43 Folders

Back to Work

Merlin’s weekly podcast with Dan Benjamin. We talk about creativity, independence, and making things you love.

Join us via RSS, iTunes, or at 5by5.tv.

”What’s 43 Folders?”
43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

Quicksilver: Setup & Troubleshooting

[n.b.: this post has been updated to reflect the release of version B32r2. --2004-11-06 15:35 PST]

Since there's new folks moving to Quicksilver all the time, I thought I'd post some more starter tips if you're following along here. If you have questions about stuff not working as described, doublecheck your setup and the tips below.

  • Read the Quickstart Guide
  • Always use the latest version of Quicksilver, available here
  • Read Dan Dickinson's really great tutorial on setting up and orienting yourself with Quicksilver.
    • This is the post that got me to try Quicksilver, and it's excellent.
    • Note that some of the items discussed in the tutorial (including some Appearance prefs) have moved around in recent releases
    • Update 2005-02-23 07:11:33 - Dan also has created an excellent intermediate tutorial I can highly recommend.
  • Get comfortable with all your options in the Prefrences box.
    • As of v. B32r2, most of the configuration options (including catalogs and triggers) have been consolidated into the tabbed Preferences box
    • To get to Preferences:
      1. Invoke Quicksilver (Control-Spacebar, by default)
      2. Type Command-, (that's a comma)
  • To use many of the tips metioned on 43 Folders, you need to run in "Beta mode"
    • While slightly more adventurous than "Stable" mode, Beta shouldn't give you much worse problems than an occasional crash. YMMV.
    • Beta mode can be enabled under "Preferences > Application > Feature Mode" where you select "Enable Advanced Features > Beta"
  • Load up on plug-ins, which are all here
    • Quicksilver's main application provides a core of basic functionality; the plug-ins are the sexy bits that let you integrate with other applications and services
    • Browse the list for any apps or services that you use, and install any others that look interesting to you
    • If you're running in Beta mode, note that extra plug-ins may be available (but are filtered out of the standard plug-in page).
      1. Go to "Preferences > Plug-ins"
      2. Click the little gear menu
      3. Select "Download More Plug-ins"
        • This will take you to the plug-ins web page, with extra, beta-compatible plug-ins revealed
      4. Install or download the plug-ins you want
    • Important: If something is not working the way it's described in a post, chances are good you're missing a necessary plug-in
  • Make sure you've set up and enabled the right Catalogs for what you want to do
    • View and add to Catalogs by going to "Preferences > Catalog"
  • For more on getting started or to learn more about Quicksilver, check out other resources:
Dan Dickinson's picture

Thanks for the link and...

Thanks for the link and the reminder that I need to write up revision 3 of my tutorial; if only Alcor would stop moving the preferences around so much!

 
EXPLORE 43Folders THE GOOD STUFF

Popular
Today

Popular
Classics

An Oblique Strategy:
Honor thy error as a hidden intention


STAY IN THE LOOP:

Subscribe with Google Reader

Subscribe on Netvibes

Add to Technorati Favorites

Subscribe on Pageflakes

Add RSS feed

The Podcast Feed

Cranking

Merlin used to crank. He’s not cranking any more.

This is an essay about family, priorities, and Shakey’s Pizza, and it’s probably the best thing he’s written. »

Scared Shitless

Merlin’s scared. You’re scared. Everybody is scared.

This is the video of Merlin’s keynote at Webstock 2011. The one where he cried. You should watch it. »