With iCloud Drive, Apple provides an Optimize Mac Storage checkbox that, when checked, stores the full contents of iCloud Drive on the Mac only if there’s enough space. However, you may wish to recover local storage space without selecting that option—luckily, that’s easy to do. Open iCloud Drive in the Finder, Control-click a file, and choose Remove Download. The file remains in iCloud Drive, and if you need it locally, you can click the cloud icon next to its name to download it. If you’re not sure which files in the iCloud Drive window occupy the most space, choose View > As List, and then click the Size column so the largest files sort to the top (click again if they’re sorting to the bottom).
https://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/02/iCloud-Drive-hard-drive-photo.jpg8001280F-11 Photohttps://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/PR-F11Photo-logo.jpgF-11 Photo2021-02-01 12:07:002023-06-27 20:33:26Reclaim Local Storage Space by Removing iCloud Drive Downloads
In iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, Apple added two new status indicators to the right side of the status bar at the top of the screen. They’re designed to give you feedback about what an app is doing. An orange dot indicates that an app is using the microphone, and a green dot means that an app is using the camera (and possibly the microphone as well). They’re subtle and shouldn’t be distracting, but if you ever notice them when you don’t think the camera or microphone should be in use, look for apps that might be using them in the background.
(Featured image by Bruno Massao from Pexels)
https://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/02/camera-microphone-photo.jpg8001280F-11 Photohttps://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/PR-F11Photo-logo.jpgF-11 Photo2021-02-01 12:06:002023-06-27 20:33:30What Are Those Orange and Green Dots in Your iPhone’s Status Bar?
We’re all accustomed to the Do Not Disturb feature on our iPhones since they’re with us for most of the day and often spend the night next to the bed. But Apple long ago added Do Not Disturb to the Mac as well, and it’s useful for muting your Mac at night to eliminate unnecessary noises and for preventing unwanted notifications during presentations. In System Preferences > Notifications > Do Not Disturb, you can tell macOS to turn the feature on during specific times, when the display is sleeping or locked, and when mirroring to another screen. Or, you can turn on Do Not Disturb manually—you might want to do this when giving a presentation with Zoom or another videoconferencing app. In macOS 10.15 Catalina and earlier, do this in Notification Center by clicking it at the far right of the menu bar, scrolling up, and enabling the Do Not Disturb switch. In macOS 11 Big Sur, you find Do Not Disturb in Control Center.
(Featured image by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels)
https://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/02/Do-Not-Disturb-shush-photo.jpg8001280F-11 Photohttps://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/PR-F11Photo-logo.jpgF-11 Photo2021-02-01 12:05:002023-06-27 20:34:07Keep Your Mac Quiet at Night and During Presentations with Do Not Disturb
We regularly hear from people who think they need Adobe Acrobat DC to manipulate PDFs. Don’t misunderstand: Adobe Acrobat is the gold standard, but it’s complicated and expensive—$14.99 per month or as part of Creative Cloud for $52.99 per month. In contrast, Apple’s Preview is easy and free with macOS. Here are six tasks that people may think require Acrobat but can easily be accomplished in Preview.
Remove and Rearrange or Export Pages
Have a PDF with unnecessary pages? You can delete them in Preview. First, make sure page thumbnails are showing in the sidebar by choosing View > Thumbnails. Then select the pages you want to remove and press Delete. Choose File > Save when you’re done—you’ll need to do that after all the rest of these tasks too.
Rearranging pages also happens in the sidebar—just drag the thumbnails as needed. If you drag a thumbnail to the Finder, Preview exports the page as its own PDF file.
Merge and Add Pages
What about putting pages from one PDF into another? Preview has your back there too. Open both PDFs, make sure their sidebars are showing page thumbnails, and then drag one or more thumbnails from one sidebar to the other, dropping them between the desired pages in the destination.
You can also drag a PDF from the Finder into the sidebar to add all its pages. Or, to take a photo or scan a document and insert it into the document, Control-click in the sidebar and choose Import from iPhone or iPad.
Annotate Text
Let’s say someone asks for edits or comments on a PDF. Although you can’t change the text with Preview, you can mark up the document.
Highlight text: They may give you flashbacks to high school, but Preview provides a handful of colored highlighters, along with underline and strikethrough styles. Choose one from the Highlight menu in the toolbar and then select the desired text.
Add highlight notes: To ensure that your highlights make sense to others, add notes to them. Control-click the highlighted text and choose Add Note. Then enter your note in the colored box that appears. It shrinks when you click away from it and expands when you click it again.
