Navigating Macos Excel Spreadsheet

How to quickly jump to different cells

Excel for Mac offers a variety of ways to navigate around your spreadsheets. In this blog post, we will discuss two of the most popular methods: using the Name Box and the Go To dialog.

Using the Name Box

The Name Box is located at the top left corner of the Excel window. It displays the address of the active cell. You can use the Name Box to quickly navigate to any cell in your spreadsheet by typing its address. For example, to navigate to cell A1, you would type "A1" in the Name Box and press Enter.

You can also use the Name Box to create named ranges. Named ranges are a way to give a descriptive name to a group of cells. This can be helpful for making your spreadsheets easier to read and understand. To create a named range, type the name of the range in the Name Box, followed by an equal sign (=) and the address of the range. For example, to create a named range called "Sales" for the cells A1:B10, you would type "Sales=A1:B10" in the Name Box and press Enter.

Once you have created a named range, you can use it to navigate to the range by typing its name in the Name Box and pressing Enter. For example, to navigate to the Sales range, you would type "Sales" in the Name Box and press Enter.

Using the Go To Dialog

The Go To dialog is a more powerful way to navigate around your spreadsheets. It allows you to navigate to specific cells, ranges, and worksheets by name. To open the Go To dialog, press Control+G.

Type the desired cell address, range name, or worksheet name in the Go to box and press Enter.

The Go To dialog is a powerful tool that can help you quickly and easily navigate around your Excel spreadsheets. By learning how to use it, you can save time and improve your productivity.

Colorful Icons on my External Drive

Creative Way to Spice up your drive

In the last few days I have been decluttering my 2TB external hard drive. I never really organized it before and I just threw files on the drive whenever I wanted to store them.

The intention was to create a more manageable file structure, and to organize things in such a way that the information could be easily located - rather than having to rely on searching to find it.

Then once I created the folders, I decided to give the listing a little more color by adding a few icons to the folders. Here is what the current layout of the drive looks like:

Icons Icons Icons

My method of creating all the icons was by using Image2Icon. Some of the icons are based on emojis, and others are based on old images that I had in my folders.

The icons created for Archive, Backup Day, Media Monday, Movies, New Movies, Old Photos & Old Projects are all made with Microsoft Image Creator powered by DALL-E. I simply typed in the prompt and then selected the image I thought best matched the contents of the folder.

DALL-E can generate 4 images at a time in response to a prompt - so I had some good ideas to pick from.

Sample Prompts:

• Old Projects as cartoon
• Old Photos as a cartoon
• Media Monday as a cartoon
• Backup of data files as a cartoon

Simple Numbers as Icons

Some of the folders have years on them as well, so it is easier to find the year that I am looking for. As you can see in the image above, the year is much easier to see than the folder name.

In Conclusion

By using the create image icons, I am able to brighten up the drive. Instead of seeing borning blue icons, I can now see something useful.

As a result of using the custom icons, I am able to quickly view the main folder and navigate my way to the correct location.

Best way to go full screen using Chrome

Full Screen is best on MacBook

In today's digital age, maximizing screen real estate has become increasingly important for an immersive browsing experience. Whether you're watching videos, presenting slideshows, or simply want to focus on a single website without distractions, going full screen on Chrome for MacOS can greatly enhance your browsing experience. In this blog post, we will explore the best way to go full screen on Chrome, providing you with a hassle-free method to make the most out of your browsing sessions.

Keyboard Shortcut

The simplest and quickest way to go full screen on Chrome is by using a keyboard shortcut. MacOS offers a built-in shortcut that allows you to toggle between full-screen and regular mode effortlessly. Follow these steps to go full-screen using Chrome on MacOS:

1. Open Chrome on your Mac.
2. Navigate to the webpage you want to view in full screen.
3. Press the "Control" key, along with the "Command" key, and the "F" key simultaneously.
4. Voila! Your Chrome browser will now be in full-screen mode, occupying the entire display.

Conclusion

Going full screen on Chrome for MacOS is a convenient way to optimize your browsing experience. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, the menu bar option, or the right-click context menu, Chrome offers multiple methods to suit your preferences. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can effortlessly transition into full-screen mode and enjoy a more immersive and focused browsing experience. So go ahead, try out these methods, and make the most of your Chrome browsing sessions on MacOS.

