If you’ve ever lurked in tech or productivity subreddits, you’ve probably bumped into the monthly ‘Is there a tool for…’ thread. It’s where people ask for help finding apps or services to solve a problem. I like these threads — they’re practical, curious, and full of real-world needs.
But they can also be noisy. People repeat questions. Answerers guess. So here’s a short guide to getting better suggestions and giving useful replies.
Why these threads matter
They surface everyday problems that off-the-shelf software can actually fix. Someone wants to merge notes automatically. Another wants a simple visual timeline maker. Asking here helps you find tools you wouldn’t discover with a single Google search.
How to ask (a little template)
– What I want: a one-line goal.
– What I tried: apps/services you tested.
– Constraints: budget, OS, privacy, integration needs.
– Example: “I need to auto-save email attachments to a folder in Google Drive. Tried Zapier and failed on large files. Windows 11, free account.”
Why this helps: answerers can suggest realistic options, and fewer follow-up questions are needed.
Quick tool ideas by need
– Automation: Zapier, Make (Integromat), n8n (self-hostable).
– Notes & knowledge: Notion, Obsidian, Evernote.
– Simple design: Canva, Photopea (free Photoshop-like).
– Audio & podcasts: Audacity, Descript.
– Desktop productivity: Raycast, Alfred, BetterTouchTool.
How to search before posting
– Search the thread title and the sub for keywords.
– Try Google with site:reddit.com and your keywords.
– Look for monthly thread archives — often the same problems repeat.
Answering tips
– Ask clarifying questions before listing 10 apps.
– Share what you use and why, including trade-offs.
– If privacy matters, mention whether the tool stores data in the cloud.
Final thought
These monthly threads are great when they’re short, specific, and honest about constraints. If you’re asking, try the mini-template. If you’re answering, be concise and practical. It saves everyone time and finds better matches.
Got a problem right now? Try the template above and you’ll likely get a useful recommendation fast.