#tools
APP Floe – Open-Source Audio Plugin for Sample Libraries
Free, open-source audio plugin (CLAP/VST3/AU) for discovering, performing, and transforming sounds across sample libraries. Features sample-based synthesis, granular processing, layering, and effects. GPL licensed, no accounts or subscriptions. Cross-platform (Windows/macOS/Linux). Built with emphasis on simplicity and user experience.
APP Laser Graffiti
Point a projector and webcam at a wall, draw with a laser pointer, and the projector paints your strokes in real-time. Open-source browser-based tool with features like wet ink drips, 3D spinning, kaleidoscope mirroring, and sparkle trails. Works without hardware via mouse/touch demo.
APP Cobalt: Kobo e-reader App Platform
Open-source application platform for Kobo e-readers featuring a signed App Store, Rust SDK, and isolated app runtime. Install once via USB; apps update over Wi-Fi. Enables running static ARM binaries on e-reader hardware with community-tested support across multiple Kobo models.
APP GlassBox — browser fingerprint visualization
Interactive browser fingerprinting tool that visualizes every signal websites can extract to identify you. Runs entirely client-side, privacy-conscious design, serves a niche educational/security purpose.
APP SkyLens — Live 3D Satellite Tracker + Declassified UAP Archive
Interactive 3D real-time satellite tracker combined with a curated archive of 375+ declassified government UAP case files, NASA asteroid tracking, and space news. Free, no signup required, RSS feed available.
APP Shoehorn — Quantize LLMs to your hardware
Interactive browser-based tool for quantizing large language models to fit your personal machine. Scans Hugging Face's most-downloaded models, estimates which ones fit your specific hardware (Mac, GPU, custom configs), visualizes memory budgets, then provides a local CLI app and web interface to run the chosen model via llama.cpp. Combines practical utility with a clean, hands-on approach to a niche problem.
APP Decker — Interactive Document Platform
A multimedia platform for creating and sharing interactive documents inspired by HyperCard, featuring a retro 1-bit ditherpunk aesthetic. Create e-zines, games, presentations, pixel art, and interactive experiences in the browser or on desktop (Mac/Windows/Linux). Includes a novel scripting language (Lil) and outputs as standalone shareable HTML.
APP What Colors Are We? Constructing A Color Space For Skin Tones
Interactive color picker and procedural generation tool for creating diverse, inclusive skin tones. Built as a custom color space with JavaScript-based picker and Python algorithm to help digital artists and game developers represent human diversity authentically.
APP Dark Hours
Real-time astronomy observation planner showing sky brightness, weather conditions, constellation visibility, and best viewing windows for your location. Personalized, thoughtfully designed indie tool with error-bar transparency in light pollution modeling.
APP OmniDeck: Indie Developer Tool Suite
Handcrafted collection of browser-based utilities (JSON formatter, password generator, QR codes, hash functions, image compression, SEO auditor, regex tester, etc.) built entirely in vanilla JavaScript. 100% client-side, free, no signup required, emphasis on privacy and zero friction.
APP RecipeTables
A handcrafted web tool that converts recipes into an innovative prep-table format (ingredients as rows, steps as merged columns), making recipes readable at a glance. Built by Juan Buis with daily improvements. Supports URL/text/image upload, library browsing, scaling, exporting, and sharing.
APP HaxxorWPM
Terminal command typing speed test for developers. Measures WPM, accuracy, and command count in timed 30/60/120-second challenges. Minimalist indie web tool with real-time feedback.
WhatCable: USB-C cable diagnostic tool
A free Mac app that displays USB-C cable specifications, negotiated power profiles, and e-marker data to help diagnose charging bottlenecks. Solves a real technical problem—determining whether cable, charger, or device is limiting charge speed.
APP Postgres Is Enough
Curated directory of PostgreSQL extensions and tools, with a philosophical argument that you can consolidate Redis, Elasticsearch, Kafka, MongoDB, and similar tools into a single Postgres database. Well-designed, thoughtfully written, community-validated on Lobsters.
APP BambooGrid – Power Grid Modeling Tool
BambooGrid is an open-source web-based visual editor for power grid modeling and load-flow analysis. Built on Pandapower, it lets students and engineers design power networks and run simulations directly in the browser. A niche tool with genuine utility for its community.
APP IKEA Complexity Index
Interactive tool visualizing assembly complexity across IKEA's product catalog. Handcrafted reference site offering a novel way to explore and understand IKEA products.
APP Privacy Tools
Services, tools and knowledge to protect your privacy. Curated recommendations for privacy-respecting software.
APP Awesome Security
Collection of security resources. Tools, books, and resources for security professionals.
APP The Book of Secret Knowledge
Collection of inspiring lists, manuals, cheatsheets, and tools. 200K+ stars. A hacker's encyclopedia.
APP Kevin Kelly
Wired founding editor on technology and culture. Cool Tools, 1000 True Fans, and more.
APP Awesome Design
Curated design resources. Tools, inspiration, typography, colors, and more for designers.
APP Awesome CLI Apps
Curated list of command line apps. Productivity, development, and entertainment tools.
APP Awesome macOS
Curated list of macOS applications and tools. From productivity to development.
APP Awesome Windows
Curated list of Windows applications and tools. Best software for Windows users.
APP The Missing Semester
MIT course on practical computing skills. Shell, Git, debugging, and more.
APP uses.tech
Collection of /uses pages from developers. See what tools, apps, and setups people use.
APP Stavros Korokithakis
Hacker and maker. Creator of Ledonardo light painting hardware and various web tools.
APP Uses This
Interviews with people about the hardware and software they use. Fascinating window into how creative people work.