So, you’ve made the switch from PC to Mac. You like your new Mac computer so far, but the change is a bit more than you anticipated and you’re not sure how to work everything quite yet.
Well, there are a few MacBook tips (that will also work on all Mac computers) that new Apple users should know. And once you know them, and commit them to memory, you’ll find that working on a Mac is a piece of cake!
In this article, we’ll break down 7 helpful tips and tricks for new Mac users. We’ll also tell you how to get the most out of your Mac, as well as how you can speed up your workflow when working on one.
Now then, let’s get started!
1. The “Spotlight” Feature Is a Lifesaver
When it comes to getting the most out of your Mac computer, knowing how to use the “Spotlight” feature is a great place to start.
The Spotlight search tool is without a doubt the best way to find something on your Mac in a hurry. So, if you want to speed up your workflow, utilize the command+space shortcode often so you can find what you’re looking in record time.
On top of that, Spotlight is loaded with other useful features too. For example, it also works as a calculator and a conversions tool, both of which can be helpful if you deal with numbers often.
2. Taking Screenshots Is Super Easy
Do you need to take screenshots often for work? What about video screen recordings? If you’ve got a Mac computer, doing both of these things is super easy if you know which shortcuts to use!
Using the command+shift+3 shortcut, you can take a screenshot of your entire desktop. The picture will save on your desktop too, making it easy to find afterward.
Command+shift+4 will give you the option to select a particular area on your screen to take a picture of. Command+shift+5 will do the same thing but will record video, which is a pretty neat feature.
3. You Can Utilize Splitscreen When Multitasking
One of the most useful Mac tips out there, especially for multitaskers, is the ability to split your screen in half.
So, how do you do it?
Well, once you have two applications open, hold down the green fullscreen button in the top right-hand corner of one of the apps. You will then be prompted to select which side of your screen you want that app to stick to, as well as asked what you want to have open on the other side of your screen.
If you need two apps open at once to work, or if you just want to watch YouTube while you scroll online, keep this trick in mind when using your Mac.
4. Shaking Your Mouse Cursor Enlarges It
One negative to having too many apps open at once is you can often lose your mouse cursor amidst the chaos. While it’s not the end of the world, it can slow you down, which isn’t what you want when you’re working on a deadline.
One awesome Mac feature that helps you deal with this issue is the ability to enlarge your cursor so you can easily find it. To do this, simply shake your cursor around in a circle for a few seconds. It will enlarge, and thus, be easy to spot on your screen.
5. Use Comand+Option+Escape to Close Apps
If you’re a former Windows PC user, you probably miss the ctrl+alt+delete keyboard shortcut. It’s a lifesaver when your computer crashes and a quick way to close out programs you’re no longer using.
Well, Mac computers have a similar shortcut, command+option+esacpe, that does virtually the same thing. It’s a quick way to close out applications and can even save you from disaster when something freezes.
6. Pick Which Apps Load on Startup
When you first start up your Mac, you want to be able to start working as soon as possible. But if you have too many apps loading at startup, it can really slow your computer down and be a headache to deal with.
The good news? You can change which apps open on startup in the “System Preferences” area of your Mac. Simply load System Preferences, then Users & Groups, and you’ll see the Login Options screen pop up.
There you can decide what apps you want to load upon startup, allowing you to pick two or three that you need and delete the others.
7. Look Up a Word Without Leaving the Tab
Ever find yourself needing to open up a new tab on Safari to look up a word? Or maybe the Wikipedia page for something? You don’t have to do that anymore now that you know about the command+control+D shortcut!
All you have to do is highlight the word or phrase you want to lookup. Then, use the shortcut, and you’ll be given the definition and Wikipedia page of the highlighted phrase within your application!
Bonus Tip!
With all of the different file types out there, you’re bound to run into one you’re unfamiliar with every now and then. RAR files, for example, are relatively uncommon, but important. They’re actually containers capable of holding several different files by compressing them.
Luckily, there are plenty of useful guides available, such as the one created by Setapp, which can be found here: https://setapp.com/how-to/open-rar-files-on-mac. It will help you learn how to open RAR files on your Mac computer!
Helpful MacBook Tips for Beginners
Well, there you have it! Those are 7 helpful MacBook tips for beginners! So, if you’re new to Apple computers, keep these ideas in mind so you can get the most out of your Mac going forward!
Remember, shortcuts are going to make your life way easier and speed up your workflow. Memorize the ones we’ve mentioned in this article, and research more, so you can speed up your workflow!
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