Blog - pb

The Downloads folder is my catch-all location for everything. It is of course for downloads from any web browser, it is my default folder for new Finder windows so I can start a new Finder window or open the Finder to quickly view it and it is the save location in most apps. Since I hate using the Desktop to store anything, I’ve also changed it to be the location for screenshots.

It is also the only place I use Finder tags. I have setup several tags to keep my Downloads folder organized and into groups of items. I have the following tags setup: Process for items that need to be moved into different folders, Active for items that I am currently working with for work projects or personal. Hold for items that I will need to come back to in the near-term. New Apps for newly downloaded applications that I am trying out that I do not want to throw into my Applications folder and get lost. Testing for anything that I am testing out, like a new version of an app (can be interchanged with the New Apps tag in some cases).

To keep my Downloads folder organized, I Arrange by Tags to keep all tagged items grouped together. Then any new items that are saved to the folder fall below in the “No Tags” section to be easily found.

I do use Hazel for several tasks, however I do not use it to automatically move items out of my Downloads folder. I still prefer to manually move and rename things like statements, but I can see that changing one day.

Sublime Text is a simple, but powerful text editor that is completely customizable to fit your working style and needs. I have been using it for a while now and have slowly added some settings changes to make it work best for me.

Package Control

The first thing you will want to do is install Package Control. This will allow you to easily install add-ons like themes.

Theme

I use the Spacegray theme with the “Eighties” variation. This is a very dark, minimal theme that is very easy on the eyes. It can be installed with Package Control.

Settings

To see what settings are available, and a description of each, take a look at Packages/Default/Preferences.sublime-settings. You can access this file from the Preferences/Settings – Default menu item. When you’ve found some settings you’d like to change, add them to your User Settings (accessible from the Preferences/Settings – User menu), so they’re preserved when upgrading.

Here are the settings that I am currently using:

Key Bindings

You can also add or change key commands in key bindings. The key bindings file is accessible in the Preferences/Key Bindings – Default menu item. When you’ve found some key bindings you’d like to change, add them to your User Key Bindings (accessible from the Preferences/Key Bindings – User menu), so they’re preserved when upgrading. I currently only have one key binding setup and that is to change the command+T key command to open a new tab, just like a web browser.