Napkin AI & Goblin Tools: Two Free AI Tools That Actually Make Your Work Easier
Because Sometimes the Best Tools Are the Simple Ones That Just Work
You know how sometimes you stumble upon something that makes you think, "Wait, why didn't I know about this sooner?" Well, that's exactly what happened with these two AI-powered tools I've been meaning to tell you about.
After spending months building my own AI experiments (remember that AI co-CEO adventure?) and testing countless tools for my digital toolbox series, I've become pretty picky about what actually impresses me. But these two? They're different.
Napkin AI: Where Text Meets Visual Magic
Website: napkin.ai
Picture this: You've got this brilliant idea in your head, but explaining it through text feels like trying to describe a sunset through morse code. That's where Napkin AI comes in - it turns your words into visuals that actually make sense.
What makes it special:
Instant Visualization: Type out your thoughts, and watch them transform into clean, professional diagrams
Multiple Options: It doesn't just give you one interpretation - it offers several ways to visualize your idea
Easy Customization: No design skills needed (trust me, my design skills are... let's say "developing" D:)
Export Flexibility: Download in various formats for different uses (presentations, social media, documents)
Below how it looks like:
Real-World Use Cases (Because Theory is Boring):
Meeting Prep:
Turn your messy meeting notes into clear visual agendas
Create process flows that don't look like they were drawn by a caffeinated octopus
Content Creation:
Transform blog post outlines into shareable infographics
Convert complex ideas into simple, engaging visuals
Project Planning:
Visualize project workflows without drowning in flowchart symbols
Create roadmaps that people actually want to look at
Goblin Tools: The AI Assistant That Gets You
Website: goblin.tools
While everyone's trying to build the next ChatGPT, these folks created something refreshingly focused. It's like having a bunch of tiny AI helpers, each amazing at one specific thing.
What makes it stand out:
Purpose-Built Tools: Each feature solves a specific problem (no more "jack of all trades, master of none")
Neurodivergent-Friendly: Designed with ADHD and similar challenges in mind
Zero Learning Curve: Everything just... works (how technology should be, right?)
The Standout Features:
Magic ToDo:
Breaks down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps
Adds "spiciness levels" to tasks (because some days, even checking email feels spicy)
Formalizer:
Transforms your casual writing into professional-speak
Perfect for those "help me sound professional in this email" moments
Judge & Professor:
Helps interpret message tone (goodbye, overthinking!)
Explains complex stuff in simple terms
Chef:
Suggests recipes based on what you have
Perfect for those "staring at the fridge hoping food appears" moments
Why These Tools Matter
Here's what I love most about these tools - they're proof that you don't need a massive tech company behind you to create something valuable. Just like when I built magenda or my public chat app, sometimes the best solutions are the focused ones.
These tools remind me of something important: Good technology doesn't try to do everything - it tries to do the right things well. In a world where every app seems to be adding AI just because they can, it's refreshing to see tools that use AI with purpose.
Both are currently free (though Napkin AI has plans for a premium version), making them perfect for testing and incorporating into your workflow. And honestly? Sometimes the best tools are the ones that solve one problem really, really well.
What do you think? Have you tried either of these tools? Or do you have other hidden gems you think more people should know about? Drop a comment below - I'm always excited to discover new tools that actually make sense!
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