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1 week ago | 
xda-developers.com | Nolen Jonker
I’m a visual thinker, so I usually reach for mind maps and flowcharts when I brainstorm ideas or plan projects. They help me get a full-picture overview of all my thoughts and the nuggets of information I've collected. While Notion isn’t a mind-mapping or flowchart tool, I discovered a hidden gem: Mermaid.js. It’s a text-based diagramming tool that works perfectly within Notion’s code blocks. And it turns out to be exactly what I needed — a minimal and fast tool to create flowcharts and mind maps.
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1 week ago | 
xda-developers.com | Nolen Jonker
Spreadsheets are one of the aspects of my workflow that I dislike the most. They can quickly become hard to organize and are too easy to break with one wrong click. But I discovered that by utilizing Notion databases to their full potential, I don't need spreadsheets. Notion databases let you create connections between databases and offer powerful filters, plus way more.
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2 weeks ago | 
xda-developers.com | Nolen Jonker
I've always liked visual mindmapping as it lets you have a bird's eye view of all the details of any project. There are a bunch of tools out there just for that, and many people seem to reach for Miro or something similar. But for me, it's too bloated and also too business-oriented. I prefer sketching out my ideas as they come, and Obsidian Canvas is perfect for that.
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2 weeks ago | 
xda-developers.com | Nolen Jonker
I have a lot of creative workflows to keep track of, but most of them just end up being a mess, and I noticed how this prolonged the time it takes to complete something. That's when it clicked - why not combine my favorite productivity app with one of my most-used graphic apps? Krita doesn't have built-in project management tools, but Notion is a highly adaptable powerhouse, and it ended up working perfectly alongside Krita. However, this process is applicable to any creative app.
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2 weeks ago | 
xda-developers.com | Nolen Jonker
I have my staple design toolkit that I reach for, but sometimes, I just need to create something fast. Whether a quick edit, social post, or thumbnail, I've found the perfect tool for it: Pinta. Pinta is a free and open-source drawing and editing app, but that's not the only reason I use it. It's also fast; it launches in seconds, doesn't choke my older laptop, and isn't bloated with advanced features and functions. Plus, it actually feels fun to work in.
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3 weeks ago | 
xda-developers.com | Nolen Jonker
I've used Illustrator on and off for years. I still respect what it does, but somewhere along the way, it started to feel more like a chore than an asset in my toolkit. I also finally said goodbye to Adobe for good recently, so a solid alternative was a must. For some time, Inkscape has been one of my top free illustration and design tools, but after giving up Adobe, it became a staple in my workflow. Instead of being a backup that's "good enough," it's now an actual tool I prefer using.
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3 weeks ago | 
xda-developers.com | Nolen Jonker
Notion is already a powerful tool, but with some useful widgets, you can turn it into something entirely different — a personalized command center. I wanted my Notion dashboard to feel less like a notebook and more like a personalized control panel, which meant adding widgets that not only gave me access to what matters but also worked smoothly and looked good. There's no code or confusion with these widgets, just little tools that can make a big difference in your productivity or daily goals.
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3 weeks ago | 
xda-developers.com | Nolen Jonker
No one can prepare you for how chaotic the process of writing a novel can get. I had notes scattered in a dozen places and half-formed ideas in every note app I've ever downloaded. It was time to find a tool that would keep everything organized in one place and keep my workflow streamlined. Enter Logseq, an open-source outliner and note-taking app specifically built for networked thought processes.
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1 month ago | 
xda-developers.com | Nolen Jonker
After a long time of relying on Photoshop for nearly everything, from image editing to digital design, I didn't expect to find other apps that could come close. But in my search for Photoshop alternatives, one option that stood out to me was Affinity Photo 2. It's a fast, powerful, and thoughtfully-designed editor with features that not only rival Photoshop but also outdo it in some areas. Plus, there's no subscription, it's a one-time purchase tool.
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1 month ago | 
xda-developers.com | Nolen Jonker
For years, I've relied on Google Drive for most of my personal backups, including documents, images, videos, and some creative work. It felt convenient at first: My files synced between my devices, and I could access them anywhere. However, as I accumulated files over time, I wanted to avoid paying more. So, I started looking into storage alternatives, not only to dodge higher costs, but also for the sake of better privacy and more control.
