Word Tips and Shortcuts

If you are looking to speed up and customize some ways to work with Microsoft Word, you may find the recent article 5 Ways to Customize Word very helpful. On the iPad, there are limited wasy to customize settings while using Word.

Word Settings

In Word, tap on the gear icon on the bottom left and you will be presented with settings related to Storage, Notifications, and (currently) two settings related to auto format as you type and whether the Apple Pencil always draws ink.

The ability to customize the iPad version of Word is limited. Should you find yourself wanting to use Word on the iPad with some regularity, Apple’s Keyboard or an external keyboard is recommended as certain keyboard commands to speed up the process are easily utilized. For example, copy, paste, select all, italicize, bold, etc. are recognized with the keyboard input. This saves time by not having to tap on the screen to select the text, the select the action to perform.

A subscription to Microsoft is required to edit documents on the iPad. No subscription is required to read documents that may have been sent to you to review.

If you use Microsoft Word, the iPad is a great tool to help you focus on getting the words down on the screen. By using cloud sync services, such as OneDrive, you can then save your work in the cloud and continue later on your iPhone, Mac or other device. You can also save your work to a file on the iPad.

TrialPad (Lit Software) Updates

It’s been a while since posting but that (hopefully) will change with this latest update from Lit Software to their suite of litigation software. There are three separate apps that can be used to help you with your litigation practice. There is TrialPad, TranscriptPad and DocReviewPad.

Each app can help you with a separate part of preparing for and presenting information at trial.

In a nutshell, TrialPad is an app that allows you to organize and present evidence at trial, mediation or during motions.

TranscriptPad is an app that allows you to review and markup transcripts that are in text format to help you organize relevant testimony.

DocReviewPad is an app that allows you to do similar functions for documents involved in the discovery process.

With court rooms beginning to open, there is so much to discuss and show with the latest update that it cannot be limited to one post. I plan on posting specific ways to use the updated tools. For now, this will be a quick post to alert users of the apps or those interested in learning more about them that the software and payment for it has recently been updated.

In the past, one could buy the apps and receive updates. The new model is a subscription plan. You can download any of the apps from the App Store and start a 7 day free trial, with no limitations or restrictions and using your own documents and evidence.

It is strongly recommended that you not wait until the day or even week before trial to start learning these apps.

If you want to learn more about these apps, visit the Litsoftware website and review the videos that are currently available and help center.

Recently, Jay Vaughn and I walked through using TrialPad on Trial Lawyers University. There are various upcoming seminars that will be put on to show you how to use these apps. Check your local bar or trial lawyer schedules.

Notes, Lists and Sharing

It’s the start of a new year and time to get organized. How about use the built in Notes app with iCloud to create lists of things you need or need to accomplish and share them with others who can update them?

Let’s use a simple example…A grocery list. Let’s say you have family or a significant other who needs items from a grocery store. Instead of keeping a paper list or sticky notes in different places, consider using the Share This Note with Others Feature built into Notes.

How does it work? It’s simple.

After opening the Notes app, click on the pencil icon to create a new note. Then, type in the top line something like Grocery List and hit return.

Now, start making your list…Apples, Carrots, Milk 2%, Oatmeal, Bread, Toothpaste, etc. Hit return after each item, then select all of the items and tap the circle with the check mark in it at the top. This will create an empty circle next to each item that allow you to tap in the circle to make a check mark.

If you tap or click in a circle, a check mark will appear. That way, while you are shopping, you can check off the items as you get them.

Next, let’s share the note to allow others to edit, add or delete items to the list. To do that, tap on the person with + icon. When you hover over it, it may say share this note with others.

Now, you can select the method to share your notes to be edited by those you invite. If you do not want them to make changes, then select the permissions Only people you invite can view by clicking next to Permission: Whether you choose Mail, Messages or something else, those you invite can then see, edit and delete information in the note.

After you share your list, assuming the recipient has an iCloud account, they will then be able to see, edit and modify the shared list. When they do so, your list will be updated and if you make changes, so will what they see.

From your iOS device, you easily can tap next to the item, tap on the smiley face and then type the item and look for an emoji to enter.

Other examples of share list can include items needed for a project, to do items for a task, things to order from a restaurant, etc.

