#here's to making google docs available offline

[icwasher]

How did your flight go??

Okay, so, the flights themselves were fine, but the flight from Miami to Buenos Aires got delayed, which was so annoying because I ALREADY had to wait in the airport for ten hours, and then I ALSO had to stay overnight. Which, actually, wasn't that bad bc I got to finish watching BBC Merlin and also sleep, but it also meant that I didn't meet my host family for a whole extra day.

But the flights themselves were fine. I watched some TV. Read some Dracula. Wrote at least 6k words in my current WIP.

[glowettee]

✧・゜: how i organize my google drive for maximum efficiency :・゜✧:・゜✧

hey lovelies! ✨

i use google drive to organize mostly everything, and the truth is, my google drive used to be an absolute disaster zone, we're talking hundreds of "untitled document" files and random screenshots saved who knows when. but after one particularly stressful finals week where i lost a paper for three hours, i completely overhauled my system. here's exactly how i organize everything now!

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ the folder structure that changed everything ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

first things first, i use a simple top-level organization system:

📁 𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘴: all school-related files

📁 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭: journals, goal tracking, finances, etc.

📁 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦: blog drafts, design projects, photos

📁 𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘷𝘦: completed classes and old projects

📁 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘴: templates, reference materials, guides

the key is keeping your top level super simple, i used to have 20+ folders here and it was overwhelming! now i can find anything within seconds because i know exactly which category it falls under.

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ my academic folder system ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

this is the most detailed section of my drive! inside my academics folder:

📁 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳

📁 class 1

📁 class 2

📁 class 3

📁 class 4

📄 semester schedule

📄 assignment tracker

inside each class folder:

📁 notes

📁 assignments

📁 readings

📁 projects

📄 syllabus

i color-code each class folder to match my physical notebooks and planner tabs, this visual consistency helps my brain switch between subjects more easily!

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ file naming conventions that save me ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

the absolute game-changer was developing a consistent naming system:

for class notes: DATE_CLASS_TOPIC example: 06.10_psych101_memory_systems

for assignments: CLASS_ASSIGNMENT_STATUS example: econ202_midterm_essay_final

for group projects: CLASS_PROJECT_MYPART_VERSION example: marketing300_campaign_research_v2

this might seem excessive, but it means i never have to open files to figure out what they are! plus, sorting by name automatically puts everything in chronological order.

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ my favorite google drive hacks ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

these little tricks make everything run even smoother:

𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨: i star current project files so they always appear at the top of my drive

𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨: right-click folders to give them colors that match your physical organization system

𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘺: i keep a "templates" folder with pre-formatted docs for essays, lab reports, notes, etc.

𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴: i set important folders to be available offline (has saved me during wifi emergencies!)

𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴: using "type:pdf" or "after:2023-09-01" in the search bar to filter results

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ maintenance routines ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

even the best system falls apart without regular maintenance! here's my schedule:

𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘱 (15 min): every friday afternoon, i sort any stray files into their proper folders and rename anything with default names

𝘮𝘪𝘥-𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘵 (30 min): halfway through each semester, i check that everything is where it should be and create any new folders needed

𝘦𝘯𝘥-𝘰𝘧-𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 (1 hour): i move completed classes to my archive folder and set up the next semester's structure

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ sharing & collaboration settings ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

as someone who works on lots of group projects, getting these settings right is crucial:

𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴: i create specific shared folders for each group project rather than sharing individual files

𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴: i'm careful about giving "edit" vs "comment" access depending on the project

𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨: i always disable "anyone with the link can edit" to avoid accidental changes

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ my best google drive tips ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

create a "quick access" document with links to your most-used files

use google drive's "workspaces" feature to group project files temporarily

download the desktop app to easily drag and drop files

set up automatic google photos backup for screenshots and images

use keyboard shortcuts (shift + n for new folder is my favorite!)

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ final thoughts ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

remember that the perfect organization system is one that works for your brain! mine has evolved over years of trial and error, and i still tweak it each semester. the key is consistency, whatever system you choose, stick with it long enough to make it habit.

xoxo, mindy 🤍

[novella-november]

Free Resources for Writers Masterpost

created October 10th 2024.

Will update every now and then, so click on the original/source post to see any updates that may be added in the future!

Free writing programs (offline):

LibreOffice, Free and Open Source.

FocusWriter, Free and Open Source (?)

Free Writing programs (Online; cross-platform)

4TheWords, (free tier with paid upgrades available) Tracks your daily word count and rewards for daily streaks. 10/10 recommend!

Google docs (Free, requires Google Account.)

Community Writing hubs:

4TheWords (I'm fairly certain the multiplayer option includes this)

Ohwrite - Word Springs with friends.

Online Goal Trackers:

Trackbear word goal tracker

Pacemaker goal planner

Of all of the above links, my absolute champion here is Libreoffice for pure functionality, and for fun and writing goals, 4TheWords!

It is like google docs in that you are writing on an online platform that autosaves your work (don't forget to give it a few seconds to save changes before clicking away from it), but it also means you can write on your desktop or mobile phone while on the go;

it keeps track of your words written for the day, keeps track of daily writing streaks, and makes it easy and fun to stay focused on completing word goals of various levels in one sitting, by "battling" monsters that have different word goals in a time limit.

once you reach that word goal, you've successfully defeated the monster, and earn loot to level up your character if you're interested in the RPG aspect of the site, otherwise, you can use it to simply write and keep to small, steady goals!

[wilteddreamsofbaldursgate]

2. Writing Set Up: Where to Write Your Draft

Before you even start writing, you’ll need to find a writing program/medium you feel comfortable working with. 

I promise you—from start to finish—you’ll look at your draft for a couple of hours at minimum, so I suggest you choose a program/medium that aligns with your individual needs. Now it’s time for you to identify what those needs might be. 

Here are some options:

Creativity strikes while you’re cuddled up in bed or on your commute to work? 

Try writing on your phone/tablet (unless you’re the one driving, of course!)—you can use pre-installed apps like Pages (iOS) or your Notes/Memo app. You can also download free writing applications like Google Docs. Google Docs works on and offline on basically any mobile device, which is great for when you’re on the go! 

You prefer writing/typing on a computer? 

There are many desktop writing programs like LibreOffice (free for Windows, Mac and Linux), MS Word (needs to be purchased/subscription-based), countless online text editors or the browser version of Google Docs. 

You need to physically feel the words flowing through your body? 

Well, imagine you’re a classic author and write them down by hand on generously perfumed paper (preferably with royal blue ink)! Of course, you can also use Post-it notes or that coffee-stained notebook from 2013. Regular paper will do, too, though it’s obviously not as cool. 

Of course, there are many more options to choose from, but since you’re just starting out, I suggest you try free and more readily available programs first. Everything has its pros and cons, but digital writing is generally pretty clean-cut and saves you the trouble of digitising hand-written drafts (which you’ll need to do if you want to share your writing online! Unless you want to share scans of your beautiful handwritten writing, of course!). 

But before you settle for one (or more!) program/media of your choice, you might want to consider a few things: 

Is your writing easily accessible to you? → Can you add to your draft whenever and wherever creativity strikes? 

