Ten Mac Tips You May Not Know
Some of these were new to me.
- Open a file to view without opening them! Select a file in Finder and then press Spacebar to instantly preview it. Press Spacebar again to close.
- Split Screen Mode – need to work with two files/apps at once? Hover your mouse over the green maximize button and you’ll have the option to tile the document left or right. Select another file and tile to opposite side.
- The Magic of Spotlight Search – CMD+Spacebar opens Spotlight. Type a name of a file to find it, type numbers and operators to calculate a result, convert currency or temperatures (80 degrees f in centigrade or 10 USD in Euros) or define (enter a word) and so on.
- Rename multiple files at once – elect multiple files in Finder, right-click, and choose Rename X Items…” You’ll be prompted with options to add text, replace text, or apply a numbering system across the selected files.
- Use your Mac as a Wi-Fi Hotspot – Go to System Settings>Internet Sharing. Share your connection from, Wi-Fi, etc, then to other devices using various protocols listed. This way you enable other devices to have internet access.
- Instant Do Not Disturb – hold OPT key and click Notification icon (top right of your screen). Doing this instantly mutes all notifications. You can toggle this on and off.
- Hidden Emoji Keyboard – CMD+CTRL+Space to open the keyboard. Look in Favorites for ones frequently used or search for one by typing in the search box. You can also customize the task bar to add this keyboard to your taskbar.
- Universal Clipboard – Copy something on your iPhone, then paste it on your Mac — or vice versa. To use Universal Clipboard, ensure both devices are signed in to the same iCloud account, have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on, and are within range of each other.
- Create Your Own Keyboard Shortcuts – customize things to help you work more effectively. Go to System Settings>Keyboard, then select Keyboard Shortcuts button. It will open a list of many options. These options are universal across the system. You can select a shortcut and modify the keys to activate it. To create your own custom shortcuts, go to App Shortcuts in the list. Then select the application from the dropdown menu. You know that many commands under each Menu in an app already have a shortcut but some do not. For those without a shortcut you can create your own. Click the + key on the custom page and the enter the EXACT NAME of the item and then type the command to invoke that choice. Best to use a key combination not already in use by using three keys such as CTRL, OPT, CMD, SHFT and then perhaps a number to use that menu item. If you type it wrong, you will have to use the “-“ key to remove it. Then type it again. You can edit the actual key sequence but not change the title. When finished, go to the app and see if the command appears on the MENU you used. If not, close the app and reopen it. Then it should appear.
- Precise Screenshots – CMD+Shift+4 brings up a cursor to click and drag across the screen for capturing a rectangular grab. Press Spacebar after selecting to take a shot of a particular window. CMD+Shift+5 for more options as shown.
From Medium Sept 9, 2024 by Kanat Ankylson