The tools I actually use
Not a roundup. Not affiliate bait. These are the tools that have earned a place in my four-hour working day — with honest notes on what they do and why I reach for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. I only list tools I use myself.
Readwise
Save and resurface your best reading highlights across books, articles, and newsletters.
Why I use it
I use Readwise to capture highlights from everything I read and surface them again when they're relevant. When you have limited energy, retaining what you learn matters more than reading volume.
DEVONthink
A powerful document and knowledge management tool for Mac. Stores, searches, and connects everything.
Why I use it
DEVONthink is where I keep everything that matters — research, references, client notes, ideas. It's not the prettiest tool, but it's reliable and searchable in a way nothing else I've tried matches.
Capacities
A networked notes app built around objects — people, projects, ideas — rather than flat documents.
Why I use it
I use Capacities for connected thinking — when I'm working out how ideas relate to each other, not just storing them. It replaced Tana for me because it's calmer to use and gets out of my way.
More ideas like this, every week.
Join 600+ solopreneurs getting practical ideas for building a sustainable business.
Free, every Saturday. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.