Introduction
macOS, the operating system developed by Apple Inc., comes with a range of hidden features that can enhance your productivity. These features, often overlooked, can save you time and simplify your workflow. In this tutorial, we will uncover some of these hidden features and show you how to make the most out of your macOS system.
Spotlight Search
Spotlight Search is a powerful feature in macOS that allows you to quickly find files, launch applications, perform calculations, and even search the web, all from a single search bar. To use Spotlight Search, simply click on the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner of your screen or press Command + Spacebar. You can then start typing your search query and macOS will display the relevant results in real-time.
// Example: Searching for a file named "report.docx"
Command + Spacebar
Type "report.docx"Quick Look
Have you ever needed to quickly preview a file without actually opening it? Quick Look allows you to do just that. Simply select a file in Finder, then press the spacebar. A preview window will appear, showing you the contents of the file. You can use Quick Look to preview images, videos, documents, and more.
// Example: Previewing an image file
Select the image file in Finder
Press the spacebarSplit View
Split View is a handy feature that allows you to view two apps side by side in full screen mode. To activate Split View, click and hold on the green dot in the top left corner of an app window. You can then drag the window to the left or right side of your screen and release it. macOS will automatically resize the window and show you a list of open apps to choose from for the other half of the screen.
// Example: Activating Split View
Click and hold on the green dot in an app window
Drag the window to the left or right side of the screen
Release the mouseGesture Control
If you have a trackpad on your macOS system, you can take advantage of gesture controls to navigate and interact with your applications more efficiently. Here are some useful gestures:
- Scroll: Use two fingers to scroll up and down or left and right on a webpage, document, or app.
- Zoom: Pinch inward or outward with two fingers to zoom in or out on an image, webpage, or document.
- Mission Control: Swipe up with three fingers to display all open windows and spaces.
- Launchpad: Pinch inward with your thumb and three fingers to display the Launchpad, which shows all your applications.
- Switch between full-screen apps: Swipe left or right with four fingers to switch between full-screen apps.
Clipboard Manager
The Clipboard Manager in macOS allows you to store multiple items in your clipboard, so you can easily paste them when needed. To access the Clipboard Manager, press Command + Shift + V when pasting. This will display a list of recently copied items that you can select from.
// Example: Accessing the Clipboard Manager
Command + Shift + VDark Mode
If you prefer a darker color scheme for your macOS system, you can enable Dark Mode. Dark Mode changes the appearance of the user interface and built-in apps to a darker color palette, which can be easier on the eyes, particularly in low-light environments. To enable Dark Mode, go to System Preferences, click on General, and select Dark from the Appearance options.
// Example: Enabling Dark Mode
System Preferences -> General -> Appearance -> DarkConclusion
macOS has a multitude of hidden features that can greatly improve your productivity. In this tutorial, we explored some of these features, including Spotlight Search, Quick Look, Split View, Gesture Control, Clipboard Manager, and Dark Mode. By leveraging these features effectively, you can streamline your workflow and get more done in less time on your macOS system.
