Discussion (Personal) most useful productivity apps

[Judy7]

Hello! I am Judy!
(also, this is my first post 🤓 pls have mercy and be nice 😀)

I work very long hours so to save time and feel less overwhelmed I use a lot of useful free apps/software/services that make my working life easier. These are not unknown to the general public but I thought it would be nice to share my personal favorite life savers, and get your opinion if you guys know about better free options out there!

1. Samepage
   My team uses this to keep track of tasks, to-do list, write memos on each assignment, assign people to certain tasks… It can send notifications and reminders through the browser so you’re not late to (or forget about) the meetings, schedules, deadlines etc. There is not a shortage of task management solutions, but in my opinion if you’re looking for a free thing, this is a great option cause it's not time limited and the free version is enough for assignment tracking.
   
   
2. 
   Dead simple screen sharing
   This Chrome extension is a real time saver. Instead of reserving a meeting room and going through a conference call or video call with a partner/client or meeting in person someone from the company just to share something on my screen or briefly explain something from my side, a simple video sharing extension is all I use now. You can also record it, talk and chat (two way). Saved me so much time, especially when I want to show how my editing work is going to someone from another department that is on another floor or out of office. You can invite by email or copy the screen sharing code and post in any messaging app, cause you can join via mobile as well.
   
   
3. SmallPDF
   I use an extension on Chrome that leads you straight to the website page that will do the conversion you need. It's helpful for anyone dealing with a lot of documents on a daily basis. I found it annoying that whenever I have to upload a certain file format, I have to search for a website that can do a conversion I need in a separate tab (or bookmark the webpage for each conversion). SmallPDF converts PDF to Excel, PPT, Word, JPG (and other way around) and also merges/splits pages/compresses files etc. It's signing feature is also very useful. You can create and save nice looking signatures, and invite others to sign as well. There is a pro version but I found the free version just as useful.
   
   
4. GIMP
   On my company PC we do have installed Adobe Photoshop, but in case I have to edit something at home from my personal laptop, I cannot do it in Photoshop as I don’t have the licence. GIMP has saved my life so many times. It’s so easy to get used to, it’s free, and does a great job. I still use Photoshop at work, but I wouldn’t mind switching completely to GIMP if we didn’t already have the Adobe licence.
   
   
5. Pi Reminder
   I use it for personal things because I'm so forgetful. I put all the reminders there - rent pay day, birthdays, anniversaries, meetups with friends etc. Since I don’t check my phone often during work hours, I rely on the PC for all kinds of reminders (it can also send reminders to your cell phone, it’s just that I prefer getting notified on PC cause I spend more time there)

I use A LOT of similar apps daily so please add your favorites/alternatives. I am one tired and forgetful marketing & design manager, so anything that is saving time, increasing productivity will do!

 

[Ralston18]

@Judy7

I am moving your post to Opinions and Experiences.

And my overall recommendation with regards to productivity is to have two monitors in Extended Mode.

As for time-saving apps per se - others may comment accordingly.