Does your writing program save your progress automatically? → You don’t want to lose hours upon hours of work because you forgot to save your progress! 

Is your writing secure? → Is your writing uploaded to a cloud? Will you still be able to access your writing if your computer crashes or you lose your login data/ phone/notebook? Can you easily create external backups of your files?

It really doesn’t matter what you need to write down at this early point. Be it an idea, rough outline, dialogue, stream of consciousness, mind map or a finished draft—you just want your entire writing process to happen in a secure, accessible location that you feel confident working in. There is no perfect writing program; whatever program works best for you is the best program for you! 

For example: 

I almost exclusively write on Google Docs since it meets all my personal writing needs: It’s a free cloud service that syncs my files all across my devices (phone, laptop, tablet) regardless of where I am. It has an intuitive interface with all the basic writing/formatting tools I need. 

Once a month, I download my most recent drafts as “.docx”-files and back them up on an external hard drive—so even if I can’t, for whatever reason, access my Google Docs account, my files are still secured in a different location. 

Sometimes, I make use of handwritten notes, too—though I keep losing them or can’t decipher my handwriting…This seems minuscule or even funny, but it’s hard to come back to an idea when you’ve literally lost the physical manifestation of it! 

Next: The Idea: Coming Up With and Developing Your Idea (with examples)

Masterlist

[kawaakari-orchestra]

KWKO announcement: story progress, voting, birthday announcements and more!

Hi! Jay here.

I'm happy to say that, despite the recent lack of activity (as well as a bad flare up on my side and subsequent burn-out, but, you know, what happens, happens) I'm still working on writing the story! Mid-August deadline might be pushing it at this point because of all the difficulties, but hey, baby steps.

However...

Here's a topic to discuss: formatting. Yes, again.

Originally my idea was hosting everything as a literature for Toyhouse; however, I somewhat overestimated my prowess with HTML language (which is none, by the way). As a result the pages... Work, for the most part, but they're somewhat wonky depending on your screen resolution, and might not look exactly aesthetically pleasing if you're unlucky.

In addition, nothing works on the mobile yet. While I have some confidence I'm able to make the text, if for nothing else, readable at the cost of aesthetics, due to Toyhouse-specific code issues, I probably wouldn't be able to make it pleasant to read.

I'm predominantly a mobile user due to my disability and I consider everything being accessible from mobile to be an issue of accessibility. I was originally planning to bypass the issue with either a mobile accessible page (proven to be harder than I expected) or visual images gallery accessible from google drive (not accessible from screen readers). Now with Toyhouse being as unwieldy as it is, I'm wondering if just google drive is the way to go.

I'm still caught in the dilemma, but I also want to hear what other people have to say! This might just help me sort out my priorities. No results option. You fall for what you stand for. If you don't care, feel free to choose whatever.

Here's a list for pros and cons, if you're curious:

Toyhouse

• Easier navigation;

• Eventual character pages up and accessible from, ideally, all literature pieces;

• Will likely be google-able;

• Able to select and copy text, if that's your thing;

• Easier for me to fix typos and issues;

• More aesthetic and orderly in general;

- Likely not mobile accessible;

- Likely to break visually on some devices; majorly an issue of spacing;

- I'm just so bad at it to be honest.

Google docs

• Uniform format for everyone;

• More visual standardisation;

• More reliable as far as third-party storage goes;

• Downloadable to read offline!

- Very hard to navigate, if possible at all;

- Much harder for me personally to maintain;

- Not as private or anonymous for reading;

- No copying the text directly as those are just images fixed in place.

You don't need an account to use either of those, as far as I'm aware. What it'll be? (A pain for me to deal with, in any case. Why am I doing this to myself?)

Happy birthday, Kozaki Karin!

That's right! Today, on August 4th (in some timezones still), Kozaki Karin celebrates her birthday! 🎉

Let's wish her a good one!

We've received a shocking amount of fanart; I'll be reblogging it on here shortly after releasing the birthday menu lines! Thank you everyone!

Our next birthday party will occur on September 30th, this time for Kaedehara Akari! I'll make my priority to make information like this public ahead of time; I've learned my lesson.

Until next time!

- 🌻

[hostpyters]

Notion is an all-in-one workspace designed to help individuals and teams organize their work and collaborate efficiently. It combines note-taking, project management, task management, and database capabilities into a single platform. Here is a detailed review of its features and functionalities:

Key Features

Workspace Customization:

Blocks and Pages: Notion’s modular approach allows users to create content using blocks, which can be text, images, tables, checklists, code snippets, and more. These blocks can be arranged on pages that act as the primary workspace.

Templates: Notion offers a variety of pre-built templates for different use cases such as meeting notes, project plans, to-do lists, and knowledge bases. Users can also create and share their own templates.

Note-Taking and Documentation:

Rich Text Editing: Notion supports rich text formatting, allowing users to create detailed and visually appealing documents.

Embedded Content: Users can embed various types of content, such as videos, audio files, and external web content, directly into their pages.

Database Integration: Notes and documents can be linked to databases, enabling dynamic content and relational data management.

Project and Task Management:

Kanban Boards: Notion offers Kanban-style boards for managing tasks and projects visually, providing an intuitive way to track progress.

Gantt Charts and Calendars: Users can create timelines and calendar views to manage deadlines and schedules.

Task Assignments and Reminders: Tasks can be assigned to team members, with due dates and reminders set to ensure timely completion.

Databases:

Relational Databases: Notion supports relational databases, allowing users to link different types of data and create complex workflows.

Views: Data can be viewed in multiple ways, including tables, lists, boards, calendars, and galleries, providing flexibility in how information is presented and accessed.

Filters and Sorting: Advanced filtering and sorting options help users manage and analyze data efficiently.

Collaboration:

Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can edit pages simultaneously, with changes reflected in real-time.

Comments and Mentions: Team members can leave comments, tag others, and start discussions directly within the content, facilitating communication.

Permissions and Sharing: Notion allows granular permission settings, enabling users to control access at the page, block, or workspace level.

Integration and API:

Third-Party Integrations: Notion integrates with various external tools such as Slack, Google Drive, and Trello, enhancing its functionality and connectivity.

API Access: The Notion API allows for custom integrations and automation, enabling users to extend the platform’s capabilities. Mobile and Desktop Apps:

Cross-Platform Access: Notion is available on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, ensuring users can access their work from any device.

Offline Access: The mobile and desktop apps support offline access, allowing users to work without an internet connection. Pros

Versatile and Flexible: Notion’s block-based system and customizable templates make it highly adaptable to various use cases, from simple note-taking to complex project management.

Unified Workspace: Combining notes, tasks, databases, and collaboration tools into one platform helps streamline workflows and reduce the need for multiple applications.

User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive and visually appealing interface makes it easy for users to navigate and create content.

Strong Collaboration Features: Real-time collaboration, comments, and mentions facilitate team communication and project coordination.

Cons Learning Curve: The extensive features and customization options may require time and effort for new users to fully grasp and utilize effectively.

Performance Issues: With large databases and extensive content, some users may experience performance slowdowns.

