Actions for iPad Review

I’m constantly multitasking on my computer, and sometimes it can get a little hectic trying to remember all those keyboard shortcuts. My recent discovery of Actions for iPad has changed how I use my iOS device throughout the workday.

Actions for iPad is like a virtual remote control for the Mac or PC. It allows users to control computer applications effectively through action gestures. It’s designed with the user in mind so that it can be customized to suit individual needs.

Before getting started, users will need to download the free server software to their Mac or PC. It works with multiple computers so install it on all of them if you wish. This allows the iPad and computer to work through Wi-Fi. Once both devices are connected, users can then create colorful labels that can be customized and color coded.

There are three terms that users must learn to get familiar with the app. An Action is the command or the shortcut used for specific software. The Touch Pad is the container and trigger of an action which means that users must tap it to send the Action to the computer. The touchpads can have a custom look with a label, text size, color and icon. The Set lists the container of Touchpads. Inside the set users can create subgroups of touchpads that the app refers to as subsets.

Everything is accessed through gestures. While tapping on a touchpad allows users to perform actions, it’s possible to swipe between pages with one finger, swipe between sets with three fingers and access the set library by swiping three fingers top to bottom. There are also four 2-finger gestures to copy, paste, undo and redo.

What’s great about Actions for iPad is that it can be used to link an action to specific software. For instance, users can utilize shortcuts in Adobe Photoshop or use the app to help them quickly change formats in Microsoft Word. The app already includes built in shortcut action presets for many popular applications.

While there’s plenty to love, Actions for iPad isn’t perfect. The developer doesn’t provide support for 3G routers and it appears that Bluetooth connections are also not supported. The iTune’s description also states that not all the listed presets are available for Mac and Windows, and the app currently has more Mac presets than Windows. This will most certainly change over time since the app is relatively new. In addition, the app could use more color choices as I currently see only seven available.

Overall, Actions for iPad is a pretty nifty little app to have on hand. It makes multitasking a whole lot easier, and it can even shave time off the work day. It currently comes in at a $3.99 price tag, but it’s money well spent in my opinion.