Even if you are a long-time Mac user, you must be unaware of some tips and tricks that the intuitive operating system is hiding from you. These time-saving tips help you use your computer efficiently and retrieve the best functionality out of it.
The article elaborates on these timesavers to help the readers get the most from their devices.
#1. Use Spotlight for Unit Conversion
If you already know that you can do light calculations using Spotlight, you must be surprised to know that you can now do unit conversions too. Starting with macOS High Sierra, you can do quick unit conversions on your Mac in the SpotLight.
On asking Mac to convert an amount into a specific unit, it will do all the conversion quickly. Not just that, it will also mention alternative ways to convert any amount into a given unit. You can also type in a particular amount and ask Spotlight to convert it into an international currency, say USD or AUD or UAE Dirham.
#2. View Hidden Files
Apple hides away certain files from its users for a reason, but what if you need to access these files. These files are known as hidden files that are stored in the ~/Library folder. These files are essential for the macOS to run properly and smoothly, so Mac doesn’t want you to delete them accidentally.
However, your system also puts hundreds of hidden system files into that folder that consumes a lot of storage, so you need to organize this folder often. If your mac show hidden files permanently, there are chances that they get deleted accidentally. To access the hidden ~/Library folder, open Finder, press the option key, and select Library from the Go menu.
#3. Run Windows OS on Mac
Do you know you can turn your Mac into a dual-OS supporting device? Yes, you can actually do this by installing Windows operating system on your computer. This doesn’t mean that you can’t use macOS anymore; in fact, you can then use two major operating systems on a single computer without affecting its performance.
You can run Windows parallelly alongside macOS using a virtualization app such as Parallels Desktop, VirtualBox, or VMWare Fusion. Alternatively, you can partition your hard drive to install Windows operating system on Mac using native Boot Camp Assistant.
#4. Capture Full/Partial Screenshots
Capturing a screenshot is quite simple on macOS as it allows you to snip either the fill screen or a selected area. Press Shift + Command + 3 keys to snap the entire Mac screen. The screenshot will be saved to the desktop, and you can later save it to the desired location.
If you want to capture a specific portion of the Mac screen, press Shift + Command + 4 keys simultaneously. Taking a screenshot on macOS takes memorizing the shortcuts or keystroke combos.
#5. Hide & Show the Menu Bar
Since its launch in 1984, Menu Bar used to be static on Apple computers. However, with the launch of Mac OS X El Capitan, the menu bar was redesigned with the capabilities to hide and show as per user-specified instructions.
Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences, tap on General, and then select the Checkbox available with Automatically hide and show the menu bar. The menu bar will reappear on the screen as you point the mouse towards the top of the Mac screen.
#6. Type Captivating Characters
Apart from typing the alphabets, numbers, and symbols you see on the keyboard, you can type in compelling characters in the text. For example, you can type café by pressing down Option + E + E or holding down E till you get the exact option.
To add special characters, open any app and go to the Edit menu. You will see the Special Characters option at the bottom of the screen. You can drag any special character or a symbol into your document.
#7. Split Mac Screen
The Split Screen view first launched in OS X El Capitan made it easier for users to work on multiple apps simultaneously. It allows you to put two windows side-by-side and work in both apps for increased productivity.
The process to use the Split Screen feature is different on various versions of the macOS. In macOS Mojave or older, open an app and left-click on the green-colored maximize button, and drag the window to position it either to the left or the right side of the screen.
In macOS Catalina, left-click and hold down the green maximize button, a drop-down menu will appear, select an appropriate option among the Enter Full Screen, Tile Window to Right of Screen, or Tile Window to Left of Screen options. This way, you can position two application windows side-by-side on the screen.