Limited Offline Functionality: While offline access is available, some features may be limited or not function as smoothly as they do online.

Complexity for Simple Tasks: For users with straightforward needs, the comprehensive feature set might feel overwhelming or unnecessarily complex.

Notion is a powerful and versatile tool that caters to a wide range of organizational and productivity needs. Its flexibility, comprehensive feature set, and strong collaboration capabilities make it a valuable resource for individuals and teams looking to streamline their workflows. However, the potential learning curve and performance considerations should be kept in mind. Overall, Notion provides significant value for those willing to invest the time to fully leverage its capabilities.

[inspired-lesson-plans]

Music, Middle School

Essential Question:

What is the best way to make sure that the musicians you love to get paid?

Do Now:

Take a moment to think back on the musicians you have streamed the most. Post your answers to the following questions on Google Classroom.

How many times do you think you have streamed their songs?

What platform(s) did you use to do it?

How much money do you think they earned from it?

Class Discussion:

Have a look at the students' responses. It is very important that you keep this within a positive, encouraging environment. Some students will definitely be self-conscious of their responses.

Direct Instruction:

Show students what fraction of a penny their favorite musicians have earned from all of their young efforts.

Show students how to calculate whether they have given more or less than $10 to their favorite artists. Here is an example.

The musical group I have streamed the most would be Steeleye Span. I would conservatively estimate that I have streamed their songs on Spotify about 3000 times over the course of 8 years. Most of those were just the song Old Matron:

Seriously, if I were good at video editing, I would love to make an AMV with that song.

If Spotify pays musicians an average rate of $0.00318 per stream, then I have earned Steeleye Span approximately...

3000($0.00318) = $9.54

Meanwhile, 8 years of Spotify subscription payments, ranging from $8-18/month. Conservatively, that's $13/month for 96 months, or...

96($13) = $1,248

Give students time to discuss how else we could have used that money to actually support the artists.

Modeled Activity:

Show students how to use Bandcamp, which allows users to purchase songs outright, which means music with no ad breaks, no subscription fees, available offline, etc.

Make sure students know how to find their favorite musicians, but also how to find new musicians that they will love.

If their favorite musicians are not available on Bandcamp, show them how to pirate their music you should also show them how to purchase merchandise from a retailer that gives a larger cut of the sale to the musician. Encourage students to wear merch as much as possible, as this will provide free advertisement for them. I had a friend in college who wore a shirt for a band called We Butter The Bread With Butter. If I ever have a chance to see them in concert, I absolutely will.

Higher Order Learning:

Each student must turn in a Google Doc with links to songs (and prices) from musicians whom they already love, as well as from new musicians whom they intend to try. They should also include images of merchandise that they would like to buy. Finally, they must calculate how many months of Spotify subscriptions (or whatever) it would cost them to make these purchases, and how much money the artist will make from the sale.

one of the more bleak things to acknowledge is that if you pirate literally all of your music and then set aside a spotify subscription's worth of money each month to spend on a single pay-what-you-want album, it would almost immediately amount to you supporting those musicians more than streaming does

[himanshu123]

2025’s Best Note-Taking Apps for Android 

In today’s fast-paced world, staying organized and managing information effectively is essential. With countless options available, finding the best apps for Android can be overwhelming. Note-taking apps have become indispensable tools for students, professionals, and anyone looking to streamline their thought processes. As we move into 2025, several apps stand out, offering unique features and capabilities to enhance your productivity. Here’s a closer look at the top note-taking apps for Android that you should consider using this year. 

1. Evernote 

Evernote remains a leading choice for note-taking, thanks to its robust functionality and user-friendly interface. This app allows you to create notes in various formats, including text, images, audio, and even web clippings. With powerful search features, you can easily find your notes, even if you have a vast collection. Evernote also supports collaboration, making it an excellent option for teams working on projects together. 

2. Microsoft OneNote 

Microsoft OneNote is another standout app that provides a free-form canvas for your notes. It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office products, making it ideal for users who are already in the Microsoft ecosystem. OneNote allows you to organize your notes into notebooks and sections, and you can also draw or annotate your notes, which is perfect for visual learners. With cross-platform support, you can access your notes from any device. 

3. Notion 

Notion has rapidly gained popularity due to its versatility as a note-taking and productivity app. It combines note-taking with project management features, allowing you to create databases, Kanban boards, and calendars all within the same workspace. Notion's customization options are extensive, enabling you to tailor your workspace to fit your specific needs. The collaboration features are also robust, making it easy to share notes and projects with team members. 

4. Google Keep 

Google Keep is a lightweight and straightforward app perfect for quick notes and reminders. Its integration with other Google services makes it convenient for users who rely on Google Drive, Docs, and Calendar. You can easily share notes with others and set reminders based on time or location. The color-coding feature helps organize your notes visually, making it easy to prioritize tasks. 

5. Squid 

For those who prefer handwritten notes, Squid is an excellent option. It allows you to write notes using your finger or a stylus, replicating the feel of writing on paper. Squid supports PDF annotation, making it a great choice for students who want to mark up lecture slides or reading materials. Its simple interface and flexibility make it a top pick for anyone who values the handwriting experience. 

6. Obsidian 

Obsidian takes a unique approach to note-taking by focusing on knowledge management. It uses a system of linked notes to help you build a web of interconnected ideas, making it ideal for research and personal knowledge bases. Obsidian's markdown support means you can format your notes easily, and its offline capabilities make it a great choice for users who want to access their notes without an internet connection. 

7. TiddlyWiki 

TiddlyWiki is a non-linear personal wiki that allows users to create and organize notes in a highly customizable manner. It's a bit different from traditional note-taking apps, as it encourages you to create interconnected pieces of information. TiddlyWiki can be hosted locally or online, giving you control over your data. Its flexibility makes it perfect for users looking for a unique approach to organizing their thoughts. 

8. SimpleNote 

As the name suggests, SimpleNote focuses on simplicity and speed. It's an excellent choice for users who want a no-frills note-taking experience. You can create text notes, organize them with tags, and synchronize them across devices seamlessly. The minimalist interface is designed to keep distractions at bay, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—your ideas. 

9. JotterPad 

For writers, JotterPad offers a distraction-free writing environment. This app provides a clean interface and various features such as a built-in dictionary, thesaurus, and markdown support. JotterPad is ideal for crafting everything from blog posts to novels. It also supports cloud services, allowing you to save your work safely. 

10. Noteshelf 

Noteshelf is a premium note-taking app that offers exceptional handwriting recognition. With a wide range of templates, you can choose the format that best suits your needs, whether for academic, personal, or professional use. Noteshelf also allows you to annotate PDFs and record audio notes, making it a versatile choice for anyone who takes extensive notes. 

Choosing the Right App for You 

When selecting a note-taking app, consider your specific needs. Are you a student looking for a way to organize lecture notes? A professional needing a collaborative tool? Or perhaps a creative writer seeking a distraction-free environment? Each of these apps offers something unique, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your workflow. 

If you’re unsure which app is best for you, consider testing a few to find the right fit. Many of these apps offer free versions or trials, allowing you to explore their features before committing. 

