MacOS is more user-friendly than other OS (operating systems), says digital inclusion consultancy Digital Unite. New users who have recently jumped into the Apple bandwagon will find some serious benefits.
Unlike Windows laptops, MacBook depends on its native software to get the most out of it. You don’t need to install any expensive 3rd party apps. There are many hidden features that have surprised users. Here, you’ll discover some MacBook tips that you don’t want to miss out on.
7 MacBook Tips Everyone Should Know
1. Capture Screenshots Easily
Mac computers have streamlined the process of taking screenshots. Just press Shift, Command, and 3 simultaneously and get the screenshot on the desktop. To take a screenshot of a specific section, press the same keys except for 4 instead of 3 with the same output directory.
Press Shift, Command, and 4 keys, tap space, and then click the individual window you want to capture. Users having modern MacBook Pro with the Touch Bar can take screenshots of OLED strips by pressing Shift, Command, and 6.
2. Restrict Distractions and Access
There are multiple features that avoid underage access and distractions. You can set a ‘bedtime’ to restrict the system use to a specific time duration daily. This feature restricts users from accessing certain apps, functions of the Finder, etc.
For example, you can restrict a nervous computer user from changing the password or dock. Getting notified about everything can distract from urgent work and when attending a meeting. So, it’s good to learn how to make notifications silent on MacBook to regain focus.
3. Use Spotlight for Unit Conversations
Doing unit conversions is now possible with Spotlight, a built-in feature of Mac. You can simply input the required amount and unit you need to convert. Your system will recommend the possible conversion with plenty of useful alternatives.
Press the Command and Spacebar keys to open Spotlight or simply hit the magnifying glass symbol in the menu bar. Now, do the simple math as mentioned above without requiring Google. You can also enter the required currency.
4. Use Split Screen View
Split Screen view allows running two windows or apps side-by-side on a single Mac screen without resizing any of the windows. macOS Mojave or older version users can keep pressing a left click on the green maximize button on the app. Drag it to position on either side.
To turn on Split Screen View, open two apps and position them on the screen’s opposite sides. Hover over the top left side of the window of any app or tap the green bubble. Either choose Tile Window to the Right of Screen or Tile Window to the Left of Screen. Tap the other app on the opposite side for the app.
5. Send and Receive SMSs
When you receive a text message (SMS) in the real mobile phone sense to an iPhone, it looks green instead of blue. After Yosemite, you can receive SMS on your Mac and other iOS devices. You can reply from your Mac too.
Remember, your iPhone must be running iOS 8.1 and your contact number must be linked to your iMessage, iPhone, and Mac device. Sign into your iMessage account, go under Settings, and toggle on the Text Message Forwarding option. Tap Messages on your iPhone.
6. Sign PDFs in the Mail
MacBook has eliminated the need for signing a PDF after printing it out and then scanning it again. You can sign a PDF straight in the mail. Drag a required PDF into the email and hover over it.
Click on a small button available at the top right. It will open different sorts of Markup options including signing documents. Add your signature by drawing on the trackpad or holding a piece of paper with your signature up to the webcam.
7. Record Screen Differently
You can now record everything happening on your Mac screen to enjoy it later. When you find something interesting and informative on the screen, you can save it for records or share it with other people. To easily take screen recordings, tap Command, Shift, and 5.
A toolbar will appear near the screen’s bottom. To record the complete screen, click the icon on the left. To record a certain portion of the screen, click on the icon with the dashed border to set a border. Then, click Record.
Conclusion
These are a few tips that can help perform common tasks easily and quickly. The MacBook can do a lot more than you might assume. You can back up your device using a Time Machine and select a 2TB drive for less than 60 quid.
There are many more unexplored features that you might not be aware of. For example, force quitting frozen apps with the Option key, preview files, typing exotic characters, annotating PDFs, and more.
