You’re 9 Tips Away from Becoming a Mac Power User

MacBook Pro keyboard backlight

It is not a daunting task to become a power user if you make an effort to become intimately familiar with the computer/laptop you are using.

If you’re using a MacBook or iMac, you already possess a system known for its hidden features and functions to help boost productivity. You must explore these functions and shortcuts to complete your tasks without much mental and physical interruption. When you unlock these, your system will work for you.

Use Spotlight

Press Command + Spacebar to launch Spotlight, and you can use the tool to search for files, documents, etc. When Spotlight is launched, a little search bar will pop up, and you can quickly switch between programs by typing what you need. The tool will help you to locate files in your system easily.

Furthermore, Siri functionality has been added to this tool. You can press the Spacebar a bit longer and then directly talk to your computer.

Besides searching files and documents, you can use Spotlight to convert currencies and perform quick calculations.

Turn off The Keyboard Backlight

Backlit Mac keyboards automatically turn on when you are working in low-light environments. But there might be instances when you wish to turn off the MacBook Pro keyboard backlight. For example, you can turn it off to save battery life.

Press the decrease key to turn off the backlight quickly.

Use Trackpad Gestures

Trackpads have become smarter in the last few years, and Apple gestures ensure the experience seems more 3D. In addition, you can customize the gestures. Click Apple menu > System Settings > Trackpad. Then, you can personalize it to suit your preferences.

Clean your Notifications

By default, all the apps and programs on your Mac can ping you. But is that genuinely helpful?

Notifications can matter a lot from some essential programs, but you don’t need to see alerts from other gaming and social media apps. So you can control that noise. First, go to System Preferences > click Notifications and then turn off the apps and programs you do not want to interrupt when you’re working.

Adjust Mouse and Trackpad Speeds

Although you will not win any contest if the cursor speed is the fastest, you can avoid dragging your finger furiously to access the different parts of your system. Instead, you can adjust the trackpad and mouse speeds according to your requirements. This can be done by going to the System Preferences.

Get iCloud Subscription

Power users must get an iCloud subscription so their critical files and documents are backed up and safe. In addition, you must be prepared if your system runs into trouble and you need to reformat the drive or reinstall macOS. So upload your files on the cloud storage service, and you can safeguard your files and remotely access them from anywhere.

Expand with a Second Display

You can expand using a second display if you want to work quickly and seamlessly. For example, you can get an external monitor to work on more apps simultaneously on two screens. This will double the screen space and help speed up your work.

However, if you don’t want to invest in an external monitor, you can use your iPad as a second display. Use the Sidecar feature to connect your iPad to your Mac.

Use the Four Corners of The Screen

The usefulness of Hot Corners is not unknown, and Mac veterans are aware of how valuable this feature is. But if you are new to the Mac environment, you may not be aware of this feature. You can find it by clicking System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver pane > Screen Saver tab > Hot Corners. A drop-down menu will show you all the different actions you can assign to the four corners of the screen.

You can put your device to sleep, lock the screen, start a screen saver, etc. Once you have activated Hot Corners, you can take the mouse cursor on any corner of the screen, and the assigned action will be fulfilled automatically. You don’t have to click or do anything extra.

So Hot Corners is a feature that can help you to get your tasks done quickly.

Upgrade to macOS 13 Ventura

macOS 13 Ventura is the latest version, and upgrading your system would mean you can utilize the productivity features offered by this software update. The noteworthy features added are a Continuity Camera, Stage Manager, handoff, etc.

Thanks to Continuity Camera, you can use your iPhone’s camera as the webcam for your Mac. Stage Manager allows users to manage open windows and apps better. The handoff feature in FaceTime ensures you can start a call on your Mac and continue the same call on your iPhone or iPad, and vice versa.

The Bottom Line

Become a Mac power user with these fantastic tips and tricks. Reduce the time to finish tasks so you can concentrate on other aspects of your life.

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About the Author: John Vick

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