Adding Colors to Mac Folders

Q. How do you change the folder colors on a Mac? I can never find the folder I want on my desktop with all of them blue.

A. Apple provides several ways to customize your Mac’s desktop and its icons, including changing a folder’s look. In one approach, start by clicking once on a desktop folder to select it, and then press the Command and I keys on the keyboard to open its Get Info box. (As an alternative, you can right-click or hold down the Control key and click the icon and choose Get Info from the contextual menu that appears.)

At the top of the Get Info box, click the folder icon once to select it and then press the Command and C keys to copy it; you can also choose the Copy command from the Edit menu if you are averse to keyboard shortcuts. After you have copied the icon, open the Preview program, which is found in the Mac’s Applications folder.

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In the Mac’s Preview program, use the Adjust Color box to create a new shade of folder.CreditThe New York Times 

When the Preview app is open, press the Command and N keys, or go to the File menu and choose “New from clipboard.” A window opens showing several folder icons. Next, press the Option, Command and C keys — or go to the Tools Menu and select Adjust Color.

In the Adjust Color panel, move the Saturation, Temperature, Tint and other sliders around until the sample folder in the box is the color you want to use. Click to select the smaller version of that colored folder on the left side of the window and use the Copy command again to copy it. (You can close the Preview window without saving it after you copy the new folder color.)

Finally, go to the desktop folder you want to change, press the Command and I keys again to open its Get Info box and click to select the folder at the top of the window. With the folder selected, press the Command and V keys (or go to the Edit menu and pick Paste) to change the folder to the new color. Close the Get Info box.

Because the Copy and Paste commands work in the Get Info boxes of files and folders, you can also use them to replace standard folder icons with other icons, including third-party novelty icon sets easily found online. Inexpensive Mac apps like Folder Color (available in the Mac App store for $3) are another way to customize your Mac’s desktop icon

Apple releases iTunes 12.4 with interface and navigation changes

In addition to releasing software updates across iOS, Mac, and watchOS, Apple today has released an update to iTunes. The update brings iTunes to version 12.4 and includes the design tweaks that were initially rumored earlier this month.

iTunes 12.4 introduces a variety of interface tweaks that Apple says make it easier to navigate the app and switch between different kinds of content. First off, there’s a new media picker that allows users to quickly switch between Music, Movies, TV shows, and more.

Perhaps most notably, there’s a persistent sidebar reminiscent of the old days of iTunes. This interface tweak makes it easier to switch between different categories of content, such as recently added, artists, albums, songs, and genres, Apple says.

The new sidebar also makes it easier to build and adjust Playlists, allowing you to easily drag and drop songs into Playlists. You can also edit the sidebar to show only your preferred views.

As expected, the Menus interface has also been simplified. You can use the View menu to customize your Library or to act on specific items now.

A refreshed version of iTunes has been in the pipeline since Eddy Cue teased it in February of this year, and while this isn’t the major overhaul many people have been hoping for, it’s better than nothing.

You can update to the latest version of iTunes by selecting the “Check for updates” option in the Menu bar. At this point it’s unclear if the update fixes the bug that was causing personal music files to be deleted.

Now enjoy all of your music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and more in a simpler design.

Navigation. Now you can use Back and Forward buttons as you navigate between your Library, Apple Music, iTunes Store, and more.

Media Picker. Easily switch between Music, Movies, TV shows and more–and Edit to choose just the items you want.

Library and Playlists. Use Sidebar to view your Library in new ways. Drag and drop songs to easily add them to Playlists. And Edit Sidebar to show only your favorite views.

Menus. Menus in iTunes are now simpler and easier to use. Use the View menu to customize your Library or try context menus to act on specific items.

Free up hard drive space with these Mac disk cleanup apps

No matter the size of your Mac’s hard drive, there will come a time when you need to free up some space. Having a full hard drive can make your Mac feel sluggish, and running out of space can be terrifying.

Sifting through your archive of files may seem like a daunting task. But don’t fear — these three super-simple and effective Mac disk cleanup apps can help you out.

Check them out in the Cult of Mac video review below.

The apps shown here will get your computer feeling clean and ready to go. Freeing up plenty of space on your startup disk can result in your Mac feeling snappier than before, so it’s definitely worth doing.