Add general notes: You can also place faux sticky notes anywhere on a PDF page. Reveal the Markup toolbar by clicking the Markup button, and then click the Note button. Dag the closed note box to position it on the page. See all your notes in the sidebar by choosing View > Highlights and Notes.
Add shapes and text boxes: The Markup toolbar also contains controls for creating various shapes (including lines with arrows) and text boxes. At times, the best way to show what you mean is to put a box, line, or text directly on the page. Click a shape to add it—text you type while it’s selected sticks with the shape, like the speech balloon below and the arrows above.
If you do need to edit the text of a PDF, that’s a job for Adobe Acrobat or another PDF tool like Smile’s PDFpen.
Redact Text
Sometimes, when you’re sharing a PDF, you want to redact sensitive information so it can’t be read. macOS 11 Big Sur’s version of Preview can permanently obscure and delete selected text from the document. Choose Tools > Redact and select the text you want to hide.
In earlier versions of macOS, you can simulate redaction by covering text with a colored rectangle. Unfortunately, recipients could delete your rectangle or copy the text underneath it. Don’t depend on this workaround to protect confidential information. For true redaction in older versions of macOS, use Acrobat or PDFpen.
Fill PDF Forms
Although Preview cannot create fillable PDF forms (again, turn to Acrobat or Smile’s PDFpenPro), it works fine for entering information into such forms. If you have to fill out an IRS form for your employer, for instance, Preview should work fine. Just click in a field and type, or click a checkbox to select it.
One warning. We’ve heard occasional reports that Windows users reading PDFs with forms filled out in Preview sometimes don’t see the entered text. When returning an important form, it’s always best to ask the recipient to confirm that it worked. If it doesn’t, fall back on the free Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
Sign Documents
Now that so much paperwork has gone digital, we often need to sign PDFs. The most important documents will probably use a service like SignEasy that’s designed for collecting legally binding, secure signatures. But for something like a simple permit application, you can add your signature in Preview by clicking the Signature button in the Markup toolbar and choosing it.
Inserting (and resizing) an already created signature is easy, as is the one-time process of making one. Click the Signature button, and then click Create Signature. If your Mac has a trackpad, write on it with your finger or a rubber-tipped iPad stylus. Or use a marker to write your signature on paper and take a picture of it with the camera. In macOS 10.15 Catalina and later, you can also create a signature on an iPhone or iPad. Once created, the signature sticks around in Preview and even syncs to your other Macs through iCloud.
Note that Preview’s signature is just a graphic that could be copied, so it’s no more protected than a handwritten signature that could be scanned or photocopied.
Useful as all these features are, they’re just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what Preview can do, particularly with graphics. For a complete look at Preview’s features, check out the 178-page ebook Take Control of Preview.
(Featured image by Cytonn Photography from Pexels)
Social Media: If you think you have to pay for a pricey copy of Adobe Acrobat DC just to add and remove pages from PDFs, annotate documents, redact text, fill PDF forms, and sign documents, think again. Preview can do all that and more for free.
https://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/02/Preview-sign-document-photo.jpg8001280F-11 Photohttps://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/PR-F11Photo-logo.jpgF-11 Photo2021-02-01 12:04:002023-06-27 20:34:11Forget Adobe Acrobat: Preview May Be All You Need to Work with PDFs
Happy New Year! For many of us, the start of a new year is an opportunity to reflect on fresh habits we’d like to adopt. Although we certainly support any resolutions you may have made to get enough sleep, eat healthy, and exercise, could we suggest a few more that will improve your digital security?
Keep Your Devices Updated
One of the most important things you can do to protect your security is to install new operating system updates and security updates soon after Apple releases them. Although the details seldom make the news because they’re both highly specific and highly technical, you can get a sense of how important security updates are by the fact that a typical update addresses 20–40 vulnerabilities that Apple or outside researchers have identified.
It’s usually a good idea to wait a week or so after an update appears before installing it, on the off chance that it has undesirable side effects. Although such problems are uncommon, when they do happen, Apple pulls the update quickly, fixes it, and releases it again, usually within a few days.
Use a Password Manager
We’ve been banging this drum for years. If you’re still typing passwords in by hand, or copying and pasting from a list you keep in a file, please switch to a password manager like 1Password or LastPass. Even Apple’s built-in iCloud Keychain is better than nothing. A password manager has five huge benefits:
It generates strong passwords for you. Password1234 can be hacked in seconds.
