Whether you’re a longtime Mac user or new to macOS, there are always useful tricks and shortcuts that can streamline your workflow and enhance your day-to-day experience. macOS is packed with hidden features that many users overlook, but learning even a few can dramatically improve how you interact with your Mac. From customizing your environment to speeding up tasks, these tips are designed to make your Mac experience more efficient and enjoyable.
1. Master Spotlight Search
Spotlight Search is more than just an app search tool — it’s a powerful command center. By pressing Command (⌘) + Spacebar, users can instantly open Spotlight and use it to find files, perform quick calculations, convert currencies, and launch apps without touching the mouse.
- Type in equations like 45 * 1.2 to get results immediately.
- Search contacts, emails, and even text within documents.
- Use it to get definitions by typing “define [word]”.
2. Use Mission Control to Organize Your Desktop
Juggling multiple windows can be chaotic. Mission Control offers a bird’s-eye view of your open apps and desktops. Swiping up with three or four fingers on the trackpad (or pressing F3 on your keyboard) reveals all windows, helping you switch quickly and stay organized.
To further increase productivity:
- Drag windows into different Spaces (virtual desktops).
- Add new desktops by hovering over the top of Mission Control and clicking the + icon.
3. Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts
Using mouse navigation isn’t always the fastest way to perform an action. With custom keyboard shortcuts, users can significantly accelerate repetitive tasks. Navigate to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts to assign or modify hotkeys as needed.
Some favorites include:
- Command + Shift + 4: Capture a selected area of the screen.
- Control + Command + Q: Lock the screen instantly.
- Command + Space: Launch Spotlight quickly.
4. Take Advantage of Hot Corners
Hot Corners let you assign functions to each corner of your screen that activate when your mouse hovers there. Set them up via System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Hot Corners.
Actions you can assign include:
- Start screen saver
- Put display to sleep
- Mission Control
- Quick Note
This is especially useful for users who prefer visual shortcuts rather than memorizing keystrokes.
5. Use Split View for Multitasking
If multitasking is key to your workflow, Split View allows you to run two apps side-by-side without distractions from other windows.
Here’s how:
- Hover over the green fullscreen button in the top-left corner of a window.
- Select either “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen”.
- Select a second app to fill the other half of the screen.
6. Use Preview for Quick Edits
Many users open complex programs for simple image or PDF tasks, but the Default Preview app can handle much more than you think. You can sign documents, annotate PDFs, resize images, and even remove backgrounds without opening additional software.
7. Save Time with Siri and Voice Commands
Siri on macOS can do more than just answer weather questions. Users can ask Siri to send messages, check calendar appointments, or search files, which can save several minutes each day.
To activate it, either click the Siri icon in the menu bar or use the shortcut Hold Command + Space. Make sure Siri is enabled under System Settings > Siri & Spotlight.
8. Automate Tasks with Shortcuts App
The Shortcuts app on macOS allows users to automate multi-step tasks with a single click. Whether it’s renaming files, sending a message, or opening multiple apps at once, you can set it all up with Shortcuts.
It’s a great way to make your repetitive work both faster and easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Are these hacks compatible with all macOS versions?
- A: Most of the tips mentioned here work from macOS Monterey onwards, but availability might vary slightly depending on your exact version.
- Q: Can these tips help improve system performance?
- A: Yes, many of the hacks like using Spotlight, Mission Control, and Shortcuts can help reduce app switching and time spent on repetitive actions, which can make your system feel faster.
- Q: Is it safe to use custom keyboard shortcuts?
- A: Absolutely. Just ensure your shortcuts don’t overlap with existing system or app-level shortcuts.
- Q: What if I don’t have a trackpad?
- A: All of these tips can be used with a mouse and keyboard. Certain gestures may differ, but shortcuts provide equal alternatives.
By customizing macOS to your liking and leveraging built-in features, you can unlock a faster, more intuitive way to work. These hacks not only save time but also bring out the full potential of what your Mac can do.