Need Help with Custom Android App Development? 

In a world where digital solutions are paramount, investing in custom Android app development could be the key to enhancing your business operations or improving your personal productivity. Whether you’re looking to develop a unique note-taking app or enhance existing features, understanding the mobile app cost calculator can help you estimate the budget required for your project. 

Conclusion 

With so many excellent note-taking apps available for Android in 2025, you’re bound to find one that fits your lifestyle and productivity needs. From robust features like collaboration and organization to a focus on simplicity and handwriting, these apps cater to a variety of preferences. As technology continues to evolve, embracing the right tools can make a significant difference in how you manage and express your thoughts. 

[yoonia]

Hey i was wondering where do you write all your drafts? I wanted to start getting into writing but someone told me Google docs isn’t the best so I’m a little lost. Love all your work btw 🥺

Hello!

I use scrivener and Notion to help me write, as explained on my previous post here. but I write my drafts mainly on scrivener, which is a writing program that is available offline yet is capable of being saved in an online cloud (I save my backup in dropbox with autosave and save some copies in my google drive for extra measures)

I used to write my drafts on Google docs in the past. It's actually a really good place to save up your draft, only that there have been issues in the past that made me reluctant in doing it again. I'm guessing I'm not the only one having these problems though, seeing that many others have switched from Google docs to other available options.

The thing about writing in Google docs is that the web features aren't going to make it easy for you in terms of organizing your drafts. Unlike Scrivener which allows you to save multiple drafts and create separate folders in one file, you won't be able to do the same in Docs. Your drafts remain separate and you can only combine them in folders which is (as of now) only accessible through Google drive. Opening different drafts mean opening them in separate tabs so it can be a hassle if you're working on chaptered series.

and there are also risks of losing your progress on Docs. This was what led me to ditching the web and started to move everything into Scrivener, after losing some written progress for my series in the past (including Chance Encounter). Google docs' autosave often takes you back to your previous progress when it's lagging, deleting whatever progress you've made while in between, and I think I've lost an entire written draft from the folder once when an error occurred or because the web claimed the storage was full (my google drive was, in fact, not full)

Scrivener is a paid program though, which means you'll need to buy it. So if you're looking for other options that are free or more affordable, you can check out Evernote (highly recommended. this was the program that I used back in the day before I found Scrivener. you can even sync your progress to your mobile app to write everywhere you go) or Freedom. Both are free but with paid and pro versions if you want an upgrade.

[demifiendcruithne]

okay since google is pretty ubiquitous, listing some alternatives to some google products: (if something isn't listed here, it's either something i overlooked/forgot about or don't know much about. alternativeto should be able to help you with it there)

google chrome - firefox. pretty much everything else is based off chromium these days which is still google.

google search - startpage is what i currently use; it's a little slower than duckduckgo but has more relevant results in a few cases. if you're not looking for super specific technical stuff either should work well for you.

google drive - nextcloud isn't something i've tried since i haven't had the need for collaborative documents for a while, but the comments say a lot of good things about it. syncthing is something i have used, and while i don't think you can collaborate on documents with it, it's excellent for simple syncing between devices once you get it set up. if you just need offline versions of google docs/sheets etc, then libreoffice is a good bet.

google maps - the first listing, openstreetmap, is a basic map that many open source navigation programs and apps use. i don't have a recommendation for one at present (i've been using my bus app to get a map) but there's lots of options.

google translate - while i haven't used any of these to make recommendations, yandex translate is one i have heard of at least. some of these use google's api still, though, so be aware of that.

gmail - protonmail is extremely privacy focused; i believe that it can be set to selfdestruct if enough password attempts fail, too. if (like me) you've been sticking with gmail for easy notifications, thunderbird email client is something i intend to try out when i work out what provider to switch to. it's made by the same group as firefox listed above. i'm not sure if protonmail is accessible through the client due to its nature though.

for android, google play store can be replaced with fdroid, which specialises in free open-source software without tracking and such - so you don't give google money or data (and it's also safer for you if you need for example a period tracker in the US. everyone wins) apps i've mentioned that i know mobile versions are available on fdroid: nextcloud, syncthing, libreoffice (viewer only), thunderbird (as k-9 mail), multiple map/navigation apps.

it's also possible to get google-free android forks; it's something i haven't looked into how to do yet since my phone's pretty old, but i've heard good things about lineageos and intend to try it out when i need a new phone.

hi friends

as we boycott in support of palestine, here is a little reminder of the companies that specifically supported israel in their crimes against palestine (taken from the al jazeera website)

do as much as you are able to during the boycott, but if you need essentials or need to go to work to support yourself, that is okay! anything helps and boycotting these companies specifically is great because of their direct role in the violence against people in gaza

free palestine

[cloudgalaxyai]

Navigating Google Workspace Plans and Charges: A Comprehensive Guide

In the modern business landscape, choosing the right productivity tools is critical for success. Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, offers a suite of cloud-based applications that enhance collaboration, streamline workflows, and support seamless communication. Understanding the various Google Workspace plan and charges can help businesses make informed decisions that align with their operational needs and budgets. As your trusted Google Workspace reseller in India, Cloud Galaxy is here to guide you through the options available and help you select the best plan for your business.

Overview of Google Workspace

Google Workspace integrates various productivity and collaboration tools into a single, cohesive suite. These tools include Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Meet, Google Calendar, Google Chat, and more. The rebranding from G Suite to Google Workspace reflects Google's commitment to creating an integrated experience where all tools work seamlessly together to enhance productivity and collaboration.

Google Workspace Plans

Google Workspace offers several plans designed to cater to businesses of different sizes and needs. Each plan includes a range of features, with increasing levels of storage, security, and administrative control as you move up the tiers. Here’s an overview of the primary Google Workspace plans:

Business Starter

Business Standard

Business Plus

Enterprise

Each of these plans is designed to provide businesses with the tools they need, from basic productivity features to advanced security and management capabilities.

Business Starter

The Business Starter plan is ideal for small businesses and startups looking for essential productivity tools at an affordable price. 

Custom Business Email: Get a professional email address with your business domain.

Google Drive Storage: 30 GB of cloud storage per user.

Google Meet: Video and voice conferencing for up to 100 participants.

Collaboration Tools: Access to Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more.

24/7 Support: Around-the-clock support from Google.

This plan is perfect for businesses that need essential tools for communication and collaboration without the need for extensive storage or advanced features.

Business Standard

The Business Standard plan offers enhanced features and increased storage, making it suitable for growing businesses. This plan includes:

Custom Business Email: Professional email with advanced security features.

Google Drive Storage: 2 TB of cloud storage per user.

Google Meet: Video and voice conferencing for up to 150 participants, with recording capabilities.

Collaboration Tools: Access to Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more.

Shared Drives: Enhanced team collaboration with shared drives.

24/7 Support: Continuous support from Google.

This plan is ideal for businesses that need both online and offline access to productivity tools and a higher level of storage and collaboration capabilities.

Business Plus

Designed for businesses with more complex needs, the Business Plus plan includes additional security and management features. This plan includes:

Custom Business Email: Professional email with advanced security features and compliance tools.