Download Mac disk cleanup apps now

Ready to get started with your spring cleaning? Download one of these Mac cleaners OmniDiskSweeper (free) or DaisyDisk ($9.99, with a free trial), and/or duplicate-buster Gemini($9.99, with a free trial), to free up Mac hard drive space today.

 

IPhone game you can play without unlocking your phone – Steve The Jumping Dinosaur

Smartphones are pretty good for killing time – but what about when you are so lazy you can’t even be bothered to unlock your phone?

Relax, we’ve got your back.

Rather bafflingly, there’s a game you can play on iPhone without unlocking your handset – working as a widget in your Notifications screen.

Obviously, we’re not talking Destiny here – it’s a running dinosaur, similar to the one you can see in Chrome’s browser, and you tap to hurdle over stuff, in search of high scores.

It’s free, though: you can download Steve The Jumping Dinosaur here.

He runs along your screen, and you tap to make him jump – whoop whoop!

You can also unlock extra characters, including, inevitably, Nyan Cat.

File Cabinet Pro Offers Powerful File Management Features Directly from the OS X Menu Bar

Users needing easy to use, yet powerful file and cloud management features might want to take a look at Writes for All Inc.’s File Cabinet Pro, its powerful file manager for the OS X menubar. The app allows users to open, move, rename, tag, trash, copy and paste files, all from a popover window that appears from the menubar. File Cabinet Pro also allows users to copy files to their iCloud Drive without needing to open a window in Finder.

In addition to file management capabilities, the app also offers a built-in text editor, image viewer, PDF viewer, and media player. Document types supported include: txt, rtf, rtfd, png, bmp, mov, mp4 and many more.

Features:

• Create subdirectories in File Cabinet Pro
• Click into subdirectories and open documents
• Store files locally and in iCloud
• Drag and drop files to and from iCloud
• Tag files – Select files in File Cabinet Pro, right click, and then simply add or remove file tags from the control in the context menu
• Show in Finder
• Rename files
• Copy and paste files
• Trash files
• View items as icons or in columns
• Launch the application at login – You can have File Cabinet Pro automatically launch when you login to your Mac (optional feature, disabled by default)
• Built in lightweight text editor – Create and edit .txt, .rtf, and .rtfd files
• Built in lightweight image viewer/editor. Rotate images, crop images, and apply filters to images
• Built in media player – Watch video and play audio files
• PDF viewer
• Editable files support document versions

File Cabinet Pro for Mac OS X is $29.99, and is available from the App Tyrant website. [GET IT HERE]

Domino’s brings easy pizza ordering to the Apple Watch

While Chipotle truly innovated last year with its burrito button Apple Watch app, Domino’s is joining the party by finally making it possible to easily order pizza for delivery using the Apple Watch. The convenience factor is arguably in leagues with the Tesla summon watch app we recently saw, and it’s safe to say 2016 has officially arrived.

Domino’s already offered delivery tracking from the Apple Watch, and the latest version of the watch app actually lets you order pizza by using your personal pizza preferences. Just make sure you have a Pizza Profile and save an Easy Order ahead of time, then the next time you’re hungry and in a hurry, launch the Domino’s Apple Watch app and await your delivery.

Domino’s says it’s the first national pizza company in the country to bring this capability to the Apple Watch. Going to the door to retrieve your pizza may even add a little credit to the Apple Watch’s Activity rings. Also: ! Amazon Echo also recently learned how to order Domino’s Pizza.

Here’s what else has changed in the Domino’s Pizza iOS app:

What’s New in Version 3.3.0

WHAT’S NEW FOR iPHONE:

– Apple Watch Ordering The next time someone asks you what time it is, use your Apple Watch to place your Easy Order, then look them in the eye and say, “It’s pizza time.” – Domino’s Tracker® Notifications Enable notifications to get Tracker® updates sent directly to your phone! – Bug fixes

WHAT’S NEW FOR iPAD:

– Timed Orders You can now use the app to place a future timed order for carryout or delivery! Once you’ve built your order, you can change the timing on the right hand side of the cart. – Bug fixes

You can grab the latest Domino’s Pizza app for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch on the App Store now.

Notarize documents remotely with new iPhone app

Legal documents of all types need to be notarized which has always meant a visit to a licensed notary. The notary verifies your identity in person and then witnesses your signing of the document(s) in front of him or her. It’s not something one has to do often but it’s a pain when required.