Snag-it As a Quick Image Resize Tool

Easy way to quickly resize an image

In today's fast-paced digital age, image resizing has become an essential skill for anyone working with visual content. Just as you don't need a nuclear power plant to make a simple cup of coffee, you don't require complex tools for basic image resizing. Snag-it, a popular screen capture and editing software, offers simple yet effective ways to resize photos. In this blog post, we'll explore how Snag-it can be your go-to solution for resizing images without any unnecessary hassle.

The Art of Making Coffee

Before delving into image resizing, let's draw an analogy with making coffee. While there are high-tech espresso machines and intricate brewing methods available, sometimes all you need is a simple coffee filter, hot water, and your favorite ground coffee to enjoy a satisfying cup. Similarly, when it comes to image resizing, you don't always need complicated software or advanced editing techniques. Snag-it provides basic yet powerful tools to accomplish the task effortlessly.

Snag-it: Your Image Resizing Companion

Snag-it is a versatile software that offers a range of image editing features, including intuitive resizing options. Here are a few basic ways Snag-it can help you resize images effectively:

• Percentage Resizing: Snag-it allows you to resize an image by a specific percentage, maintaining its original aspect ratio. Whether you want to decrease or increase the size, simply enter the desired percentage, and Snag-it will adjust the image accordingly.
• Custom Dimensions: If you need precise control over the image size, Snag-it enables you to specify custom dimensions. This feature comes in handy when you have specific requirements for image sizing, such as resizing for website banners or social media profiles.
• Maintain Aspect Ratio: One of the crucial aspects of image resizing is preserving the original proportions. Snag-it ensures that the aspect ratio remains intact while resizing, preventing any unwanted distortion or stretching.

How I Use it

When I create a new image in Snag-it I have a particular width and height set up: 1200x675. I can easily "drag and drop" a photo to the blank template and if the image is too big, I can see the boundaries that I have set up. This is exactly how it works in Affinity Photo and Pixelmator Pro.

Snag-it is great because it's a one-button click to create the blank template. Using the other apps is a multi-step process as I may need to open the app and then find the template.

I can be so much more productive with Snag-it when I have a simple "Crop to Fit" task.

Simplicity and Convenience

Snag-it's user-friendly interface makes image resizing a breeze, even for those without extensive editing experience. With its intuitive controls and straightforward options, you can quickly resize images without getting caught up in a web of complex settings. Whether you're a content creator, social media manager, or simply an individual looking to resize personal photos, Snag-it offers simplicity and convenience without compromising on quality.

Conclusion

Just as you don't need a nuclear power plant to make a cup of coffee, you don't require complex software for basic image resizing. Snag-it offers a range of simple yet effective tools that enable you to resize images with ease. Its intuitive interface, percentage resizing, custom dimensions, and aspect ratio preservation make it a reliable choice for anyone seeking quick and hassle-free image editing.

Luminar AI Crash

Easy Fix to the Application Crash on Startup

Luminar AI is a popular photo editing software that provides a wide range of features for users to edit and enhance their photos. However, some users have reported that the software crashes every time they launch it. This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you have important photos that you need to edit. Fortunately, there is a simple fix that can help you get rid of this problem. In this blog post, we will discuss how to hold down the Option key when launching Luminar AI to change the Catalog and fix the crash issue.

What is the Option Key?

Before we discuss how to fix the Luminar AI crash issue, it is essential to understand what the Option key is. The Option key is a modifier key that is present on Mac keyboards. It is also known as the Alt key on Windows keyboards. The Option key can be used to access additional features and options in various software applications.

How to Fix the Luminar AI Crash Issue

If Luminar AI crashes every time you launch it, you can fix the issue by holding down the Option key when launching the software. This will give you the option to choose a different Catalog. When you hold down the Option key and launch Luminar AI, a window will appear, giving you the option to create a new Catalog or choose an existing one. You can select a different Catalog than the one that was causing the crash. This should help you fix the crash issue and allow you to use Luminar AI without any problems.

Luminar AI Dialog

Why I Was Opening Luminar AI

I was trying to open Luminar AI because I was looking for ways to add Augmented Sky to an image. The augmented sky is not available in Luminar Neo. It turns out that since Luminar Neo has more layer controls, you don't need to have a tool to add Augmented Sky.