Google Drive Storage: 5 TB of cloud storage per user.

Google Meet: Video and voice conferencing for up to 250 participants, with recording capabilities and attendance tracking.

Collaboration Tools: Access to Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more.

Enhanced Security Features: Advanced endpoint management and security controls.

eDiscovery: eDiscovery for emails, chats, and files.

24/7 Support: Continuous support from Google.

This plan is suitable for businesses that handle sensitive data and require robust security measures and comprehensive management capabilities.

Enterprise

The Enterprise plan is tailored for large organizations with complex needs and offers the highest level of features and security. Pricing for this plan is available upon request and includes:

Custom Business Email: Professional email with enterprise-grade security and compliance.

Google Drive Storage: Unlimited cloud storage.

Google Meet: Video and voice conferencing for up to 250 participants, with advanced features.

Collaboration Tools: Access to Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more.

Advanced Security Features: Data loss prevention (DLP), enterprise-grade access control, and security center.

eDiscovery and Retention: Advanced eDiscovery and retention for emails, chats, and files.

24/7 Support: Enhanced support options from Google.

This plan is ideal for large organizations that require advanced security, compliance, and management capabilities.

Understanding Google Workspace Charges

When considering Google Workspace charges, it’s important to understand that the pricing structure is designed to be flexible and scalable. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Per User Pricing: Google Workspace charges are typically based on the number of users in your organization. This per-user pricing model allows businesses to scale their subscriptions based on their growth and changing needs.

Monthly vs. Annual Billing: Google Workspace offers both monthly and annual billing options. While monthly billing provides flexibility, annual billing can offer cost savings for businesses committed to using the service long-term.

Add-Ons and Customization: Depending on your business requirements, you may opt for additional features or add-ons that come with extra charges. These can include additional storage, advanced security features, or premium support services.

Discounts and Promotions: Google often runs promotions and offers discounts for new customers or non-profit organizations. It’s worth checking for any available deals that could reduce your overall Google Workspace charges.

Why Choose Cloud Galaxy for Your Google Workspace Needs?

Navigating Google Workspace plans and charges can be complex, but Cloud Galaxy is here to help. As a trusted Google Workspace reseller in India, Cloud Galaxy offers several advantages:

Expert Guidance: Our team of professionals has extensive experience with Google Workspace. We provide expert guidance to help you choose the best plan for your business, ensuring you get the maximum value from your investment.

Seamless Migration: Migrating to Google Workspace can be a challenging process. Cloud Galaxy offers seamless migration services to ensure a smooth transition. We handle data migration, user training, and everything in between, so your team can start using Google Workspace with minimal disruption.

Ongoing Support: At Cloud Galaxy, we are committed to providing ongoing support to our clients. Whether you need help with technical issues, customization, or scaling your Google Workspace environment, our support team is always available to assist you.

Competitive Pricing: We offer competitive pricing and flexible payment options to ensure that businesses of all sizes can afford the best productivity tools. Our goal is to provide customized solutions that fit your budget and requirements.

Enhanced Security: Security is a top priority for any business. As your Google Workspace reseller, Cloud Galaxy ensures that your environment is configured with the best security practices to protect your sensitive information.

Training and Adoption: To maximize the benefits of Google Workspace, it’s crucial that your team is well-versed in using its features. Cloud Galaxy provides comprehensive training and adoption programs to ensure that your employees can fully leverage the capabilities of Google Workspace.

Conclusion

Understanding Google Workspace plans and charges is essential for making informed decisions about your business’s productivity tools. With Cloud Galaxy as your trusted partner, you can confidently navigate these options and select the best plan for your needs. Visit our website at Cloud Galaxy and contact us today to learn more about how we can help you enhance productivity and drive success in your business.

By ensuring that you have the right tools and support, Cloud Galaxy makes navigating the complexities of Google Workspace plans and charges simple and effective. Partner with us to transform your business operations and achieve new heights of productivity and efficiency.

[reasoningdaily]

https://www.fastcompany.com/3061482/one-googlers-insider-guide-to-using-google-docs-at-work

One Googler’s Insider Guide To Using Google Docs At Work

When Google Docs launched back in 2007, it was a scrappy, lightweight document editor. Today, it’s a full-blown workplace powerhouse, with all the features you need to create, collaborate, and share your ideas quickly.

As a product manager at Google, I’ve not only helped the team build and develop these tools, but I’ve used them every single day, often to write product requirements docs for our next feature. So here’s an insider look at five ways to incorporate Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides into your own work that you might not know about.

1. Design Professional-Grade Documents In Google Docs

You probably just use Arial out of habit, but there are actually over 600 fonts available in Google Docs, not to mention lots of professionally designed templates that do much of the work for you. There are built-in themes, and a large suite of formatting features you may not even know exist.

Our goal in adding these features has been to make creating beautiful, polished documents and presentations a breeze. For instance, easily organize the ideas from your next team brainstorm by choosing a meeting notes template from the carousel at the top of the Docs home screen.

2. Turbocharge Google Sheets With Powerful Functions And Pivot Tables

Sheets is way more than just a way to throw a quick table or list together. It has over 340 powerful functions, including dozens that other spreadsheets don’t offer, such as Google Translate, which lets you automatically translate one language to another.

We’ve also designed Sheets to offer advanced pivot table functionality, including the ability to define custom Calculated Fields. And Docs and Sheets both support custom scripting and advanced API functionality via Apps Script, which is Google’s equivalent of macros. Basically, if your job entails a lot of number crunching, Sheets can handle it. Related Video: Are Work Habits Spoiling Your Productivity?

3. Present Painlessly To Groups With Google Slides

We’re big fans of the “show up, don’t set up” philosophy when it comes to presenting to groups. Giving a great presentation can be a big enough challenge on its own, so we’ve added a few tricks to make the A/V side as easy as possible.

With just a couple taps on your phone or tablet, you can use the iOS or Android Slides apps to present on any screen equipped with Chromecast or AirPlay. And if you’re on a Hangouts video call, the mobile apps let you present directly to everybody in the call–no more wires and set-up stress.

We also added a feature called Slides Q&A to help you talk with your audience, not at them. Q&A allows participants to submit questions and weigh in on them from their phones, laptops, and tablets using a shared link, which also lets the speaker collect real-time feedback.

Tired of trying to get feedback over the annoying, unreliable, audio-only conference line you’ve been dialing into for your remote meetings? Here’s how to use the Q&A Slides feature instead:

4. Use Google Docs While You’re Offline

We’re moving toward a world of constant Internet connectivity, but the real world doesn’t work that way yet. That’s why Docs, Sheets, and Slides work offline in the Chrome browser on your laptop as well as in the Android and iOS apps.

Chrome will even preemptively sync your recent files so you can keep working if you go offline unplanned. Whether you’re holed up in a Wi-Fi-less cafe writing the most epic report your boss has ever seen, or just dealing with a spotty in-flight Wi-Fi connection as you scramble to wrap up a project before takeoff, Docs has you covered.

