Tools for different kinds of work.
A selection from my working kit and the software I consider for projects. These notes explain where each tool fits, rather than rank everything against an imaginary universal winner.
Affiliate disclosure: Wise link on this page is a personal referral. I earn a small fee if you open an account. All other tools are listed without compensation.
Productivity
Calendly
A booking page for agreed availability. I check time zones, buffers and calendar connections before sharing a link.
Google Workspace
Email, shared documents, Drive and meetings. The useful work is setting up ownership and permissions so the team can find what it needs.
Notion
Notes, project records and operating instructions in one workspace. Keep the structure simple enough that people will maintain it.
Airtable
Linked records and filtered views for work that has outgrown a flat spreadsheet. I use it to connect information without hiding how it is organized.
Dropbox
File synchronization and sharing. Useful when a project needs a straightforward folder structure across devices.
Spark Email
An email client with inbox organization and snoozing. Worth considering if the default mail app gets in the way.
AI & LLMs
Claude (Anthropic)
Writing, analysis and coding assistance. I check its output against sources and tests rather than treat fluency as accuracy.
ChatGPT (OpenAI)
A general-purpose assistant for text, images and other tasks. Model and account capabilities change, so I choose it for the job rather than the label.
Gemini (Google)
An AI assistant to consider alongside Google-based workflows. Check which account permissions and integrations the task requires.
Perplexity
A starting point for finding sources. I open the cited pages before relying on an answer.
LocalAI
Local model serving for projects that need control over deployment. Local hosting still needs access controls and a review of network connections.
Codex (OpenAI)
Coding assistance for bounded changes and repository work. A generated change still needs a diff review and tests.
AI Creative
Canva
Presentations, social graphics and documents when a team needs editable designs without a specialist production workflow.
Runway ML
Video generation and editing for experiments and production tasks where generated material is appropriate.
CapCut
Video editing and captioning. Check names, timing and Japanese transcription before publishing.
iMovie
Straightforward editing on Apple devices. Enough for many cuts that do not need a larger production suite.
Scaniverse
Spatial capture when a flat photograph does not explain an object or place. Check the resulting scan before treating it as a measurement.
Browser & Privacy
Brave Browser
A Chromium-based browser with privacy controls. Test the extensions and site behavior your work depends on.
Tor Browser
Browsing through the Tor network. It changes the connection path, but signing into identifying accounts or sharing personal details can still identify you.
Communication
Slack
Team chat organized into channels and threads. It works better when decisions have a durable home outside the conversation.
Discord
Community chat and voice channels. Decide how members will find announcements and who will moderate the space.
Signal
Encrypted messaging. Device security and recipient handling still matter when sharing sensitive material.
Messaging for people and partners who already use it. I choose the channel around the relationship rather than make everyone adopt another inbox.
Telegram
Messaging, channels and bots. Useful for connecting small operating workflows to a familiar interface.
Matrix
An open messaging protocol with self-hosting options. Consider the maintenance and moderation work alongside the control it offers.
Rebtel
International calling. Compare the destination, connection method and current rate before relying on it.
Design & Assets
Dev & Infra
VS Code
A code editor with extensions for different languages and workflows. I keep the setup focused on the project.
GitHub
Source control, issues and code review. Useful for keeping decisions, changes and releases traceable.
GitLab
Repository hosting and development workflows, including self-managed deployments when that suits the organization.
Docker
Reproducible application environments. Useful for documenting dependencies, though a container does not erase differences in production configuration.
Vercel
Hosting and preview deployments for web projects, including this site. Preview links make changes easier to review before release.
Supabase
Postgres and related application services. I still plan permissions, backups and migrations rather than assume the platform handles every decision.
Resend
Transactional email delivery for applications. Delivery events and failure handling need attention beyond sending the first successful test.
Events & Marketing
Finance & Payments
Stripe
Payments and billing integrations. The important work includes refunds, reconciliation and the handoff to accounting.
Wise
International transfers. Compare the complete quote, fees and receiving requirements for the transfer you are making.
Get started with referral →Moneytree
Account aggregation in Japan. Check support for the specific institutions and account types you need.
Ledger
Hardware wallets for supported crypto assets. Recovery procedures and safe signing habits are as important as the device.
MetaMask
A wallet for supported blockchain applications. Review the network, destination and permissions before approving a transaction.
Music & Audio
Spotify
Music and podcast listening. Part of discovery, not a substitute for supporting artists directly.
SoundCloud
Audio publishing and discovery, particularly useful for sharing work outside a formal release schedule.
Bandcamp
Direct music and merchandise sales alongside listening. Useful when the release and its presentation belong together.
Other
TestFlight
Apple beta distribution for testing applications with invited users. Give testers a specific task and a way to report problems.
Social & Content
Visual publishing and event promotion. I judge it by the audience and inquiries it reaches, not posting frequency alone.
Professional profiles, relationships and publishing. Concrete work is more useful here than another paragraph of executive adjectives.
Community discussions and questions. Read the rules and contribute something useful before thinking about promotion.
YouTube
Video publishing for demonstrations, performances and explanations that need more room than a short clip.
Groups, pages and events. Useful where the relevant community already gathers.
Web & Publishing
Substack
Email publishing with a hosted archive. Useful when writing and distribution need a simple shared home.
WordPress
A publishing system with a large extension ecosystem. Hosting, updates and plugin ownership are part of the decision.
Webflow
Visual site building and content management. I check what editors need to change and what a later migration would involve.
Squarespace
Managed site building for teams that want to maintain ordinary pages without a custom development workflow.
Framer
Design-led website building. Useful to evaluate for landing pages and smaller sites with a clear editing brief.
Namecheap
Domain registration and related services. Account ownership, renewal settings and recovery details deserve more attention than the first-year discount.