Computer Optimizations

The Comet shortcut opens a specific personal profile instead of relying on the last-used browser window. Personal and work profiles keep separate logins and bookmarks. A personal profile is different from an incognito window.

Terminal is the Mac app where you type commands to run programs, work with files, and troubleshoot. A command such as pwd shows your current folder. A shell is the program inside Terminal that reads those commands. I can launch the app directly and keep working from the keyboard.

On the home page, press W to open the wiki. Once the wiki loads, start typing to filter its articles. Press Enter to open the first result, use the arrow keys to move through results, or Esc to clear the search.

The home page also shows keys for Apps, Writing, Questions, Tools, Games, Places, About, and Explore. Site search opens with ⌘ + K on Mac or Ctrl + K on Windows. The home and wiki pages have a toggle for their single-letter shortcuts.

In Raycast Settings → Extensions, find an app or command, select its hotkey field, and record an unused combination. Use letters that make sense to you. If macOS already uses a combination, resolve that conflict first.

A hotkey runs immediately. An alias, such as bb, is a short name you type inside Raycast. Raycast's Hyper key guide explains the modifier setup.

Copy a link, a quote, and a filename, then retrieve the one you need without going back to the original app. Start by learning the Clipboard History command; give it a hotkey if it becomes a daily habit. Feature guide ↗

Save a short bio, a meeting agenda, or a frequently shared link. Use a distinctive keyword such as ;bio so it does not expand during normal writing. Begin with three things you actually repeat. Feature guide ↗

Create direct commands for the wiki, a project folder, or a dashboard. A search Quicklink can take a phrase and open results on the intended site. Feature guide ↗

Learn left half, right half, and maximize. A reference page beside a writing window is a good first layout. Raycast includes window commands; try those before choosing a separate window manager. Feature guide ↗

Handy turns speech into text on your computer. Press its shortcut, speak, and insert the result into a text field. Its local transcription works offline after the required model is downloaded, making it a useful option when local processing matters.

First setup: choose a model, set a comfortable push-to-talk key, and test a note. Try a smaller model if your machine takes too long to transcribe. Optional cloud post-processing changes the data path, so keep that separate from the local workflow. Project and setup guide ↗

Wispr Flow turns spoken thoughts into formatted text, removes filler words, and supports a personal vocabulary. It is worth trying for longer messages and drafts where cleanup is the slow part.

First setup: test its dictation shortcut in a notes app, then add names or terms it misses. Its main transcription workflow uses cloud processing and depends on a connection; review the data controls and current plan limits before choosing it. Read the Wispr Flow wiki note →

Rectangle is a free, open-source Mac app for moving and resizing windows with shortcuts or snap areas. Try it if you want a dedicated window manager. Choose one set of window shortcuts so Rectangle and Raycast do not compete.

The built-in Shortcuts app chains actions together. A good first project is a “Start writing” shortcut that opens your notes and a reference page. Keep the first version small enough that you understand every step.

Keyboard Maestro builds Mac macros across apps, text, and windows. It is useful when a routine has several steps or needs conditions. First candidate: open a project folder, launch its apps, and arrange their windows from one command.

CleanShot X combines screen capture, annotation, and recording. Try it if marking up screenshots is a daily task. One cropped image with an arrow can make a bug report or design note much clearer.

Hazel watches folders and organizes files using rules for names, dates, types, and other attributes. Start with a test folder and one rule, such as moving screenshots into a Screenshots folder. Expand only after the result is predictable.

Set aside a short work block, close unrelated tabs, and give the task one clear finish line. Add a dedicated notification or focus setup if interruptions remain a problem. The useful part is a routine you repeat. My One Hour Focus note →