We've all been there at one point, watching an in-depth Photoshop tutorial to help hone and develop your skills. But if you're not fortunate enough to have multiple monitors, it can be a real pain in the ass going back and forth from the video and Photoshop to follow along. Isn't there an easier way to do this? Introducing the new Fluid Browser app.
Fluid is a new floating browser designed to view practically anything alongside your work. This includes but not limited to Netflix, Youtube, Xcode, PDF, and more. It is available at the App Store for Mac only at $2.99
How It Works
While having a primary application open, let's use Photoshop for an example, you would open the floating browser and either copy/paste a URL, or load a file to the browser. From that point, you are able to view your primary application and the floating browser simultaneously, allowing you multitask without having to close a page, scroll around, or make windows smaller in order to fit the screen. You may adjust the opacity of your floating browser as much or as little as you desire.
My Thoughts
It takes me a lot to be sold on a new app, adding a new software often means adding more time to my work flow. Although with this app it cuts time, in fact I was using the app last night while writing my next article and was referring to notes using the Fluid Browser. I also tested it out watching a few tutorials like Photographing the World with Elia Locardi while working in Lightroom and CaptureOne, or Photoshop and Premier Pro, and loved how I could work behind the browser and adjust the opacity. This is something I've been looking for in the past, especially when I'm on my 15" laptop and this helps avoid having to make windows smaller to fit, closing out windows, etc.
The only downside I've found is it can be tough to move around the window at times since it is a floating browser. I kept having to click on the application logo in my dock in order to enable my Fluid browser to move. I'm sure this is something that could be tweaked in the future so I believe it's only a minor issue.
Breakdown
Pros
- Great for multitasking for watching tutorials and reading notes, etc.
- Ability to adjust opacity of window
- Inexpensive: $2.99
Cons
- Browser is tough to move around at times
- Takes some time to getting used to.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aax4VN3ZHkA
Hey Fstoppers! Hope everyone enjoys the app! Please let us know if you have any questions about the app or help please message or email us through the site at www.fluidbrowser.com.
Happy Multitasking!
Ha. Only sheeple would buy this crap. Windows users like us know a little trick called minimizing the window.
Why not just create another virtual desktop and switch between those? Saved you $2.99 :)
As an Apple user myself, I have to say this is one of the more sorrier excuses for a dedicated app. Ever heard of resizing your app windows, or as Dylon Dog mentioned make use of virtual desktops?
Because simply changing the transparency still doesn't help a student follow along and click behind the window without moving it.
I just chucked 3 Euro coins out of the window onto the sidewalk, because they'll surely be put to better use by anyone that finds them than me or anyone else purchasing this app.
Resizing windows can be a pain especially if you're working on a smaller laptop screen which may be some people's situation.
So instead, dropping a dedicated video/browser app window on top is better? Better than virtual desktops and switching with control arrow keys or Cmd-Tab?
Face it: a) you (probably) don't know what I'm (or DD) are talking about... and b) you can't come up with a better reason to buy this app, which even if it was free I wouldn't recommend, download, or use in place of the built-in ways above, which above all are faster and more beneficial for other uses and combinations of "window pushing".
I know what virtual desktop is, I am more than aware that Mac has scrolling desktops. The benefit of this app is that you can watch a tutorial (or use as a visual aid) while simultaneously while editing in Photoshop (for example) *without* having to reduce a window's size, close a window, or scroll to another desktop.
I've been using it the past few days while writing articles and watching Premier tutorials, works like a charm. I like the product, I see myself using it more than scrolling desktops on my Mac. It may not be for everyone, so I would encourage to do what works for you; not 'one is better than the other'.
So instead, dropping a dedicated video/browser app window on top is better? Better than virtual desktops and switching with control arrow keys or Cmd-Tab?
Face it: a) you (probably) don't know what I'm (or DD) are talking about... and b) you can't come up with a better reason to buy this app, which even if it was free I wouldn't recommend, download, or use in place of the built-in ways above, which above all are faster and more beneficial for other uses and combinations of "window pushing".
Wow lots of haters! I think this sounds like a really useful app and something I'll be recommending to my readers! Thanks Nick and Alec
Wouldn't it be better to use a second monitor? Sure it won't be as 'hip' as a PiP window but it works and is extendible to other workflows/uses without increasing resource usage or potential software conflicts even if minimal.
Marc C it's not about hating, it's about why this App exists and what purpose but when I see Mac users they tend to use single monitor iMacs where as when I see Linux/Windows they tend to use dual display rigs. So it's probably aimed at that crowd.
Daris, as I stated in the opening paragraph, "if you do not have a second monitor". Of course it would be better to have two matters, but not everyone has that setup.
Go to Chrome Web Store - type in picture in picture - install one of the many PIP extensions with the added bonus of working on any OS.
Happy Multitasking!
but that's just for stuff in the Chrome browser - I think this app is for any application. May be wrong though!
I`m just using second monitor .