Radial

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Radial is a macOS-native automation utility (technical category: productivity software) that enables users to create custom macros triggered via radial/pie menus at the cursor location.
2. Core Value Proposition: Radial eliminates workflow friction by replacing keyboard shortcuts and manual menu navigation with gesture-based automation, allowing users to chain file operations, app commands, and scripts into single actions without disrupting their workflow.

Main Features

1. Cursor-Centric Radial Menu:

   • How it works: Activates via user-defined triggers (e.g., hotkey) to display a circular menu directly at the cursor position. Items are selectable via mouse gestures, minimizing pointer movement.
   • Technology: Leverages macOS accessibility APIs for low-latency overlay rendering and cursor tracking.

2. Multi-Step Macro Builder:

   • How it works: Chains file operations (batch renaming, path copying), app commands (Photoshop actions, Terminal scripts), and system functions into one gesture. Supports conditional logic and variables.
   • Technology: Integrates with AppleScript, Shell scripts, and native macOS frameworks like Automator.

3. Context-Aware Automation:

   • How it works: Dynamically switches macro sets based on the active application (e.g., Photoshop-specific tools appear only in Photoshop). Uses macOS process detection to filter relevant actions.
   • Technology: Monitors foreground app via NSWorkspace notifications for real-time context switching.

4. Community Workflows & AI Assistant:

   • How it works: Users share/install pre-built radial menus for apps (e.g., "Finder Essentials"). AI assistant generates macro scripts via natural language prompts.
   • Technology: Cloud-synced preset library; NLP-based AI for macro scripting (compatible with JavaScript/AppleScript).

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Reduces time wasted memorizing keyboard shortcuts or digging through nested menus. Solves "flow disruption" during repetitive tasks.
2. Target Audience:
   • Creatives: Designers automating image exports/resizing in Photoshop.
   • Developers: Engineers running deployment scripts or terminal commands.
   • Video Editors: Professionals automating render settings in Final Cut Pro.
3. Use Cases:
   • Batch file renaming/organization in Finder.
   • One-click app launching/emoji insertion.
   • Cross-app workflows (e.g., grab asset in Photoshop → optimize → upload via CLI).

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike Keyboard Maestro (shortcut-focused) or Automator (app-limited), Radial combines cursor-based ergonomics with multi-app macro chaining. Competitors lack radial menus and community-driven presets.
2. Key Innovation: Patented radial menu UI reduces selection time by 60% vs. linear menus (per user testing). Context-aware automation cuts irrelevant actions by 80%.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does Radial improve productivity vs. keyboard shortcuts?
   Radial replaces shortcut memorization with visual, context-sensitive menus at your cursor, reducing errors and saving 2–5 seconds per action.

2. Can Radial automate tasks across multiple apps?
   Yes, Radial chains commands between apps (e.g., copy text in Safari → paste into Notes → save as file) via its macro builder and context detection.

3. Is Radial compatible with macOS Sonoma and Sequoia?
   Radial requires macOS 15+ (Sequoia) and is optimized for Apple Silicon. It supports all latest macOS APIs for automation.

4. How does the AI macro assistant work?
   Describe your task (e.g., "Resize all images in this folder to 1920x1080"), and Radial’s AI generates a ready-to-run AppleScript/Shell macro.

5. Are Radial licenses transferable between devices?
   One license covers all personal Macs. Enterprise/team licensing requires separate purchase.