Conclusion

Luminar AI is a powerful photo editing software that can help you edit and enhance your photos. However, if you are experiencing a crash issue when launching the software, you can fix it by holding down the Option key and choosing a different Catalog. This is a simple fix that can help you get back to editing your photos in no time. We hope this blog post has been helpful in resolving your Luminar AI crash issue.

External Monitor for iMac

My Home iMac Setup

As technology progresses, so does our desire for seamless connectivity and enhanced productivity. However, sometimes we encounter compatibility challenges when attempting to connect older devices with newer ones. One such example is using an Apple Cinema Display with an iMac, which relies on the newer USB-C ports. In this blog post, we'll explore the solution of using a USB-C to DVI adapter to bridge the gap between the two, while acknowledging the trade-off of utilizing one of the precious USB-C ports on the iMac.

Understanding the Challenge

Apple's Cinema Display is a renowned monitor known for its exceptional color accuracy, vibrant visuals, and sleek design. However, the newer generation of iMacs has transitioned to versatile USB-C ports, leaving many Cinema Display owners seeking a solution to connect their beloved monitors to the updated iMac models.

The USB-C to DVI Adapter

To address this compatibility issue, an effective solution lies in the form of a USB-C to DVI adapter. This adapter acts as a bridge between the USB-C port on the iMac and the DVI input on the Cinema Display, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of both devices without investing in a new monitor or compromising on the computing power of their iMac.

For my setup I have been using the Benfei USB C to DVI Adapter, Type-C to DVI Adapter for 3-years with no issues.

Benefits of the USB-C to DVI Adapter

Cost-effective Solution: Purchasing a new monitor can be a substantial investment. By utilizing a USB-C to DVI adapter, users can extend the life of their Apple Cinema Display and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Uncompromised Visual Quality: The DVI standard supports high-resolution displays, ensuring that your Apple Cinema Display retains its exceptional visual quality when connected to an iMac using the adapter. This means that you can continue to experience the vibrant colors, sharp details, and immersive visuals that the Cinema Display is known for.

Versatile Connectivity: In addition to connecting your Cinema Display to an iMac, the USB-C to DVI adapter can also be used to connect other devices equipped with a USB-C port to DVI monitors, projectors, or even televisions. This versatility allows you to maximize the use of your adapter across multiple devices and scenarios.

Drawbacks of Utilizing a USB-C Port

While the USB-C to DVI adapter provides a solution to connect your Apple Cinema Display to an iMac, it's important to acknowledge the downsides of using one of the USB-C ports on your iMac:

Reduced USB-C Port Availability: iMacs typically feature a limited number of USB-C ports. By utilizing one of these ports for the adapter, you may have fewer available ports for other peripherals or accessories. This limitation could impact your ability to connect additional devices, such as external hard drives, smartphones, or USB-C hubs.

Potential Dongle Clutter: Depending on your specific setup, using a USB-C to DVI adapter might contribute to a slightly cluttered workspace due to the presence of additional cables and adapters. While this may not be a significant issue, it's worth considering the aesthetics and tidiness of your workspace.

Conclusion

The USB-C to DVI adapter offers a viable solution for connecting an Apple Cinema Display to an iMac, allowing you to leverage the exceptional visual quality of the monitor without the need for a new display. Despite the drawbacks of utilizing one of the limited USB-C ports on your iMac, the benefits of retaining your Cinema Display's excellence and avoiding unnecessary expenses make this solution appealing to many users.

Before making a decision, consider your specific needs, the available USB-C ports on your iMac, and how this solution aligns with your overall workflow. By thoughtfully weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed choice.

iCloud Storage

You should be careful what you store in iCloud

With the emergence of cloud storage technology, gone are the days of carrying around USB drives or external hard drives to store files. One such cloud storage solution is Apple's iCloud Drive, which allows users to store documents, pictures, and videos. However, many users have reported that iCloud Drive uses up a significant amount of local disk space. In this blog post, we will explore why this happens and how it differs from other cloud storage solutions like Microsoft One Drive.

Why Apple iCloud Drive Uses So Much Local Disk Space

Apple iCloud Drive is not an offline storage repository like Microsoft One Drive. Instead, it is designed to store files and documents in the cloud and sync them across multiple devices. When you enable iCloud Drive, it automatically creates a folder on your local machine where files and documents are stored and synced with the cloud. This folder is called the iCloud Drive folder, and it resides on your local machine. As a result, any document, file, or folder that you save to iCloud Drive using any device, including your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, is automatically synced and stored on your local machine, occupying significant local disk space.

