The operating systemmacOSenvelopes numeroushidden featuresable to revolutionize and optimize the experience of using your desktop or laptop computer.
At first glance, the user interface may seem unchanged after the many updates, but exploring the system in depth you will discover powerful tools integrated byApple. Whether you're an early-armed user or a historic MacBook owner, thesetricks for Macless known will save you valuable time and make yourmuch more productive workflow.
1. Add universal media player to macOS menu bar
During daily use of your Mac, you do not need to continuously jump between the main application and the audio source forcontrol multimedia playback.
macOSoffers the possibility to integrate a universal player directly into the menu bar. Thanks to this practical widget, you can pause, start or adjust the track running on any platform, whether it’s the official appApple Musicor a video playing on the web browser.
To activate it, go toSystem Settings(or System Preferences), selectControl Centre(or Dock and menu bar in previous versions), scroll to “Replay” and enable “Show in the menu bar”. From its drop-down menu, you can decide whether to always make it visible or activate it exclusively during active play.
2. Turns the corners of the screen into powerful shortcuts (active angles)
There are many key combinations to store, butmacOSoffers a much faster and more intuitive alternative:Active angles(Hot Corners).
This advanced functionality allows you to assign specific actions to the four corners of the monitor. Quickly moving the mouse cursor to one of these corners, yourMacwill instantly execute the preset command, optimizing working times significantly.
To configure the active Angles, go toSystem Settings > Desk and Dock(or Mission Control on the least recent systems) and click on the “Active Corners” button located below.
Through the drop-down menus, choose the angle to customize and assign a quick action. Among the available options, you can start a Quick Note, lock the computer screen, show the Notification Center or start the screen saver, all without touching the keyboard.
3. Add files and folders directly to the Dock
The Dock, or Apple's famous lower desktop operating system bar, is not limited only to applications. You can use it strategically forquickly access files and foldersthat you use most frequently.
To insert an item in the macOS Dock, find it inside the appFinder. Select the file with one click and open the “File” menu in the top bar. Pressing the buttonShift, the hidden option “Add to the Dock” will appear: select it to create a direct link. Power user can get the same result by highlighting the element and pressing the keyboard shortcutControl + Cmd + Shift + T.
4. Use the built-in tool for screenshot and screen recording
If you are used to acquiring partial screen snapshots or using QuickTime Player to record the display, it will surprise you to know that your Mac integrates oneadvanced all-in-one tooldedicated entirely to screen captures.
The utility of macOS to capture screenshots andrecord the screenis undoubtedly one of the best kept secrets from professionals. Activating it, a floating bar appears with all advanced acquisition options. You can decide to record the entire display, select only one specific portion, include or not the audio from the built-in microphone and highlight the mouse clicks.
You can easily start this application from Launchpad, from the Utility folder, or using the convenient keyboard shortcutCmd + Shift + 5.
5. Double click to reduce windows icon
By default, double-clicking the title bar of a window, macOS will adjust its size by filling the screen. This behavior can be unnecessarily useful for many apps at the same time. Fortunately, the Apple operating system allows you to change the function: you can set the double click forreduce to icon the window, lowering it instantly in the Dock.
To activate this customization, navigate inSystem Settings > Desk and Dockand locate the option “ Double-click the title bar of a window for”. From the corresponding drop-down menu, select the “Contrai” action instead of “Zoom”.
6. Automatically launch programs and turn on apps
If you always open the same software as soon as you turn on your Mac, there is a setting that can save you valuable time every morning.macOS allows you to automate ignitionprogramming the automatic opening of your favorite apps at the time of login.
Configure YoursLogin elementsgoing toSystem Settings > General > Login elements(or Users and Groups in older versions of macOS). In the “Open login” section, click the “+” button located below. From the popup window, navigate to the “Applications” folder and double-click the program you want to start automatically.
This powerful utility is not limited to only applications. You can use it to program the opening of specific text files, documents, images, videos or entire folders from the Finder.
7. Instantly call the special character selector
Inserting icons and special characters on the computer can be annoying, especially if the software in use is without it. On a Mac computer this problem does not exist, as the ecosystem has a very useful integrated universal character viewer.
Apple's operating system lets you recall the character selector in any text field you are typing. The fastest way to start this floating window is to simultaneously press the key combinationCmd + Control + Spacer Bar.
Alternatively, you can make the shortcut accessible from the top bar: go toSystem Settings > Keyboard. Click on “Edit” next to “Input Sources” and check the “Show Input menu in the menu bar”. Clicking on the new displayed icon, select “Emoji and symbols” to reveal the entire catalog of icons at your disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about MacOS Hidden Functions
How can I discover other hidden functions of macOS?
You can regularly consult the official support section on the siteApple, explore the documentation of the native “Settings” application preinstalled on your Mac, or sign up for specialized technological portals to stay up to date on the news of desktop operating systems.
Are Mac keyboard shortcuts customizable?
Absolutely. macOS allows you to change the system shortcuts by going toSystem Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard abbreviations. From this advanced section you can customize commands for Mission Control, Spotlight and many other integrated utilities, making your computer tailored to your needs.
Can macOS update delete the configurations of Active Angles and Dock?
Not usually. MacOS major updates are designed to securely preserve all user preferences, including custom shortcuts and Dock behavior. However, before performing a relevant system update, it is always highly recommended to make a full security backup usingTime Machine.
