Harnessing Infinite Canvases for Enhanced Productivity
Written on
Chapter 1: The Power of Infinite Canvases
Infinite canvases, like those offered by Prodrafts, allow users to navigate vast amounts of information seamlessly. It's akin to teleporting across expansive whiteboards, making it an invaluable tool for productivity.
Productivity Enhancement on iPad
Previously, I shared how whiteboarding has empowered me to tackle larger projects. While numerous infinite canvas apps exist, one stands out for its transformative capabilities: Prodrafts.
Though not without its flaws, Prodrafts provides essential features that maximize the potential of an infinite canvas. What makes it indispensable? The ability to swiftly and efficiently traverse a substantial canvas, far exceeding the limits of a standard screen. This functionality is where Prodrafts excels.
I’ve recently uncovered additional features that elevate the app’s utility. You can create hotspots on the canvas that enable instant navigation. Moreover, it allows deep linking to any section of your canvas from other applications, and links can seamlessly connect between different canvases. You can even hyperlink out to external resources directly from the canvas.
In this article, I'll elaborate on how these features operate and highlight other useful functionalities, while also addressing some quirks.
I have no affiliation with the developers aside from my appreciation for their product. You can find the app on the App Store. It is available for free with limited features, and full functionality can be unlocked through an in-app purchase of £6.99.
Navigating Within and Between Infinite Canvases
Let’s start with how linking works in Prodrafts before I delve into the user interface in subsequent sections.
Navigation within a Prodrafts canvas is facilitated by pins. Creating pins is straightforward; you simply long-press on the canvas.
By tapping on the pin icon in the top-right corner, you can access a list of all pins. Select a pin to scroll to that specific location—simple and effective!
While the pin menu is quite functional, it can become cluttered over time. Fortunately, there’s a more efficient method to navigate: embedding links within shapes.
To do this, tap the plus sign in the top-right corner, select a shape, and place it where you want the link to lead. Link this shape to a pin, and tapping the shape will redirect you to that pin’s location.
Here's an example of my 'jump panel' for a fiction project, designed to facilitate easy navigation.
I strategically placed my jump panel at the origin for swift access to any area of my canvas with just a few taps. Additionally, links are conveniently positioned throughout the canvas wherever necessary.
Notably, the connected shape can contain a deeply linked URL, which you can use in other apps. For instance, copying a shape's link and pasting it into an Apple Note allows direct navigation to that spot on the canvas.
As you'll discover in the next section, Prodrafts boasts many exceptional features, but it’s this pin and shape linking capability that empowers me to navigate complex canvases confidently.
Connected shapes can also link to URLs, whether they lead to websites or deep links within other canvases. Let’s explore more about Prodrafts’ user interface.
Exploring the User Interface
Prodrafts reminds me of Drafts in its capacity to be as intricate or simple as you desire. At its most basic, you can launch the app, create a canvas, and start sketching or writing.
Scroll through the canvas with your finger and utilize a stylus or Apple Pencil for drawing. Pinch to zoom in and out—it's that easy!
Naturally, you’ll want to explore more features, so let’s take a look at the primary elements of the user interface.
- Writing Tool Selection
- Zoom Control and Home
- Utility Menu
- Pen Configuration
Notable Features
The Add Menu
What can you add to your canvas? Click the plus sign in the top-right corner to find out.
Among the various options, the Calculator and Timer widgets stand out. The Calculator can be useful, but I usually opt for my iPhone. The Timer, on the other hand, could serve well as a Pomodoro timer.
The Shape submenu is particularly intriguing, as it facilitates the creation of a hyperlink network across canvases. It also serves as a functional drawing tool to complement your hand-drawn work.
Ever heard of Paster? This feature allows you to paste bitmap templates onto your canvas. Prodrafts comes preloaded with templates, including one formatted for Cornell Notes.
You have numerous customization options available to tailor the canvas and create a URL for your document.
Exporting Information
Taking Snapshots
With the Utility Menu, you can capture snapshots of any canvas segment. Adjust the size as needed, and share via the Share Menu.
Exporting the Entire Canvas
This process is straightforward and user-friendly.
Limitations
Though Prodrafts offers many strengths, it has its limitations. For instance, it lacks collaboration features, which could hinder teamwork. Apple’s Freeform, available for free, allows real-time collaboration, presenting a more visually appealing interface. However, I prefer Prodrafts for its unique pin system.
While I did explore Freeform, I found it lacking compared to Prodrafts in certain functionalities.
Language Barrier
Most of the user interface is in English, but I occasionally encounter sections in Chinese. Thankfully, I can use iOS's translation feature for clarification.
Final Thoughts
Had Prodrafts been available earlier, I could have effortlessly sketched, drawn, and linked without a second thought. The app's design allows for a seamless experience without unnecessary distractions.
I acknowledge that I may not utilize 80% of its features, and the menu layout could be more intuitive. While many functionalities are tucked away in the Utility Menu, perhaps this was an effort to maintain a clean interface.
Collaboration is a notable omission when compared to competitors. While apps like Freeform may capture more attention, Prodrafts effectively meets my needs.
In the first video, "reMarkable: The Tool I Use To Enhance My Productivity | Cal Newport," the speaker discusses how the reMarkable tablet can be a game-changer for productivity, particularly in organizing thoughts and ideas visually.
The second video, "Productivity Toolkit: How To Achieve Any Goal, Focus & Enter Flow State On Command | Cal Newport," provides insights on techniques to enhance focus, achieve goals, and enter a productive flow state, which can greatly complement the use of tools like Prodrafts.