Home - Appliances - 15 MacBook Features Users Should Know About
15 MacBook Features Users Should Know About

15 MacBook Features Users Should Know About

Apple’s Mac devices are renowned for their intuitive design and capabilities. However, it’s the lesser-known features and customization options that truly set them apart. By exploring these hidden gems, users can unlock new levels of productivity, convenience, and security. From seamless multitasking to hands-free operation, these features are designed to empower users and make their interaction with the Mac even more seamless and efficient. These tips make Black Friday 2023 even more sweet:

1. Master Spotlight Search
While many users know about Spotlight Search, few realize its full potential. Beyond simple file searches, Spotlight can perform complex calculations, provide weather updates, offer currency conversions, and even pull in data from the web. By pressing Command + Spacebar, users can unleash the full power of Spotlight and navigate their Mac with unprecedented efficiency.

2. Check Quick Look for speedy previews
Quick Look is a feature that allows users to preview files without actually opening them. By selecting a file and pressing the spacebar, users can quickly examine its contents. This is incredibly useful for browsing through images, documents, and even audio or video files. It’s a time-saving gem that can significantly expedite workflow.

3. Use Text Replacement for effortless typing
For users who find themselves frequently typing the same phrases or responses, Text Replacement can be a game-changer. By navigating to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text, users can set up custom shortcuts for longer phrases. For instance, “omw” can automatically expand to “On my way!” This feature is a productivity booster that can save substantial time in the long run.

4. Try the gestures feature
Apple’s trackpad is a marvel of engineering, offering a range of gestures that can streamline navigation. From swiping between desktops with three or four fingers to pinching to access Launchpad, mastering these gestures can significantly improve the efficiency of multitasking. Users can explore these gestures in System Preferences > Trackpad.

5. Use Split View
Split View is an invaluable feature for users looking to enhance productivity. By dragging a window to the edge of the screen, users can automatically snap it into place, allowing for seamless side-by-side multitasking. This feature is particularly useful for comparing documents, managing emails, or any task that benefits from simultaneous viewing.

6. Try out its virtual assistant
Siri is more than just a virtual assistant; it’s a powerful tool for boosting productivity. Beyond basic tasks like sending messages or setting reminders, Siri can perform complex operations like searching for files or adjusting system settings. Users can customize Siri’s capabilities in System Preferences > Siri.

7. Use desktop stacks
For users who tend to clutter their desktops, Desktop Stacks can be a game-changer. By right-clicking on the desktop and selecting “Use Stacks,” macOS will automatically group similar files, creating a more organized workspace. Users can customize this feature by right-clicking and selecting their preferred sorting criteria.

8. Try Preview for editing
Preview is often overlooked as a basic PDF viewer but offers a surprising array of editing tools. Users can add text, annotations, signatures, and even edit images directly within Preview. This can save time and eliminate the need for third-party PDF editors.

9. Master Terminal
While Terminal may seem daunting to some users, it offers unparalleled control over macOS. Power users can execute a wide range of commands to perform tasks that might be otherwise inaccessible. It’s worth exploring online resources and tutorials to unlock the full potential of Terminal.

10. Customize trackpad gestures with BetterTouchTool
For users looking to take trackpad gestures to the next level, BetterTouchTool is a must-have application. It allows for extensive customization of trackpad gestures, enabling users to create their own shortcuts and actions tailored to their specific workflow.

11. Enable live captions
Live Captions is an accessibility feature that provides real-time captions for any audio playing on the device. Beyond their primary purpose, live captions can also be used during phone calls. By enabling live captions, users can have the conversation transcribed in real-time, offering a powerful tool for those who are hard of hearing.

12. Navigate with Mission Control
Mission Control is a powerful tool for managing multiple desktops and applications. By pressing F3 or swiping up with three or four fingers (depending on trackpad settings), users can access an overview of all open windows, desktops, and spaces. This allows for quick navigation between different tasks and applications, enhancing multitasking efficiency.

13. Optimized storage
Optimized storage is a valuable feature for users who are tight on storage space. By navigating to the Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage, users can click on “Manage” to access a range of tools for optimizing storage. This includes options to offload unused apps, store files in iCloud, and automatically empty the trash, ensuring that the Mac runs smoothly even with limited disk space.

14. Enhance security with FileVault
FileVault is a powerful encryption tool that provides an added layer of security for user data. By navigating to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault, users can enable full-disk encryption. This ensures that all data on the Mac’s internal drive is protected, even if the device falls into the wrong hands.

15. Enable parental controls
For families with young users, parental controls can be an invaluable feature. By navigating to System Preferences > Screen Time > Content & Privacy, parents can set restrictions on the type of content that can be accessed, limit screen time, and even control which apps can be used. This feature provides a level of control and peace of mind for parents.

