Posts Tagged → calendar

NotePlan Auto-Templates

Recently, NotePlan released version 3.14, which includes the ability to auto-generate templates based on the calendar item. I note this because I requested this specific feature when we discussed NotePlan recently on the Mac Power Users. NotePlan continues to impress me.

Since we aired that episode, I’ve heard from many listeners who have adopted the app and are enjoying it. Here are just a few things I like about NotePlan:

  • The data format is plain text using Markdown syntax saved to your local drive, just like Obsidian.
  • A one-man developer team actively develops it. Over the years, he’s proven his dedication to the app and willingness to tackle significant feature additions.
  • It’s a native app on all the Apple platforms.

To me, NotePlan lies somewhere between Obsidian and Apple Notes. It’s closer to Obsidian in implementation but has fewer customization options.

When I set up my 2025 technology stack, I’m going to be looking very closely at this application.

The 2025 Focused Calendar

I’m pleased to announce that the Focused Wall Calendar for 2025 is now on sale. We’ve been collaborating for years with the NeuYear calendar people, and it is, in my opinion, the best wall calendar on the market.

Mike and I spent a lot of time adjusting it over the years to get it just right. A couple of the features that I love:

  • It starts on Monday as a proper calendar should.
  • It’s big at 25 inches by 36 inches.
  • It gives you an overview of the entire year. Over the years, this calendar on my wall has gotten me out of a lot of pickles as I look at the calendar to see just how busy I am before I say yes to another commitment.
  • It’s designed with no gaps between the months, so everything flows together.
  • You can write on it with dry-erase or wet-erase markers.
  • It’s beautiful.

You can buy it now. (whispering) Mine is already on order.

Fantastical RSVP Feature

app icon for Fantastical, the calendar app for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS.

Fantastical recently released a new feature called RSVP that lets you set a meeting and send out a link where people can RSVP their attendance. As the meeting organizer, this gives you a list of attendees and an easy way to contact them. I feel partially responsible for this new addition to my favorite calendar app because I’ve been needling Team Fantastical about adding something like this since I opened the MacSparky Labs, where Zoom events take place on a regular basis.

Here’s a video showing the RSVP feature.

Whither Apple Calendar?

I have noted that Apple continues to make progress on its productivity application suite. Apple Notes is no longer a joke; it is a powerful tool that many people are using effectively. Reminders is also on an upswing. While certainly not a tier-one task manager, it has most of the features that people are looking for and continues to make yearly improvements.

Apple’s Calendar app is the exception, however. There’s been a lot of evolution in how we manage calendars, and Calendar has yet to keep up with any of it. While the application is acceptable for keeping track of dental and other appointments, even its touted Reminders integration (introduced in macOS Sequoia) is half-baked. A powerful calendar app can make a huge difference in our productivity if harnessed correctly. The problem with Calendar is that it doesn’t have any of the tools necessary to do so. Moreover, from the outside, it looks like Apple has no intention of ever adding those features.

Fantastical: The Superhero of Calendar Apps (Sponsor)

I’m thrilled to once again have Flexibits and their fantastic calendar app as a MacSparky sponsor. I use Fantastical every day at MacSparky HQ, and I’m constantly blown away by how much it can do for me.

Some of my favorite features are the meeting setting and Zoom integration. Openings and Proposals links got a lot better and I can now add contact details in the URL link. Some more great Fantastical features:

  • Live Activities — for those of us with a Dynamic Island-equipped iPhone, seeing your upcoming Fantastical event in this prime spot is so handy, and you can get right to it with a tap.
  • The Quarter view was added to the Mini Window on Mac. This is my favorite view in Fantastical and one that I’m convinced they added just for me.

With iOS 17 came interactive widgets, including SmartStack and StandBy on iPhone. Fantastical was ready, and took advantage of these new features in September. I use widgets all the time. They also made the Apple Watch app so much nicer and easier to use.

I could go on and on…but I think you’re getting it: Fantastical has never been better, and if you’re wondering whether it’s right for you, head over there now and give it a spin! Managing your events, tasks, and meetings has never felt as good.

Get Your 2024 Focused Wall Calendar (There’s Still Time)

Focused 2024 Wall Calendar

There are a few days left in 2023, so why not get your Focused 2024 wall calendar today?

I’ve had mine for a while now and it looks great. This calendar puts your entire year on the wall so you can see how you’re doing and when you’re busy. I’ve been using them for years, and I find them an excellent way to control the flow of my year.

It’s also been nice for my wife to come into Endor Studios and look at the calendar to see at a glance when I’m available. This would be an excellent tool for anybody working at home or with a team.

We’ve put a lot of work into the design of this calendar over the years, and it’s both functional and attractive.

I always mount mine on foam in the vertical orientation and hang it on the wall.

You can get yours now.

Did You Order Your 2024 Focused Wall Calendar?

Focused 2024 Wall Calendar

The Focused 2024 wall calendar is available!

It puts your entire year on the wall so you can see how you’re doing and when you’re busy. My daughter often walks into Endor Studios to look at my calendar so she knows when I’m available. This would be an excellent tool for anybody working at home or with a team.

We’ve put a lot of work into the design of this calendar over the years, and it’s both functional and attractive.

If you haven’t done so yet, you can order yours today.

The Focused 2024 Wall Calendar is Here

Focused 2024 Wall Calendar

It’s that time of year again and the official Focused 2024 wall calendar is now available and shipping. (I got mine a few days ago.)

I love this calendar. It puts your entire year on the wall so you can see how you’re doing and when you’re busy. I’ve been using them for years, and I find them an excellent way to control the flow of my year.

It’s also been nice for my family to come into Endor Studios and look at the calendar so they know when I’m available. This would be an excellent tool for anybody working at home or with a team.

We’ve put a lot of work into the design of this calendar over the years, and it’s both functional and attractive.

I always mount mine on foam in the vertical orientation and hang it on the wall.

You can get yours now.