Seven Useful Mac OS Tips You Might Not Know About
Custom Keyboard Commands: Unlocking New Possibilities
One of the most powerful features of Mac OS is the ability to create custom keyboard commands. Some users might not know that they can create these shortcuts for use across specific applications or even across all applications. For example, let's say you're writing an article in TextEdit and need to pull a quote from another article. If you copy and paste using the standard command V, the formatting and style of the text may be different, which could be annoying. To avoid this, you can go into system preferences, keyboard shortcuts, and then app shortcuts. From there, you can add a new shortcut by selecting the plus symbol and typing the command that you want to use. For instance, if you wanted to replace standard paste with paste and match style, which is usually done using shift command V in most applications, you can create a custom shortcut for this as well.
By creating these custom keyboard commands, you can streamline your workflow and make tasks more efficient. You can customize the shortcuts to fit your specific needs, and they will work consistently across all applications that support them. This feature is especially useful for users who spend a lot of time typing or editing documents, as it allows them to focus on the content rather than navigating through menus or typing out commands.
Quick Access to the Calculator: Simplifying Math Calculations
Many people use calculators to perform simple math calculations, but did you know that there's a faster way to access one? Traditionally, users would have to go into the Applications folder and then open up the calculator app or Launchpad. However, with Mac OS, you can simply type command space followed by the name of the calculator app. For example, if you want to calculate 1+1 or 23 times 23, you can just type those numbers in and get the result instantly.
This feature is not only convenient but also time-saving. No more searching for the calculator app in a crowded folder list or typing out commands manually. With this shortcut, you can quickly perform basic math calculations without having to navigate through menus or apps.
Finding Wi-Fi Passwords: A Simplified Process
Have you ever forgotten your Wi-Fi password or had one that was a bit too long and complicated? Well, with Mac OS, finding your Wi-Fi password has become easier. When you're connected to the internet, you can use spotlight to search for keychain access. From there, you'll find all of the Wi-Fi networks that you've connected to, including your work or home network. To find your password, simply right-click on the network and select copy password to clipboard. After you authenticate that it's indeed your network, you can paste the information into a text document to see what your password is.
This feature has saved many users from frustration and hassle when trying to connect to their Wi-Fi networks. No more searching for your password online or trying to remember it manually.
Hiding the Menu Bar: A Useful Feature for Certain Users
The menu bar on a MacBook can be a valuable tool at times, but it can also be a waste of space if you don't need it. Some users might not realize that they can hide the menu bar when they're not using it. To do this, go into system preferences and select the automatically show and hide the menu bar option. This will make the menu bar disappear from view, freeing up screen real estate for more important things.
However, if you need to access the menu bar quickly, simply hover your mouse at the top of the screen, and it will reappear. This feature is especially useful for users who are working on a MacBook with a touch bar, as it provides an additional way to interact with the device without having to navigate through menus.
Using the Command Period Key: A Substitute for the Escape Key
For those who have a 2016 or newer MacBook Pro with a touch bar, there's a useful shortcut that can help them access the escape key more easily. Since the escape key is often buried under layers of other keys on the keyboard, this shortcut can be a lifesaver in certain situations.
To use this shortcut, simply press command period (⌘+.). This will act as an escape key for full-screen applications or apps with a full-screen mode. With this feature, you can exit full-screen mode more easily without having to dig through the touch bar to find the actual escape key.
Fine-Tuning Your Volume: A Convenient Feature
Adjusting your volume is often a simple task, but sometimes it can be just a bit too much or not enough. Mac OS provides an easy way to fine-tune your volume settings with a convenient shortcut.
To do this, simply hold down shift and option keys while pressing the volume up or down button. This will break down the volume into smaller fragments, allowing you to adjust the level more precisely. The same keyboard command works for adjusting the display brightness, making it easy to customize both the sound and visual settings on your MacBook.
Switching Between Application Windows: A Streamlined Workflow
Finally, one of the most useful features in Mac OS is the ability to switch between application windows with ease. Many users spend a lot of time switching between different apps or windows while working on a document. With this feature, you can quickly jump between different applications or windows without having to navigate through menus.
To do this, simply press command tab to switch to the next window or command shift tab to go back to the previous one. This shortcut allows you to focus more on your work and less on navigating through menus, making it a must-have for any serious user.
In conclusion, these tips highlight some of the lesser-known features in Mac OS that can make a big difference in how you use your device. Whether it's creating custom keyboard commands, finding Wi-Fi passwords, hiding the menu bar, using the command period key, or fine-tuning your volume, there are many ways to streamline your workflow and make tasks more efficient with these tips.