Start using Notes with the shared feature to make your new year more productive. Tap to learn more about the Notes app.

iWork Updates – Scribble Tool

Not only was iOS updated to version 14 but iWork apps were updated as well. If you use Keynote, Pages or Numbers, there are some interesting and helpful changes and improvements. To learn more about the new features in these apps, click here.

In Keynote, there are 3 main new functions. Those include Scribble, Outline View and Web videos. With Scribble, you can write with your Apple Pencil and your words will turn to text. Scribble is on by default.

To use the Scribble feature, in Keynote using your Apple Pencil, tap in a text box, shape or table cell where you want to write. Tap the Scribble Tool and then start writing.

• 

As you enter text with Apple Pencil, you can do any of the following:

• Delete a word: Scratch it out.
• Insert text: Tap and hold in a text area, then start writing when a space opens.
• Join or separate characters: Draw a vertical line between them.
• Select text: Circle text or draw a line through it. Drag the selection handles with your finger to change the selection.
• Start a new paragraph: Tap  in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
• Show a keyboard: Tap  in the toolbar, then tap keyboard keys to correct text, delete characters, add spaces, and more.
• Undo the last action: Tap  in the toolbar. Tap multiple times to undo all your recent actions.
• Add a new text box: Start writing away from other text areas (such as another text box or a selected table or table cell). A new text box is created for your text.

To learn more about the new Scribble Feature, click here.

Keynote, Pages, Numbers Updated

Apple has released updates to the work suite of apps for both the Mac and iOS devices.

Pages has new features like:

• Play YouTube and Vimeo videos right in your documents.*
• Easily add captions and titles to images, videos, shapes, and other objects.
• Create more flexible formulas using new functions
• Import an iBooks Author book to work on it in Pages

Numbers has new features like:

• New functions, including XLOOKUP, XMATCH, and REGEX, let you match patterns, manipulate text, and create flexible formulas.
• Easily add captions and titles to images, videos, shapes, and other objects.
• Play YouTube and Vimeo videos right in your spreadsheets.*
• Scroll and zoom your spreadsheets without unintentional edits.

Keynote has new features for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch like:

• Movies can now play through slide transitions. Add the same movie to multiple slides to play from one slide to the next.
• Use the Align to Path option to have objects stay pointed in the correct direction while following a motion path.
• Easily add captions and titles to images, videos, shapes, and other objects.

To get the latest updates, on your iOS device, go to App Store. Then, tap on your account and update. Make sure you have wi-fi.

Ulysses Turns 19

Ulysses, a writing app and markdown editor, turns 19. It adds material sheets, mouse and track support on iPad and keywords in Markdown Files and provides various fixes.

This writing app offers a different approach to turning your ideas into text. The basic unit is not so much a document but rather a “sheet.” A sheet is where the nugget of your idea, sentences or paragraphs are entered. Once you have created several sheets, you can order and nest them into groups for export in various ways.

By storing your Ulysses file in the cloud, you can work from your Mac or iOS device anytime the urge or impulse to write strikes you. The developer states “On iPad and iPhone, you’re now able to embed external folders from locations in the Files app, such as cloud storage providers or Git clients, and edit the contained files with Ulysses.” The ability to sync requires a subscription.

A main idea behind this writing app is to help the writer spend more time getting the thoughts down and less time worrying about formatting. The goal is to take the stress off of what the finished document will look like and help the attention be focused on the ease of entering the text and idea.

 Apple recently introduced mouse and trackpad support for iOS and Ulysses takes advantage of this.

You can try Ulysses for free. Download it from the App Store. All subscription plans contain a free trial. It is fully functional and syncs to all your Macs, iPads and iPhones.

So, if you are interested in trying out a new way to think about document creation, check out Ulysses.

Nike Training Club Premium Free

 

This morning, after my morning run, in my Nike Run Club app was a message. Nike is trying to help us all stay healthy and active by providing its premium training for free until further notice. Right now, it is only available in the US.

The description of the app is as follows:

Nike Training Club helps you reach your fitness goals. Get fit anytime, anywhere with free workouts across strength, endurance, yoga & mobility.