5. Hook Google Docs Up With Loads Of Other Apps

Today’s digital workflows are complicated, and people rely on lots of apps and services to get their jobs done. That’s why both Google Sheets and Slides announced new feature-rich APIs at Google I/O this year. And Salesforce, SAP Anywhere, Sage, Anaplan, Asana, Trello, Prosperworks, and others will soon all be launching rich integrations with Sheets or Slides over the next few months. Soon you’ll be able to access all the functionality, whichever app you’re using.

These are a few of the nifty things you can do with Docs, Sheets, and Slides to improve how you work, communicate, and interact. From the very start, we built these Apps with collaboration in mind so that it’s fast and easy to work together with your team.

But as someone on the front lines–building these tools as well as using them myself–it still sometimes seems to me that we’ve only scratched the surface. We’re now using machine learning to create new features for Google Apps, like super-accurate voice typing and one-click data analytics, that take you beyond basic productivity and help you stay focused on the highest-value tasks.

The way we work, of course, is always changing both because of technology and in response to it. And sometimes keeping up to date on that evolution can be a challenge. So hopefully these five tips will help. My job at Google, in one sense anyway, is to help you do yours better. Which means there’s always work to be done. Welcome to the future.

[maniamega]

HI HELLO SO GLAD YOU ASKED

Let's talk Courting! (Long Distance Edition!)

The main aspects of courting

Gifts

This one is super easy to do over long distance! Amazon has a wishlist feature that allows you to make a list and whoever you share it with can buy off of it! If you don't like supporting Amazon, you can make a google doc wishlist and add links to it when you see something you like online! Your mate wants to be the one to choose the gift? Easy peesy. Here's a guide on how to send something larger than a letter in the mail: Step 1: Choose gift! Step 2: Go to the post office to pick up a box big enough for the gift. Step 3: Package gift! (Add a letter, some teabags, some candy, a poem, maybe some art if you're artistically inclined). Make sure the address you're sending it to is correct! Step 4: Go to the post office to mail your package. They will weigh the package and give you the price based on the weight. If it's light, prepare for $5-$10. If it's heavy, it could go anywhere up to $60+, so be prepared to spend a lot of shipping if its VERY heavy.

Food

This one's a bit tougher to do long distance, but not impossible! You can deliver food to your mate's house through a food delivery app (UberEats, Doordash, Postmates) OR you can even delivery groceries to them through Walmart's (or your chosen grocery store) website/app. If that doesn't sound good, you can always order them non perishables online to send to their house (even in bulk)! Jerky, Japanese snacks, their favorite chips or sodas (wait to open any soda you get in the mail LOL). You can even send them food in the above package, but check you post office's laws/rules regarding food you can send in the mail and NEVER send perishable foods like bread, meat, cheese, etc. Stick with snacks! You can also send recipes in the mail for your mate to try out if they cook at home! Jewelry

Yup, this one is separate from gifts! Jewelry itself can be very personal/personalized to suit you and your mate.

Here are my recommendations: Necklaces! Similar to a collar, a necklace can be ornate or a more practical simple chain or charm. This is good for couple's who want that added "ownership" in their relationship/dynamic, and it has an added bonus of sitting over the scent glands on your neck!

Bracelets! Decidedly more casual, but still works with that "ownership" angle. You can go with a dainty or sturdy chain, maybe even charms, jewels, or a leather cuff is very popular!

Earrings! Very front and center- my recommendation is gold or silver hoops! Something for nice occasions or even just every day wear (just don't sleep in them)! Earrings are good for being very obvious if you want everyone to see your claim.

Nest/Den Materials

That's right- the big one! Here are some materials to give your mate for their nest/den if they have one! Clothes: You can send your mate your clothes (scented or otherwise!) for their nest/den, or you can order some online that they might like! Hoodies and scarves are my main recommendation since they carry so much scent on them. Blankets: Again, you can send your mate some of your blankets or order some offline! Great for nesting with. Stuffed animals: The same as above! If your mate has a stuffed animal they've been eyeing for awhile, now's your chance! This is great for nests AND dens! Cologne/Perfume: Pick out a cologne/perfume that smells like you and send it your mate's way! A great way for you mate to have your scent on hand for their nest, den, or even just their own clothes!

Letters

This is my own bias, since I've been sending and receiving letters for years, haha! But letters are a great (and inexpensive) way to court your mate!

Since I know sending letters has fallen out of style, here's what you should put on your envelope once you're ready to send:

You can buy stamps from your post office or online (there's more styles available online)! If you order your stamps online, make sure it's from your post office's website/app, as those are the official stamps you can use.

You can (and should) add extra stamps if your letter seems particularly bulky! If you're not sure, add an extra one just in case. If you don't have enough stamps on your letter, it will just be sent back to you.

What to put in your letter:

Letter

Candy

Tea bag/hot cocoa packet

Poem(s)

Drawings

Check what your post office allows to be sent in the mail and DO NOT send unidentified powder. I'm sorry if you have a fancy jarred hot cocoa you want your mate to try, but please don't send it in a plastic bag, haha!

And that's that! If I remember anything else, I'll add on, but for now this is all I can think of!

Happy Courting! ૮ ･ ﻌ･ა

does anyone have any cool experiences with courting or being courted? I'm quite traditional when it comes to this and I'm looking for inspiration especially something you can do online for long distance hehe

[script-a-world]

Is tumblr an ok-ish place to just like, info dump about my world and it’s lore, or is there a better place I could do it?

Tex: You can put anything on tumblr so long as you don’t violate the Terms of Service - I’ve seen moodboards, essays, sketches, stories, bullet point lists, gif sets, audio clip compilations, and pretty much anything that the various posting formats can support.

It’s not necessarily something like a catch-all or one-size-fits-all, but I think it helps to think of various websites as boxes with different utilities, much in the same theme as scrapbooking parts. For example, tumblr supports images well, Archive of Our Own (AO3) supports text well, and have the shared similarity of ability to tag posts or works for organizational purposes.

The internet is one, very useful, format to worldbuild, because it has the ability to utilize tools such as hyperlinking and digital archiving. In a previous post, there is a detail about how to organize a digital file structure for one’s worldbuilding to keep track of things, available here. One practice I have noticed among some worldbuilders is the blend of digital and physical spaces; or rather, online and offline.

Offline digital worldbuilding is such things as word documents, saved images, and programs that perform the function of notebooks that don’t require internet access and/or an internet browser. This is frequently supplemented by personal archiving habits, such as a dedicated peripheral drive like a USB, and regularly copying over digital files onto that device whenever significant changes are made or else on a schedule. This is useful for happenstance events like computer failure, websites going defunct, or related issues.

Offline physical worldbuilding is such things as notebooks, drawings or paintings, boxes of ephemera, scrapbooks, and physical copies of the canon media (if the worldbuilding has its roots in fandom). This can include CDs, DVDs, photos, and craft items such as textiles or sculptures. For people that have had difficulties in maintaining digital records in particular, physical copies are often a good method of maintaining linearity of thought - i.e. printing out a Google Doc and putting that into a folder.