The free Notarize app for the iPhone makes this classic process possible on the phone. Running the app verifies your identity by scanning an acceptable ID – e. g. a driver’s license – and connects you over a video call to a licensed notary. The notary witnesses you signing the document and electronically stamps it as officially notarized.

Once stamped the document can be emailed to the appropriate authority and saved to the cloud for later referral.

The service is available in all 50 states. The Notarize app is available on the iTunes app storefor free.

Best iPhone Calendar App For People Who Hate Calendar Apps

On iOS, or any other platform for that matter, there is no shortage of calendar apps. It seems like they’re a dime a dozen, in fact. While the concept of a calendar is anything but novel, developers have all sorts of different takes on calendars and scheduling that move well beyond the typical grid of dates and into some pretty interesting new territory.

Our longtime favorite calendar app for the iPhone is Timepage, a gorgeous offering by Moleskine that we first told you about in May of last year. A new app that was just released a few weeks ago is giving Timepage a serious run for its money though, and it offers a completely new take on the concept of a calendar app.

According to London-based iOS developer Rebel Minds, Rolo Calendar is “a calendar for people who don’t use calendars.” We’re not sure how anyone can survive these days without using a calendar or schedule keeper to some extent, but apparently these people are out there.

We would describe the app in a slightly different way: A calendar app for people you don’t enjoy conventional calendars. Rolo is a truly original take on scheduling and it offers a whimsical but effective user interface the likes of which we’ve never seen.

And best of all, perhaps, it’s free.

Rolo Calendar’s full description can be found below along with a link to download it on your iPhone or iPad.

Rolo is a calendar for people who don’t use calendars. With its circular face, Rolo allows you to see a day, a month or a full year at a glance.

With traditional calendars it can often be hard to see the bigger picture. They’re linear, granular and often end up being messy. With Rolo, on the other hand, you can quickly check how your life is divided up into say, work, learning, fitness and play and then make a decision whether this balance is correct – if it’s not you can make it right with a swipe.

Because we tend to think of time in circles – our 365-day orbit of the sun or the face of a clock, for example – Rolo is also a much more intuitive way of organising our lives than traditional calendars that run horizontally and vertically.

Rolo is an indispensable planning tool for students, entrepreneurs, professionals and anyone else who want to make the most of their time.

Download Rolo Calendar

Astropad turns your iPad into a professional Mac drawing tablet, download it now for $10

Astropad for iPad has dropped down to just $9.99 on the App Store, which is 50% less than its usual price and the best deal we’ve seen since its initial launch offer. This productivity app allows you to “draw directly into Photoshop right from your iPad” and “supports all pressure sensitive pens available for iPad.” The latest Astropad update brought added functionality for iPad Pro and Apple Pencil users. Make sure you download the free Mac companion app before getting started.

(FYI, that slick iPad drawing stand shown in the video below is Twelve South’s ParcSlope.)

Astropad transforms your iPad into a professional graphics tablet for your Mac. Use your iPad to draw directly into Photoshop and any other Mac creative tools you know & love.

Finally, you can use your iPad as a drawing tablet for your favorite Mac tools including: Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, Corel Painter, Manga Studio, Pixelmator, Mischief and any other Mac app you like! Whether you are a professional digital artist or a hobbyist, Astropad offers the most powerful way to draw on your Mac using your iPad.

Built for the needs of creative professionals, Astropad is true to your source material with color corrected output and retina resolution. What you see on your iPad is the same as on your Mac.

Astropad features breakthrough network technology that keeps up with you even when wirelessly drawing. It really works, allowing you to work from your desk or the sofa.

How to restore older versions of iOS apps

Usually, an app update is a good thing. But sometimes, things go wrong: An update does the opposite of what you expect it to do. In that scenario, you want to roll your apps back, but unfortunately, at least on the iOS and Mac App Stores, Apple makes that seemingly impossible.

But it isn’t impossible — just a little tricky. Here’s how to roll your iOS apps back to an older version when things go wrong.

Over on Medium, Kenny Yin posted a list of instructions on how to legally download any previous version of an App Store app through iTunes.

There’s a lot of steps, so we’ll let you check it out there. But if you’d rather follow a video walkthrough, Jeff Benjamin  has put together a useful explainer of the process.

This isn’t a process most people will need to undertake, but in the off chance you’ve installed an update that has broken your workflow, this could be a real lifesaver.