Every exercise and drill features our world-class Nike Master Trainers. From bodyweight workouts to full-equipment exercises, discover personalized workout recommendations, just for you.

FIND WORKOUTS FOR ALL LEVELS

The Nike Training Club workout library includes:

• Body-part focused workouts targeting your abs, arms, shoulders, glutes, and legs

• Strength, endurance, yoga, and mobility workouts

• Workout times ranging from 15-45 Minutes

• Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Levels

• Low, Moderate and High Intensity

• Bodyweight only, Light and Full Equipment

• Time-based and Rep-based options

You may want to take advantage of this offer. The message is reproduced below. Make sure you download the NTC App, not the Nike Run Club app.

At Nike, our world is sport, but sport is not our whole world.

We’re evolving as the world evolves and we want to help you stay healthy and active with your fellow teammates because now, more than ever, it’s one of the most important things for all of us.

We’re all playing as one team, so starting today and until further notice, we’re giving free access to NTC Premium to all Nike Members.

Update your NTC App to the most recent version to enjoy on-demand class-style workouts, programs, and expert tips.

GET NTC PREMIUM

FAQs
I am currently subscribed to NTC Premium on my Apple device, can I get a refund?
Monthly Subscribers: We recommend you cancel your subscription to enjoy the same NTC Premium content you already love for free.
Annual Subscribers: You’ll need to request a refund directly from Apple.

I am currently subscribed to NTC Premium on my Android device, can I get a refund?
Monthly Subscribers: We recommend you cancel your subscription to enjoy the same NTC Premium content you already love for free.
Annual Subscribers: Please contact us.

When will NTC Premium be available in other countries?
Currently, NTC Premium is only available in the US. We are looking to expand into more countries.

Sidecar (Extended Desktop and More) Details

Earlier this year, Apple announced the Sidecar feature available with the installation of MacOS Catalina and iPadOS 13. Essentially, this allows your compatible Mac and iPad to work together using the iPad as an external touch monitor and more.

The “features” include: Extending or mirroring the desktop via wired or wireless connection, Multi-Touch gestures on the iPad, Touch Bar support even if your Mac does not have it, use of Apple Pencil for Mac apps that support drawing tablets and more.

Apple has published a Sidecar White Paper PDF available for viewing and download. You can also read more about set up and the system and hardware requirements here.

You can modify Sidecar functionality from the Mac System Preferences > Sidecar. These allow you to choose where to show the sidebar and Touch Bar on your iPad screen, and allows certain supported features when you double-tap on the side of your Apple Pencil (2nd generation).

A requirement that is sometimes overlooked is that both compatible devices to be signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID. Also, if using the feature wirelessly, both devices need to have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Handoff turned on, be within 10 meters of each other and neither the iPad is sharing its cellular connection nor the Mac is sharing its Internet connection.

Flow by Moleskine

Flow by Moleskine is not just another app for those wanting to get ideas down on paper, it’s a productivity tool that allows you to fine tune what you want to capture on “paper” when inspiration strikes. This universal iOS app recently won an Apple 2019 design award.

The app features different drawing tools that can be fined tuned to your liking and saved. You can change nibs and ink flows. There are a wide variety of combinations and colors available and easily selectable. You can choose between different paper styles and colors.

Although there are some limits placed on tools and paper, there are more than enough combinations available. You can also export and share your work. The ability to undo in a variety of ways also makes this app useful.

The app is free to try for a few days. After that, there is a monthly or annual subscription price. Right now, following WWDC 2019, there is a 60% discount on the subscription. ($1.99 per month / $11.99 per year) It is not clear how long that may last.

You can also sync between iOS devices when you use the same Flow account.

So, this alternative to Paper is certainly worth trying.

 

 

Ulysses v16 – Ghost Publishing and iPad Split View

Ulysses is a great app for writers and others trying to get thoughts down and for publishing blogs. Using iCloud, you can work on your Mac and pick up where you left off on your iOS device and vice versa.

V 16 has new features and fixes. The new features include the ability to publish articles to the Ghost platform and a full featured iPad split view. So, in landscape orientation, you can keep two editors open at the same time or see an export preview while editing.

The ability to sync between iOS devices and your Mac requires a subscription.