9 Essential macOS Tricks Every New Mac User Should Know

When you first start using macOS, it can feel a little strange and daunting. Whether you choose a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or Mac Mini, switching from Windows to macOS can be a bit overwhelming. Here are nine tips every new Mac user should know to optimize their experience and increase their productivity. And these tips will help you get started with macOS faster.

Tip 1: Customize Right Click

One of the first things that confuses new MacOS users is not knowing how to right-click. On Mac, but you can reset right-click by going to

1. System Preferences > Trackpad
2. select Secondary click.

For external mice, this feature is enabled by default, but you can still easily customize it.

• System Preferences > Mouse

Tip 2: Change Scroll Direction on macOS

macOS is set to a default scrolling direction that Apple calls ” Natural scrolling . ” Although this is a way of scrolling that simulates the feeling of swiping on a touch screen like a phone, not everyone is familiar with it, especially those who have just switched from Windows. However, Apple has also supported users to change the scrolling direction to suit their previous usage habits, you can follow the steps below:

1. Open System Settings from the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
2. Select Trackpad (or Mouse if you are using a mouse).
3. In the Scroll & Zoom tab, uncheck Natural Scrolling to turn off natural scrolling.

With this way, you have changed the scroll direction on macOS, it will return to the mouse scrolling like on Windows. But if you like the new feeling, you can try Natural Scrolling.

Tip 3: Set up automatic Hide/Show Dock

The Dock on macOS will help you quickly access applications and files. However, it also takes up a portion of the screen, many of you will feel uncomfortable because of that. Understanding that, Apple has also allowed you to customize and install the Dock to maximize your workspace. You can follow the steps below to set the Dock to automatically hide and show when you hover your mouse over it.

Installation steps:

1. Open System Settings from the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
2. Select Desktop & Dock from the menu.
3. In the Dock & Menu Bar section , look for Automatically hide and show the Dock .
4. Turn on this option to have the Dock automatically hide when not in use and reappear when you hover your mouse over the bottom edge of the screen.

Benefit

• Optimize your workspace : Hiding the Dock gives you more space to work, especially useful when using applications that require a lot of screen space. Especially those compelling movies that you can’t take your eyes off.
• Increase focus : Reduce distractions on your screen.
• Easy access : The Dock appears instantly when you need to access the application, without affecting your working speed.

Tip 4: How to Add or Remove Apps from the Dock on macOS

The Dock on macOS is a convenient tool that helps you quickly access your favorite or frequently used applications. In this section, TechTipZone will guide you in detail on how to add and remove applications from the Dock.

Instructions for Adding Applications to the Dock:

1. Keep the application in the Dock : When an application is open, you can keep it fixed in the Dock by right-clicking (or Control + click) -> Options -> Keep in Dock to ensure that the application will always appear in the Dock even when you have closed the application.
2. Add applications from the Applications folder :
   • Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder .
   • Find the app you want to add to the Dock.
   • Press and hold the application icon, then drag and drop it to the Dock, this is the most common way we use.

How to Remove an Application from the Dock:

1. Remove an application from the Dock : To remove an application from the Dock, you can easily do so by right-clicking (or Control + click) -> Options -> Uncheck Keep In Dock . This will remove the application from the Dock but not delete it from your computer.
2. Drag the icon out of the Dock :
   • Hold the app icon in the Dock and drag it out until you see the icon fade.
   • Release to remove the app from the Dock.

Benefits of Customizing Your Dock

• Save time : You can quickly access frequently used applications, helping to increase work efficiency.
• Optimize the interface : Keep the Dock clean with only the apps you really need, keeping your screen clutter-free.

Tip 5: How to Take a Screenshot on macOS: Useful Shortcuts You Should Know

Taking a screenshot is an extremely useful and very necessary feature, helping you save important information, share images or support your work. On macOS, taking a screenshot is extremely simple and easy thanks to the convenient shortcuts provided by Apple.