Because there’s so many different medias and platforms you can use for worldbuilding, it’s more a matter of which suits you best and for which purpose. Tumblr is a useful component of a worldbuilding methodology portfolio because of its capability to create dedicated posts that can be mixed media, tagged, and archived if one wishes it. As of this time of posting, users cannot currently download an individual post, but it’s impossible to predict a website’s roadmap as it adapts to the changing needs of digital spaces.

One thing I would note is that tumblr need not be engagement driven, in the same way other online spaces tend to be (e.g. twitter). You can make a blog, add restrictions in the form of locking viewing to only logged-in users or adding a password to view the blog, and with the recent update (as of this posting), users can also toggle preferences on how public a post is and also ability for others to reblog a post.

If you’re looking for engagement, this is fuelled by reblogs, which generally depends on the blogs that you follow and interact with, usually by reblogging their posts and also by talking to them. That is, however, a subject of micro-cultures and subcultures therein, which becomes a little bit off-subject to your question and not really within our domain.

[maddgicalgirl]

Paracosm Resources <3

Need help bringing your paracosm to life? Try these free resources!

⚠️ Updates always pending! Suggestions always welcome! Feel free to message me any tips or questions <3 ⚠️

(Cont. below cut, or with real time updates on this google doc!)

Art Programs

FireAlpaca - 2D Art Program, Animation. Where I make most of my digital art, and paint the frames for my animations :) It is free to use, and easy to learn and use! It can make basic animations as well, such as gifs. It requires download.

Krita - 2D Art Program. Professional, free digital paint software :) I have not used it before, though I have heard good things.

GIMP - 2D Art Program, Photo Manipulation. It's free to use, but I do not like it/recommend it highly. But! If FireAlpaca and Krita don't float your stoat, try Gimp! For 2D art, but also able to emulate Photoshop to a degree ^^

Inkscape - 2D Art Program. Free to use digital illustration software. Makes 2D art :)

Of course, who can forget classics like good old MS Paint, and the new and exciting 3D MS Paint, which can both be used to create some really neat things! Classic MS Paint is available here in browser form! If you need that. I just think it's neat!

Art AI

Petalica Paint - Coloring Software. An in browser, watercolor manga style coloring software, which can (almost) effortlessly color in any of your line art pieces! I've played around with it for my Thorn illustration style piece, and enjoyed it! It is free to use, and can take user input to make the colorations more precise.

ArtBreeder - 3D Realism Software. Using Artbreeder, you can create lifelike images of your paras, planets, or potentially even fursona, using the intricate AI they let you work with for free! A premium version exists, but most functions are fully usable without - though I recommend donating ^^ You can randomly generate, or prune and shape what you make until its perfect! Slow to use and get the hang of, but very worth it! Artbreeder is also pioneering an intriguing animation software to go alongside their product! Browser based.

3D Software

Blender - 3D Modeling, Animation. The best (in my opinion) free 3D modelling software.

MagicaVoxel - 3D Pixel Art. Free to use! Could be interesting :)

MikuMikuDance - 3D Rigging. Anime style rigging and animation software, free to use, and certified internet artefact! Has stood the test of time, and is still used and loved today. Can support ports of many kinds of assets, including, I believe, those from Blender, and of course those that are downloaded. DA has a bunch of old MMD communities you can raid for assets!

Animaze - Face Rigger. Use 3D models and a webcam to watch your paras talk! Models can be made in Blender, downloaded online, or even from CHARAT V, CHARAT GENESIS sister app!

Character Creators

CHARAT GENESIS - 2D Character Creator. Browser based anime style character creator, with multiple crops and poses, and infinitely customizable options. It is legitimately insane. Has a 3D function called CHARAT V which can apparently convert characters made in CHARAT GENESIS into 3D models compatible with Face Rig and Animaze!

V-Katsu - 3D Character Creator. Free on steam! Anime style, intensive character creator, by the same people who made Koikatsu, and Koikatsu Party, two amazingly detailed 3D hentai makers. While V-Katsu is a SFW VTuber maker, if you're looking for NSFW anime content, you could always spend roughly $70 on the full NSFW versions. V-Katsu requires a translation mod (free online as well) which you have to install, or the ability to read Kanji <3 Works with VR tech.

V-Roid Studios - 3D Character Creator. Free on steam! Anime style, fairly in depth character creator, that allows for some degree of digital 3D hand sculpting, particularly with their amazing hair engine, to get your paras looks perfect!

And, of course, Picrew has thousands of character creators of various styles and quality uploaded by the artists who made them! Also, honestly I think we as a society should embrace making dinky chibis in Gacha Life. IDK why everyone is mean to the gacha kids, like we weren't all cringe at some point,

World Design

HomeStyler - 3D and 2D Room Designer. Make a model of an interior for a home or building, using real 1:1 furniture of IRL brands! Apparently this is free to use, though there is a premium version, and  it offers 3D and 2D models.

Map to World - 3D Planet Maker. Turn your fantasy world into a 3D model of the planet. Put maps directly on, or design the surface and textures of your world. Takes a lot of getting used to, but it is AMAZING. Free to use, and browser based!

PlanetMaker - 3D Planet Maker. Make a customized 3D planet! Free to use browser site! I have never used this, but I would love to mess around with it sometime! Allows you to add orbital rings, change textures, and more at the click of a mouse.

If on sale, I also recommend snagging a copy of the Sims, particularly 3 or 4, for character creation and world design. Maybe not the best gameplay without mods, but it's also a load of fun, and very easy to add custom content to! Minecraft also. But you just need Minecraft, in general. Beyond its ability to fairly faithfully recreate structures from your paracosms, it's just Good.

Game Creators

Maybe you wanna turn your paracosm into a cool game idk, just thought I'd put these here!

Construct 3 - 2D Game Creator. Beginner level game making :) Drag-and-drop if/then style programming.

GameSalad - Codeless 2D Game Creator. Drag and drop style/no coding, beginner friendly. Free version available!

Solpeo - 2D Game Creator. HTML5 based game engine for 2D and isometric game development. Some programming knowledge needed. Platforms supported: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer 9+. Free version available.

Stencyl - Codeless 2D Game Creator. Drag and drop style building/no coding skills needed. Has editable templates!

Scratch - 2D Game Creator. Very easy to use and totally free, though relatively basic!

Unity - 3D, 2D, and VR Game Creator. Make games with 3D software. Import your own assets (Blender compatible) or download free options, or buy the rights to models. Works for 3D and 2D games. Free version available, and now works with VR tech!

Unreal Engine - 3D Game Creator. Extremely advanced 3D game developer. Highly customizable. Free to use!

Twine - Text-based Game Creator. Use a map to make a branching paths text-based story game. Free to use.

Squiffy - Text-based Game Creator. have used Squiffy and it can make some really, truly incredible things. Can take a while to pick up, and learn how to use to its full potential. Free to use! Has an online and offline library of player creations you can get inspiration from!

Quest - Text-based Game Creator. I've never used this, but it seems cool! Use it to make interactive text-based DND game adventures in browser.

Ren'Py - Visual Novel Creator. Visual novel engine, that is well acclaimed, and of course, free to use!

Companion AI

Replika - 3D Companion.

