Microsoft PowerToys
First tool that I would like to introduce is Microsoft PowerToys. It is a universal set of programs designed to enhance productivity and provide additional customization options. Compatible with Windows 95, Windows XP, Windows 10, and Windows 11, PowerToys offer a range of features that can significantly improve your workflow.
Upon installation, locate the PowerToys icon in the Windows notification area (lower right-hand corner). Clicking on it or accessing it via the Start menu reveals a variety of tools. Here are some key keyboard shortcuts and highlights that mostly I use:
- ⊞ Win+Ctrl+T: Pin windows above others.
- ⊞ Win+Shift+T: Text Extractor for copying text from any screen area.
- Alt+Space: Open a search bar and quickly open applications or files by typing their names.
- Ctrl + Ctrl: Highlight something with the mouse.
- Win+Shift+H: Display visual indicators when clicking the left or right mouse buttons.
- ⊞ Win+Shift+M: Screen ruler utility - Quickly measure pixels on your screen based on image edge detection.
This is just a brief overview of what PowerToys can do. You can explore more to find tools that suit your needs.
ZoomIt
ZoomIt is a screen zoom, annotation, and recording tool for technical presentations and demos. Here are some key features and shortcuts:
- Zoom: Ctrl + 1 (use the mouse wheel to zoom in or out).
- Exit Zoom: Esc or right-click.
- Draw Mode: Ctrl + D (left-click while in zoom mode).
- Change Pen Color: R (red), G (green), B (blue), O (orange), Y (yellow), P (pink).
- Hold SHIFT: Draw straight lines/ Hold CTRL: Draw boxes/ Hold TAB: Draw circles/ Hold SHIFT+CTRL: Draw arrows.
- W: White sketchpad, K: Black sketchpad.
- CTRL+C: Copy screen, CTRL+S: Save screenshot.
Notion
Notion is a comprehensive and multifunctional tool that goes beyond note-taking. It can be used not only for organizing ideas and notes, but also as website, campaign tracking, content calendar, project management, team collaboration and much more. I personally use it to organize my notes and to track progress. Here are some templates I find useful: