Hookmark has revolutionized my use of linking between files in my workflows.
I’ve been aware of the value of linking files with other files in different apps for some time. I’ve done some linking between apps that internally support linking, such as linking a file in Craft to a task in Things.
However, the problem has always been that many of the apps I use regularly do not internally support linking with files or folders external to the app. For example, Apple Mail, my mail app of choice, does not support linking.
The Hookmark App (formerly named Hook) was designed to overcome this difficulty. It works with most apps, even though the apps themselves don’t have a linking function. The Hookmark website includes a list of compatible apps.
Linking is Easier In Hookmark Than Using Built-In App Linking Features
I recently downloaded Hookmark and have been using it regularly in my workflows. It’s easy to use and in many ways is superior to using apps’ built-in linking features. Instead of having to navigate to the linking function in an app’s menu, or memorize yet another key command (which is often different in different apps), I only have to memorize one or two key commands to invoke and use Hookmark in any app.
Also, when using Hookmark existing links are listed in a palette, and it’s easy to jump to another file that’s been linked. I don’t have to look for a pasted link.
In app-based linking, you’re required to save the link in the source app, navigate to the file you want to link, then paste the link somewhere in the file. If you want a bidirectional link, then you have to copy the link in the linked file, navigate back to the source file, and paste the link. The same linking function can be accomplished in Hookmark without any pasting of links into files (or you can paste links with Hookmark if desired).
My purpose in writing is not to give you a detailed tutorial on how to use Hookmark. Those are available on the Hookmark site, which includes many video tutorials.
Rather, my purpose is to give you an overview of the ways that using Hookmark can save you time, help you to avoid distractions, and do your work more efficiently.
1. The Benefits of Linking Between Different Apps with Hookmark
In my descriptions in the sections below, I’m going to be using the concept of a central project file or folder, and resource files that are being linked to (and from) that project file or folder. Understand that I’m using this concept just as an example — linking creates the same benefits when not using a project, but just linking two or more files you’ll need to access.
Here are 6 benefits to linking files and folders using Hookmark:
• Centralize links to related resources in one location. Let’s say you’re working on a project and have resource files that you’ll need to access to complete the project, stored in different file locations or apps. By creating links between your project folder or file and your resource files, you can easily access files without either moving the files to the project file or navigating to the resource files.
When you invoke Hookmark at your project location, you’ll see a list of all the resource files you have links to. Clicking on any of these will open the file. You can also choose to paste the links into a project file, in which case you don’t need to invoke Hookmark.
• Avoid friction by jumping to files, folders, and web pages with one click. When you Invoke Hookmark with a keyboard shortcut or from the menu bar, you create a link to the file you’re in with one click or keyboard command. If you’ve already linked this file to other files, a list of those files is presented. Clicking on one immediately takes you to that file.
• Save time by not having to navigate to resource files. It typically takes some time and multiple clicks to get out of the app you’re working in, navigate to a resource file and open it. Then more time when you’re done with the file and want to get back to your original project file. Hookmark eliminates this wasted time by allowing you to easily jump to linked files and back again if you’ve created a bidirectional link.
• Bidirectional linking makes it easy to get back to your project file or folder. In Hookmark, it’s simple to create a bidirectional link to a file. A bidirectional link creates a link to the resource file, but also a link from the resource file back to the project file.
If you create a bidirectional link, when you’re ready to finish with the linked file you’ve been using, just invoke Hookmark, and the link back to the project file or folder displays and can be selected. This saves the time and friction of having to navigate back to the source file.
• Avoid distractions by not opening and navigating to apps to reach files. Navigating to apps to locate resource files can be a major source of distraction.
If I open my email app to navigate to an email, I see all of my other emails and perhaps new emails that I haven’t reviewed yet. It’s tempting to stop and examine the new emails, thus distracting me and sending me down a new rabbit hole. By linking to the email file, I avoid this possibility of distraction by jumping directly to the file.
For an insightful discussion about how linking can avoid distraction, see David Spark’s post on Linking And Contextual Computing.
• Hookmark allows links between files and folders, or folders and folders. All of the built-in linking in apps I’m aware of allow pasting a link in another file, but they don’t allow linking to external or internal folders (since there’s no place to paste a link). Hookmark links a folder in the same way it links an individual file.
2. Illustrations of How to Use Hookmark in Workflows
a. A blog post project. When I’m preparing to write a blog post, I first create a document in Craft in my “Blog Post Ideas” folder, with the name of the blog post idea.
After doing a search of my resources (DevonThink, Craft, Finder, Readwise, etc.) I locate files that would be useful in developing my topic. I’ll create bidirectional Hookmark links between these sources and my blog post idea page.
Next, I’ll create a MindNode mind map to develop and organize my thoughts and include any quotes and references I might want to include. I’ll make a bidirectional link between that file to my blog idea page with Hookmark.
I use Ulysses to write blog posts and publish them to WordPress. When my MindNode file is complete, I link the MindNode file to a Ulysses page I’ve created with the blog post title. When I write, I do so with Ulysses on the left side of my screen and MindNode on the right. When I’m ready to write, I can click the link to the MindNode file, set up the two apps side-by-side, and write.
b. A task in my task manager. Tasks that arise in my workflow are often prompted or connected in some way to a source file. Perhaps it’s a weekly or quarterly review where I’ve determined I want to add a task, or maybe a blog article I’ve read.
I’ll list the task in my task manager, and create a bidirectional Hookmark link between the source file and the task. That allows me to easily jump from the task to the file that provides me with additional information about what I’m intending to do.
c. A calendar entry. I frequently add entries to my calendar based on an email I receive. By the time the event comes up, I’ve forgotten what it’s background is. Using Hookmark, I can create a bidirectional link between the email and the calendar entry. This enables me to easily jump between the calendar entry to the email if I need more background info for the event.
3. How to Buy Hookmark
You can get more detailed information about the Hookmark app at the developer’s website. You can also enroll for a 30-day free trial of Hookmark, or purchase the app. Keep in mind that Hookmark only works on Mac, not iPadOS or iOS. However, their website says that those platforms are coming in 2023.
The “Buy” page compares the features at each level of purchase (basic, standard, and pro) so you can select the level that best fits your needs. Training videos on the site demonstrate how the different features work.
If you have a Setapp subscription, the Pro version of Hookmark is included. Just be aware that if you intend to install the app on more than one Mac, you will have to purchase the “Power User” level, which is 50% pricier than the one-Mac standard version.
4. Summary
Using Hookmark on your Mac can save time and energy, and help you avoid distractions when working with files and resources by creating a centralized system of links, allowing you to jump to different sources with one click, and move between resources quickly. The app is easy to learn and use and the Hookmark website provides helpful video tutorials.
I’d encourage you to download the Hookmark app and watch the instructional videos. It’s not as complex as you might imagine using the app. You’ll be easily linking files in no time.