Kajiwoto - Chatbot Companion. Customizable, learning AI you can shape into a personality. Communicates via Discord like chat box.

Organization

Toyhou.se - Character Gallery. A customizable library where you can upload all of your paras and characters for the public to view! Free to use, but requires a premium member to invite you!

Refsheet - Character Gallery. I haven't used it before, but I've heard good things, and that it's a suitable alternative to toyhou.se if you can't get an invite!

Notebook.AI - Character Gallery. I haven't used it before, but I've heard good things, and that it's a suitable alternative to toyhou.se if you can't get an invite!

World Anvil - World Building Toolset. Like character galleries, but for worlds and their lore :)

Scabard - World Building Toolset. Aimed at DnD campaigners, but I reckon it'll be useful for many!

YARPS - World Building Toolset. More focused around story and lore than Scabard or World Anvil, and looks beautiful! Still in its prototype stage, however.

Pinterest - Photo Organizer. Look at, collect, and sort images into boards. Personalizes your feed based on that, and is free to use and join! However, unlike their myriad of wonderful recipes, DIY tutorials, and the likes - a lot of the images are uploaded by second parties and not credited, so be careful reuploading anything you find! Also great for finding outfits and art inspo for your paras!

Generators

Fantasy Name Generator - Name Generators. Does what it says on the tin! Generates fantasy names. Is a lovely website, run by a purportedly lovely woman.

Fantasy Map Generator - Map Generator. Randomly generates a fictional map, which you can view in 2D or 3D.

Donjon RPG Generator - Multiple Generators. Can make maps, weapons, items, etc.

Seventh Sanctum - Multiple Generators. One of my favorites from high school! Does all kinds of things - the standard items, spells, and names - but also prompts, backstories, characters, and even comedy generators!

ShindanMaker - Multiple Generators. User created and uploaded, any kind of generator you can imagine, of varying complexity. And when I say any generator? I mean ANY generator.

Audio

Audacity - Record and Edit Audio. What can't Audacity do? I love Audacity to death. At surface level, it records audio. I've used it to record voices for my paras, and get audio for animations and games I've worked on. I cannot recommend it enough. Comprehensive editing, and with some investigation, it can do so, so much more than just record simple dialogue.

FL Studios - Compose. Compose music with an unlimited free trial. Upgrades available for purchase!

Indie Game Music - Royalty Free Music Library. Free to use Indie Game Music. What it says on the box!

AudioJungle - Royalty Free Music and Audio Library. Thousands of free to use audio clips!

Online Piano - Someone could use this, for recording, or just messing around. I've seen plenty of paras who play piano, this could just be used for fun!

Online Guitar - Same reasons as above, but this site looks kinda sketchy. Use at your own risk or reward! Audio

For real, if you ever need music, sound effects, or really any MP3 clips that can be used without infringing on copyright laws, just search 'royalty free' (music/audio/insert thing here) same applies for photos! Make sure the source is reputable, however.

Tutorials

W3Schools - Coding. Learn the basics of coding, for free, online!

Miscellaneous

Debut Video Capture - Screen Recorder. Record game footage and let's plays for free! Professional and home versions. I see a few of our community members have paras who run YouTube channels, and I thought these might help! It could be a nice way to connect your parames. YouTube quality <3

Pixton - Comic Maker. Comic making website. I have no experience with this at all, but some may find it useful!

Picfont - Image Editor. Puts customizable text on an image. I used these for @paraesthetics paracosm header edits <3 It has a premium version (???) but the free version has all functions, but it crashes regularly (honestly seems timed :/) but once you get it down, it's a very quick process, and you won't have to worry about that at all.

Itch.io - Publishing. You can publish your self made games here :)

Korsakow - ??? Described as, "The Future of Storytelling" and is apparently a way to create interactive films. I *just* found out about this, but thought I should include it for someone who may know how to use and appreciate it! Free? Unknown, at the moment.

Tips and Tricks

Animation Done Easy

Our forefather's of internet animation used MS Paint, Windows Movie Maker, and Audacity. All of these, or their equivalents, are free on standard computers. I, personally, use FireAlpaca - which works just as well, if not better, than MS Paint for animation - but takes longer, and definitely lacks that retro feeling. I also use my trackpad to draw and animate everything, so its doable, but probably not totally comfortable, to animate like this for most people :)

⚠️ Updates always pending! Suggestions always welcome! Feel free to message me any tips or questions <3 ⚠️

[aye-write]

Hello 👋🏼

I don’t know if this has been asked before or not but... What apps/websites do you recommend for writing, editing, and organizing ideas,stories, and WIPs? Free ones would be best

I use google docs but it’s not really working for me. It’s good for the writing part but the organization it’s my favorite.

Thanks!

Hi friend! Thank you for the ask! I personally stick with Microsoft Word personally, but I’ve heard a lot about the following apps/websites so I’ll try to summarise what I know or what I’ve been told! For paid ones I’ll include a little £ sign, but also list some alternatives that are free. 

Microsoft Word (££)

Fast, easy to use, and convenient Is often the standard word processor for schools/universities/offices Plenty of inbuilt templates Compatible with other programs Has a mobile app Instant help with spellcheck, etc.  Flexibility

Disadvantages

Has a price tag - but school students, university students and teaching staff should be able to get a copy for free via their institution  Difficulty with backwards compatibility 

.-.-.

Scrivener (££)

Offline program  Versatile Reliable Easy to back up Works with DropBox and iOS Minimalist View  Lots of organisational tools  Helps you focus (in composition mode, it can dim the text you’ve written so you only focus on what you’re currently writing

Disadvantages 

Has a one-time cost - but winning NaNoWriMo can give you a 20-50% discount AND there’s a free 30 day trial available Can be complex and tricky to understand at first 

.-.-.

LibreOffice Writer

Similar to Microsoft Word but free! Comes with in-built editing tools, and thesaurus and dictionary  Available on Windows, OS, and Linux Receives regular updates

Disadvantages

No mobile app  User interface can feel outdated and unfamiliar  Some features and functionalities missing

.-,.-.

Notion

Free to use indefinitely  Versatile (create pages, track tasks, make to do lists, insert images, link websites, and more!) Has both a mobile and desktop app  Has Kanban boards to help visualise and organise Useful for planning and organisation 

Disadvantages 

Not as useful for actual writing Takes some getting used to  

.-.-.

Bibisco (Free Version)

Create unlimited projects Sections for creating premise, fabula, setting, and narrative strands Create locations  Create detailed character biographies  Chapter and scene creation  Abilty to export as PDF or .doc

Disadvantages 

Has a paid version (£10) that includes things like a timeline function, an objects function, a dark theme, and the ability to move scenes. No mobile application

.-.-.

FocusWriter

Free! Blocks all distractions Has timers and alarms Customises your text on-screen Auto-save function Works with all desktop operating systems  Can add typewriting sound effects!  Helps you focus on a single paragraph or sentence

Disadvantages

Might not be the best app for going back and editing your work Formatting options are limited Interface takes over your whole screen 

.-.-.

I hope this helps! If anyone else knows any other good alternatives, please let me know and I’ll add them on here for OP :)