A place to start
Choose Writing, Publishing or Software. Each starts with a sample project and a few pending tasks. Change workspaces whenever you like; your saved projects and tasks are there when you return.
Projects and next steps for Mac · by Tristin Hassell
Studio Index
Projects, tasks and your Mac
- Awaiting Apple’s approval for private testing.
Mac with macOS 14 or later, Apple silicon or Intel
Earlier desktop-panel views with example projects. The next private testing edition adds the workspace overview described below.
Project panels on your desktop 
See project status in dark mode 
Follow a project checklist
Keep projects, next steps and recent work together on your Mac. In the next private testing edition, start with a Writing, Publishing or Software workspace, or connect project folders you already use.
What you can do
Your projects and next steps
Add and rename projects, add tasks, and check them off as you finish. Reopen a completed task when it needs more work. Changes are saved on your Mac.
Recent work within reach
Connect Documents, Downloads or another folder once. Recent work follows changed files in those folders; select one to show it in Finder. You choose which folders the app may read.
A glance at your Mac
See open apps, CPU activity and memory readings. Select an app to bring it forward. Readings refresh every 30 seconds while the overview is open.
Keep awake when you need it
Keep the Mac and display awake for 30 minutes, one hour, two hours, or until you turn it off. Closing the overview keeps your choice active. Quitting Studio Index ends it.
Folders and desktop panels
Choose Custom folders to follow existing project activity. Optional connections read status, checklist and usage files without changing them. Open small desktop panels, move and resize them, and show or hide them together.
Information
- Version
- 1.0.0 (build 5)
- Updated
- October 10, 2026
- Requires
- Mac with macOS 14 or later, Apple silicon or Intel
- Languages
- English
- Category
- Developer Tools
- Price
- Price to be announced
- Developer
- Tristin Hassell
- Availability
- Awaiting Apple’s approval for private testing. Public release date to be announced.
Data and privacy
- Stays on your device: Saved projects and tasks, connected-file information and local Mac readings. The optional App Store Connect key stays in macOS Keychain.
- Leaves your device: With your own key, the app asks Apple for your apps’ TestFlight status. Project contents and Mac activity are never sent. Selecting a web link opens your browser.
- Never collected: No account with us, ads, tracking or analytics.
Version history
Version 1.0.0
- Desktop project panels, a checklist and usage information.
- Optional live TestFlight status with your own key.
- Clickable tasks, notifications and compact panels.
Questions people ask
Do I need to choose a folder to get started?
In the next private testing edition, Writing, Publishing and Software workspaces start without a folder chooser. Choose Custom folders when you want to follow existing project files.
Are my projects kept when I change workspaces?
Yes. Each workspace keeps its own projects and tasks on your Mac. Return to that workspace to use them again.
Does Recent work search my whole Mac?
No. You confirm each folder the app may read. It shows up to 12 files from a bounded search within those folders.
Do I need an App Store Connect key?
No. The key is only for optional TestFlight status from Apple. Projects, tasks, recent files and Mac readings work without one.
Does Keep awake change my power settings?
No. It starts Off, lasts only as long as you choose, and ends when you quit Studio Index.
In the next private testing edition
- Start with a Writing, Publishing or Software workspace, without choosing a folder.
- Add and rename projects, add tasks, and mark them complete or reopen them.
- Find recently changed files in Documents, Downloads or other folders you connect.
- See open apps, CPU activity and estimated memory use in the overview.
- Keep the Mac and display awake for a chosen time. Turn it off whenever you like; quitting Studio Index also ends it.
Private testing is awaiting Apple’s approval. A public release date has not been announced.
Your work stays on your Mac
Projects and tasks created in Studio Index are saved separately from connected files. Connected folders and status files stay unchanged. No account with us is required, and the app has no ads, analytics or tracking. If you add your own App Store Connect key, Studio Index can request your apps’ TestFlight status from Apple. Project contents are never sent.
Read the privacy policy for details about recent files, local Mac readings and optional connections.
Use it your way
Choose a text size in Settings and decide whether panels stay above other windows. Control-Option-Command-I moves keyboard focus to the panels; Tab moves through rows and Space opens an item. Controls have VoiceOver labels, and colour is accompanied by words or symbols.
Help
Email hello@gatheredcommonspress.com. I answer within three business days.
Software by Tristin Hassell. Published by Gathered Commons Press LLC.