It stores your passwords securely. An Excel file on your Desktop is a recipe for disaster.
It enters passwords for you. Wouldn’t that be easier than typing them in manually?
It audits existing accounts. How many of your accounts use the same password?
It lets you access passwords on all your devices. Finally, easy login on your iPhone!
A bonus benefit for families is password sharing. It allows, for example, a married couple to share essential passwords or for parents and teens to share certain passwords.
In short, using a password manager is more secure, faster, easier, and just all-around better. If you need help getting started, get in touch.
Beware of Phishing Email
Individuals and businesses alike frequently suffer from security lapses caused by phishing, forged email that fools someone into revealing login credentials, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information. Although spam filters can catch many phishing attempts, it’s up to you to be on your guard at all times. Here’s what to watch for:
Any email that tries to get you to reveal information, follow a link, or sign a document
Messages from people you don’t know, asking you to take an unusual action
Direct email from a large company for whom you’re an anonymous customer
Forged email from a trusted source asking for sensitive information
All messages that contain numerous spelling and grammar mistakes
When in doubt, don’t follow the link or reply to the email. Instead, contact the sender in some other way to see if the message is legit.
Avoid Sketchy Websites
We won’t belabor this one, but suffice it to say that you’re much more likely to pick up malware from sites on the fringes of the Web or that cater to the vices of society. To the extent that you can avoid sites that provide pirated software, “adult” content, gambling opportunities, or sales of illicit substances, the safer you’ll be. That’s not to say that reputable sites haven’t been hacked and used to distribute malware too, but it’s far less common.
If you are concerned after spending time in the darker corners of the Web, download a free copy of Malwarebytes or DetectX Swift and scan for malware manually.
Never Respond to Unsolicited Calls or Texts
Although phishing happens mostly via email, scammers have also taken to using phone calls and texts. Thanks to weaknesses in the telephone system, such calls and texts can appear to come from well-known companies, including Apple and Amazon. Even worse, with so much online ordering happening, fake text messages pretending to help you track packages are becoming more common.
For phone calls from companies, unless you’re expecting a call back from a support ticket you opened, don’t answer. Let the call go to voicemail, and if you feel it’s important to respond, look up the company’s phone number elsewhere, and talk with someone at that number rather than one provided by the voicemail.
For texts, avoid following links unless you recognize the sender and it makes sense that you’d be receiving such a link. (For instance, Apple can text delivery details related to your orders.) Regardless, never enter login information at a site you’ve reached by following a link because there’s no way to know if it’s real. Instead, if you want to learn more, navigate manually to the company’s site by entering its URL yourself, then log in.
Let’s raise a glass to staying safe online in 2021!
Social Media: Have a safer 2021 with New Year’s resolutions that will help you secure your devices, avoid email and text scams, and stay safe from malware, as well as benefit from the security and ease-of-use of password managers, which can even fill in passwords for iPhone apps.
https://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/01/2021-security-resolutions-photo.jpg8001280F-11 Photohttps://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/PR-F11Photo-logo.jpgF-11 Photo2021-01-04 12:05:002024-09-13 09:40:355 New Year’s Resolutions That Will Improve Your Digital Security
PRINT WITH YOUR LOCAL PHOTO EXPERT FOR EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS
In this time of distancing, we are looking for ways to stay safe. Many of us are shopping online and using curbside or delivery service, when available. At the same time, most of us have placed a renewed emphasis on shopping local this year, supporting the businesses in our community as we all struggle with the challenges of 2020.
Did you know that we offer services such as online/phone ordering, shipping, pick-up/delivery and curbside? You are creating a lot of unique memories in your home and local area this year, why not trust us, your neighborhood photo printing business with preserving these moments?
Why choose us, a local photo expert?
We are owned and operated by real people from your community. Shopping here supports your local economy.
Our team is comprised of professional technicians with decades of experience in highly specialized photo, printing, design and correction services.
We are photo enthusiasts, offering premium services and top-quality workmanship. We are passionate about creating personalized and meaningful keepsakes and gifts that are held to the very highest quality standards.
Your memories are unique and so are your photo projects. Your options for how to enjoy and share your images are endless. We are creative consultants that can guide you through the process, providing assistance every step of the way.
Need something quickly? When searching for a last-minute gift or in need of unanticipated memorial support, don’t waste precious time searching online or pay extra for rush-shipping. Rely on our local expertise to quickly assist with your project and deliver it on time.