How iCloud Drive Differs from Other Cloud Storage Solutions

Microsoft One Drive is an excellent example of an offline storage repository. When you save files to your One Drive, they are stored in the cloud, and you can access them from anywhere. However, they are not automatically synced to your local machine. Instead, you can choose to download specific files or folders to your local machine, and they will occupy local disk space only when downloaded. In contrast, iCloud Drive was designed to make syncing files and documents across Apple devices easier, but this comes at the cost of occupying significant local disk space.

How to Manage iCloud Drive's Local Disk Space Usage

If you are running out of local disk space on your Mac, iCloud Drive's storage can be a significant culprit. One way to manage this is to turn off the Desktop and Documents Folders option in iCloud Drive settings. This will stop syncing files and documents from your Desktop and Documents folder to iCloud Drive and save significant local disk space. Additionally, you can selectively choose which files and folders to sync to iCloud Drive, which will help reduce the overall local disk space usage.

Conclusion

In summary, Apple iCloud Drive uses up significant local disk space because it is designed to sync files and documents across multiple Apple devices. Unlike other cloud storage solutions like Microsoft One Drive, iCloud Drive creates a folder on your local machine, which occupies significant local disk space. However, by selectively choosing which files and folders to sync and disabling the Desktop and Documents Folders option, you can manage iCloud Drive's local disk space usage and free up space on your Mac.

Garageband

Garageband is a powerful tool to create music

Apple's Garageband is a powerful digital audio workstation that is often overlooked by music enthusiasts. Many people are unaware of the extensive capabilities of the software, and as a result, they tend to underestimate its potential. In this blog post, we will discuss the frequently underestimated abilities of Garageband and how it can be used to create professional-quality music.

The Capabilities of Garageband

Garageband is a versatile tool that can be used by musicians, producers, and audio engineers alike. It is designed to make music creation accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience or technical expertise. The software comes with a host of features that allow the user to record, edit, and mix music with ease. Some of the most notable features include:

Virtual Instruments

Garageband has an extensive library of virtual instruments that can be used to create a wide range of sounds. From guitars and drums to synthesizers and orchestral instruments, Garageband has it all. These virtual instruments are designed to sound realistic, and they can be easily customized to suit the user's needs.

Audio Effects

In addition to virtual instruments, Garageband also has a vast collection of audio effects. These effects can be used to enhance the sound of recorded instruments or vocals. The software comes with a variety of EQs, compressors, reverbs, and delays, among others. These effects can be combined to create a unique sound that is tailored to the user's preferences.

Music Lessons

Garageband also offers interactive music lessons that are designed to teach users how to play various instruments. These lessons are perfect for beginners who are looking to learn how to play an instrument without hiring a teacher. The lessons are easy to follow, and they are led by world-class musicians who offer valuable tips and insights.

Learn The Basics

Having trouble using GarageBand? Check out the GarageBand Tutorial at soundwave.com.

https://www.soundswow.com/garageband-tutorials/

SoundsWow is a website that provides tutorials on how to use GarageBand. It is an excellent option for beginners to utilize when learning to write, record, and produce music. Even though GarageBand is geared for beginners and free, it still offers many tools and features you can use to create amazing music projects. The website provides a beginner's guide to GarageBand which touches on all of the essential functions and features of the app to get you pointed in the right direction as you begin your musical creation journey.

Tilt-shift

PhotoScape X has the best functionality

Tilt-shift is a technique that can make real-life scenes appear like miniatures. This effect can be achieved through the manipulation of focus and depth of field. In the past, tilt-shift was only possible through the use of specialized lenses. Nowadays, however, many photo editing software programs offer tilt-shift features that can produce the same effect. In this blog post, we will focus on how to use tilt-shift in Pixelmator, Affinity Photo, and PhotoScape X.

Pixelmator Pro

Pixelmator Pro is a popular photo editing software for Mac users. To apply the tilt-shift effect in Pixelmator, you need to select the "Tilt-Shift" tool from the Effect menu. Select Blur and you'll see "Tilt-Shift" on the bottom row. Once you have selected, you can adjust the size and position of the focus area. Pixelmator also allows you to adjust the blur intensity, making it easy to create a realistic tilt-shift effect.

