halloween season.

Click on image to download Images.

To download the stamps, simply click on the link above. Then, click on the "Download" button. Then double click on the ZIP file and uncompress the file.

Install the Halloween Snagit stamps

Once you have downloaded the Halloween Snagit stamps, you need to install them. To do this, follow these steps:

• Open Snagit Editor.
• Click on the "More" button in the toolbar.
• Select "Stamps" > "Manage Stamps".
• Click on the "Import" button.
• Browse to the location where you downloaded the Halloween Snagit stamps and select the folder.
• Click on the "Open" button.

I would recommend adding the Search Term "Halloween" to these images so it's easy to find in the future. Simply right-click on the image and select "Edit Search Term..." Then add "Halloween" and click away. Now you can easily search for the stamps.

Use the Halloween Snagit stamps

Now that you have installed the Halloween Snagit stamps, you can start using them in your Snagit captures. To do this, simply click on the "Stamp" tool in the toolbar and select the Halloween stamp you want to use. Then, click on your Snagit capture to add the stamp.

Have fun with these stamps!