Apple’s range of Mac devices, including the Mac Pro, Mac Mini, M2 Mac Mini, Mac Mini with M2 Pro, 14-inch Mac, 16-inch Mac, and 15-inch MacBook Air, are versatile tools for both casual users and professionals. By delving into these lesser-known features and customization options, users can significantly enhance their productivity, streamline their workflow, and unlock the full potential of their Mac experience. Look out for the upcoming offers this Black Friday sale season to be able to save some while upgrading the tech setup.

Latest Articles

5 mistakes to avoid when investing in a high dividend ETF
finance

5 mistakes to avoid when investing in a high dividend ETF

Exchange-traded funds (ETF) have been gaining popularity in the investment sector for some time now. Along with mutual funds, they have been one of the most preferred investment options among investors. With investors having pumped in billions of dollars in ETFs by now, these funds sure seem like a lucrative investment avenue. However, financial experts suggest treading this path carefully so as to avoid unforeseeable losses. Here are a few mistakes that you can avoid while investing in high dividend ETFs: Overlooking long-term investment Looking at long-term goals is the golden rule when it comes to any type of investment. However, seasoned investors invest in ETFs on a short-term basis through a type of trading called intraday trade. This type of trading allows the investors to buy and sell stocks and other investments on the same day. However, if not thought out carefully, investing in high dividend ETFs through intraday trading can result in lower returns and higher trading costs. Buying an ETF simply based on its name This is one of the most common mistakes people make when investing in high dividend ETFs. Investors may think that an ETF’s name provides an insight into its investment reach, i.e., whether the ETF has local or/and global investors. However, this is a ploy that ETF issuers often use to lure investors. Investing in an ETF based solely on its name can lead to disastrous investments. So understand an ETF’s underlying holdings and market objectives before making an investment. Investing in the wrong ETF Like every investment, almost every ETF is vulnerable to market trends and economic slowdowns. However, this does not mean that the particular ETF has failed. When an ETF liquidates, you might still receive some money (termination and other fees might be levied). But this may take a while and you may lose out on the time that could have otherwise been utilized to make other investments.
How to qualify for a reverse mortgage
finance

How to qualify for a reverse mortgage

A reverse mortgage provides the elderly access to equity in their homes and supplements their income. With its flexible repayment option, it gives homeowners more control over their money. However, the government has laid out strict rules and guidelines concerning reverse mortgage eligibility criteria. So, if you’re considering a reverse mortgage, read on to know the reverse mortgage eligibility criteria and the types of reverse mortgages. Reverse mortgage eligibility criteria The first criterion for a reverse mortgage is that the primary homeowner must be at least 62 years of age. If your spouse is under the age of 62, you might still be eligible if you meet other reverse mortgage eligibility criteria. If you’re not 62 or older than 62, then you won’t qualify for a reverse mortgage even if you satisfy the criteria mentioned below. You must be the primary resident of the home you’re seeking a reverse mortgage for. Note that vacation homes or rental properties do not qualify. You must either entirely own the house or have at least 50% equity in it. If you have any mortgage balance remaining while applying for a reverse mortgage, you must be in a financial position to pay off that balance. You must not be late or overdue on any debt from the federal government. This includes income taxes and federal student loans. If you have to pay off such debts, you may very well use the money from the reverse mortgage loan to settle these debts. You must already have enough money, or be willing to use the money from the reverse mortgage loan to pay property taxes, insurance, and home maintenance and repair costs. You must meet a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved reverse mortgage counselor to understand how a reverse mortgage works. During the counseling, the counselor will review your eligibility for a reverse mortgage loan and inform you of the financial ramifications associated with a reverse mortgage.
5 benefits of opting for debt settlement
finance

5 benefits of opting for debt settlement

Debt settlement can be a financial lifesaver for many. Managing debt is quite a difficult task. With every advancing payment due date, one may feel their finances getting tighter and tighter. Between paying for a house mortgage, student loans, credit card debt, personal loans, and many other debts, it is quite common to miss out on paying one payment. Although it may not seem like a big problem initially, this is not good for financial health in the long term. This is where debt settlement comes in. There are multiple benefits to availing debt settlement offered by some of the top 10 debt settlement companies. No more bills With debt settlement, no more bills will be incoming in the mailbox. Debt settlement results in the closure of a debt account by the creditor. In such cases, one will not be able to use their credit cards again. However, this can be beneficial since it will prevent further debt in the future. With debt settlement, there is a permanent erasure of debt. No more collection calls With mounting debt, the calls of creditors are always incessant. If one if falling behind on too many bills, they are bound to be subjected to creditor calls throughout the day. This can add to the stress of not being able to clear away all the dues. Plus, many collection departments are not known to be kind on calls. When a debt settlement is opted for, it will stop the incessant calls from the various collection departments. No bankruptcy risk Rather than filing for bankruptcy, debt settlement is a better option. With the bankruptcy filing, credit score can deteriorate quite significantly. In some cases, the credit score has slid down by nearly 200 points, taking a good credit score to bad credit score. The credit score lowers with debt settlement too.