My Thought: Seems simple enough. This would be something I would use if I wanted to quickly add a Tilt-Shift. I like the location, but it does take some "digging" around to get to the "Add Effect."

Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo is another popular photo editing software that offers tilt-shift capabilities. To apply the tilt-shift effect in Affinity Photo, select the "Blue" option from the "Filters" menu. and then select Depth of Field Blur. You can then choose between Depth of Field and tilt-shift. Affinity Photo allows you to adjust the size and position of the focus area, as well as the amount of blur. One advantage of Affinity Photo is that it offers a live preview of the effect, making it easier to fine-tune your adjustments.

My Thought: When it comes to adding a Tilt Shift effect, I would not use Affinity Photo. The tilt shift feature just seems to be useful compared to other apps that I have.

PhotoScape X

PhotoScape X is a comprehensive photo editing software that offers a wide range of features, including tilt-shift life effects which they call miniature. Unlike Pixelmator and Affinity Photo, PhotoScape X offers several tilt-shift features, including miniature, small planet, and fisheye. The miniature option allows you to adjust the focus of a rectangular area, while the small planet option creates a spherical distortion effect. The fisheye option, on the other hand, creates a convex distortion effect. PhotoScape X also allows you to adjust the size and position of the focus area, as well as the intensity of the blur.

My Thought:A real winner here! This is easy to get to and there are lots of ways to make the Tilt Shift work. This will be my "go-to" application for tilt-shift.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tilt-shift is a fun and creative technique and a widely used way to add a unique look to your photos. This technique allows for the creation of a miniature effect, where the subjects in the photo appear to be on a smaller scale, similar to a dollhouse. It can also be used to create a selective focus, where only a specific part of the photo is in focus while the rest is blurred, drawing attention to the subject. Tilt-shift can be applied to various types of photography, from landscape to portrait, giving each one a distinctive twist. By experimenting with different angles, settings, and subjects, you can achieve a wide range of results and take your photography to the next level.

While all three software programs discussed in this blog post offer tilt-shift capabilities, PhotoScape X stands out for its variety of options. Whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, tilt-shift can be a fun way to experiment with your photos and take your editing skills to the next level.

CofeShow Video Slideshow

Limited Features and No Update in Two Years

CofeShow is a video slideshow maker for Macintosh computers. It is easy to use and has a variety of features, but it has not been updated in two years and has some limitations.

I first blogged about CodeShow Video SlideShow Maker back in July 2018. A lot of things learned still hold today.

Some Themes in Cofe slideshow

Pros

• Easy to use: CofeShow is very easy to use. You can create a slideshow in just a few minutes by importing your photos and music, selecting a theme, and adjusting the settings.
• Variety of features: CofeShow has a variety of features that allow you to customize your slideshows. You can choose from a variety of themes, and add text, transitions, and effects.
• Lots of Themes: There are 24 designs to choose from, including Chalkboard which is perfect for end-of-school-year videos.
• Affordable: CofeShow is very affordable. You can try it out for free, and the premium version is only $29.99 lifetime or you can purchase a yearly subscription for $15. There is a monthly plan for $7.

Cons

• Not updated in two years: CofeShow has not been updated in two years. The App works fine, but when I quit it "crashes" and I have to force quit to close out of the app. With no update in 2-years, has this project been abandoned?
• Limited controls: CofeShow has limitations. For example, you cannot change the duration of each slide or import HEIC images - you need to convert these to JPG images. Also, you can't have video clips in your slide show.

Overall

CofeShow is a mixed bag of features. It is easy to use and has a variety of features, but it has not been updated in two years and has some limitations. If you are looking for a simple and affordable slideshow maker, CofeShow is a good option. However, if you are looking for a more powerful and versatile slideshow maker, you may want to consider a different option.

Looking for alternatives to CofeShow?

• Final Cut Pro: If you use Final Cut Pro, check out the Flying Clip Plugin and Stacker Plugins from FCPEffects.
• Apple Photos: Apple Photos has some great slideshow features. They are easy to create and offer some settings.
• Graphic Converter: You can easily create video slideshows using Graphic Converter. Videos can be touched up in iMovie or Final Cut Pro. You can add music and set the duration of the slides. There is only one style - so it's pretty limited if you want something fancy.