While online and big box competitors may boast larger selections, better technology and lower prices, they will not be able to provide personalized consulting services or custom options. An expert with decades of experience is likely not personally handling your project. You won’t be able to rely upon fast service times, nor speak to someone face-to-face about your concerns.
Shop local. Support your local economy. Befriend your neighbor. That’s us! Receive the very best service, options and quality that our industry offers.
https://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/11/local-expertsmain.graphic.jpg312726Brenda DiVincenzohttps://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/PR-F11Photo-logo.jpgBrenda DiVincenzo2021-01-04 10:00:112021-02-23 05:36:33PRINT WITH YOUR LOCAL PHOTO EXPERT FOR EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS
We just can’t say it enough – 2020 has been quite a year! It’s likely that this year has brought you a few memories that you wish you could forget, as well as some very special moments that you want to cherish forever. As the holidays approach, and the year winds down, it’s time to commemorate the reality of 2020. Document this year with a custom photo book, an unforgettable keepsake.
A Year Filled with Memories
Pre-COVID gallivanting
Grocery and supply shortages (Don’t forget the TP!)
Shelter in place
Family lockdown fun
Rediscovered cooking and baking
Home and yard improvement projects
Outdoor antics
Pets getting extra attention
Virtual work and school
Zoom calls. Lots and lots of Zoom calls.
Masking up
Your first curbside food (or drink!) order
Your first restaurant outing
Marches and community events
Back to school (in any form)
Volunteerism and voting
Socially distanced holiday celebrations
Choose from a variety of formats and styles. Auto-populate your book or design it yourself, one image at a time. Consult with us, your local photo printing expert for a truly customized coffee table-caliber book.
Don’t stop there! Purchase additional copies for family members and friends as holiday gifts. Share the joy. Stay connected. Spread kindness.
https://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/11/2020yearinreview.main_.graphic.jpg312726Brenda DiVincenzohttps://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/PR-F11Photo-logo.jpgBrenda DiVincenzo2020-12-18 10:05:082021-02-23 05:36:392020, A YEAR IN REVIEW
In July 2017, Adobe announced that it would stop distributing and updating Flash Player on December 31st, 2020. Web standards like HTML5 provide a viable alternative to Flash content, and organizations that relied on Flash have had three years to replace it. Because Adobe will no longer be addressing security vulnerabilities in Flash with updates, Flash Player now prompts users to uninstall. We strongly recommend doing so—just click the Uninstall button if you get this alert. If you don’t, a Flash Player Install Manager app in your Utilities folder should be able to remove Flash Player as well. Adobe also provides instructions to uninstall manually.
https://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/Flash-is-dead-photo.jpg8001280F-11 Photohttps://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/PR-F11Photo-logo.jpgF-11 Photo2020-12-01 12:08:002024-09-13 09:40:34Flash Is Dead—Uninstall Flash Player to Keep Your Mac Secure
Several years ago, Apple bought a company called Shazam, which made an app that identified songs by listening to the music playing nearby. Since then, Apple has built Shazam into Siri in iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. Most recently, Apple added it to Control Center in iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 as well, so you can invoke it without speaking. To use Shazam, whenever you want to identify a song that’s playing nearby, just ask Siri, “What’s playing?” or tell it “Name that tune” or have some fun and say “Shazam!” To add Shazam to Control Center, navigate to Settings > Control Center, and tap the green + button next to Music Recognition. Then, from Control Center, tap the button to start it listening—you can return to whatever you were doing. When the song is identified, a notification appears with its name. Tap the notification to open the song in the Music app.
(Featured image by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels)
https://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/Name-that-Tune-photo.jpg8001280F-11 Photohttps://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/PR-F11Photo-logo.jpgF-11 Photo2020-12-01 12:07:002023-06-27 20:33:12Did You Know That Your iPhone Can “Name That Tune”?
Photos in iOS 14 provides four views of your library: Years, Months, Days, and All Photos. For the first three, Photos picks representative images that may not include particular shots you’re looking for. The All Photos view shows everything, but it can be overwhelming. What’s not apparent is that you can navigate All Photos more easily by pinching in to shrink the thumbnails and then pinching out to make them larger again. At the largest size, a single photo takes up the entire width of the screen.
(Featured image by Adam Engst)
https://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/Pinch-to-zoom-photo.jpg8001280F-11 Photohttps://f11photo.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/PR-F11Photo-logo.jpgF-11 Photo2020-12-01 12:06:002021-01-03 13:02:09Pinch to Zoom in All Photos View in iOS 14