1. Capture the Entire Screen:

• Press Shift + Command (Cmd) + 3 to instantly capture the entire screen. The image will be automatically saved to the Desktop.

2. Partial Screen Capture:

• Hold down Shift + Command (Cmd) + 4 to change the mouse cursor to a plus sign (+). Drag and select the area you want to capture, then release the mouse to take a screenshot of that area.

3. Open Screen Capture Menu With More Options:

• Press Shift + Command (Cmd) + 5 to open the screenshot menu. Here, you can choose to capture the entire screen, a portion of the screen, a specific window, or even record a video of the screen.

6. Using Mission Control Helps You Multitask Better

Mission Control is a powerful feature on macOS that allows you to manage and switch between open apps and windows with ease. This feature will help you maximize your productivity, especially when you have to work with multiple apps at the same time.

1. How to Enable Mission Control:

• Three-finger swipe up : On the trackpad, you can swipe up with three fingers to open Mission Control, where you’ll see all your open windows and other desktops. (I use this method on my M1 Mac)
• Press F3 : On your Mac keyboard, press the F3 key (also known as the Mission Control key) to open the Mission Control interface.
• Using the Touch Bar : If you have a MacBook with a Touch Bar, you’ll see an icon with three alternating squares. Tap this icon for quick access to Mission Control.

2. Desktop Management:

• While in Mission Control, you can create additional workspaces by tapping the plus (+) icon in the upper right corner of the screen. Each workspace will act as a separate desktop, allowing you to divide your work logically.
• To move a window between workspaces, simply drag it onto the corresponding area of ​​Mission Control.

7. Use Hot Corners to Quickly Access Your Favorite Functions

Hot Corners is a useful feature on macOS that allows you to assign functions or applications to each corner of the screen. This gives you quick access to frequently used functions by simply moving the mouse cursor to the corresponding corner.

1. How to Set Up Hot Corners:

• Open System Settings from the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
• Select Desktop & Dock , then scroll down and tap the Hot Corners button .
• In the window that appears, you’ll see options to assign a function or application to each corner of the screen. For example, you can set the top-left corner to open Mission Control , or the bottom-right corner to show the Desktop .
• After selecting the desired functions, press OK to save the settings.

8. How to Add Folders to Finder Sidebar on macOS

Finder is the file manager on macOS, but it can be difficult for new users, especially those switching from Windows. To make Finder easier to use, you can add important folders to the sidebar, for faster access.

How to Add Folders to Finder Sidebar:

1. Open Finder from the Dock or press Command (Cmd) + N to open a new Finder window.
2. Select Finder from the top menu bar and click Settings -> Sidebar
3. Here, you’ll see a list of items you can add to your sidebar, including Applications , Desktop , Documents , and more. Just check the folders you want to show up in your Finder sidebar.

9. Shortcut Keys

Keyboard shortcuts on macOS can save you a lot of time when performing everyday tasks. From quickly opening Spotlight to Cmd + Spaceswitching between open apps Cmd + Tab, learning and mastering keyboard shortcuts can dramatically improve your productivity on your Mac.

Conclusion

Switching from Windows to macOS can be a little daunting at first, but with these tips, you’ll soon find yourself completely comfortable and confident using your new Mac. macOS offers a unique and powerful experience, with many great features and tools to enhance your productivity and creativity. Take the time to explore and familiarize yourself with the operating system, and you’ll discover the many amazing things your Mac can do for your work and everyday life.

Finally, don’t forget to update your Mac to the latest version of macOS to enjoy improved features and security. You can also learn more about Terminal commands for advanced users, Some other macOS tricks like how to clear cache on MacOS if your computer is running slow, or how to inspect elements on Safari for Mac if you want to try your hand at customizing websites. Don’t hesitate to use online support tools and the Mac user community to answer questions and optimize your experience. You may also be interested in ” How to speed up chrome on macOS ” This is a topic that many of you may be interested in

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