1. Cleaning Up System Preferences
System Preferences on the Mac is a one-stop shop for all of your main settings. However, for all of the items you need on this menu, there are plenty you don’t. Use this handy trick to clean up the menu and only leave the settings you want.
2. Find the Emojis
Did you know the Mac has its own emoji keyboard? They are all available right from your Mac keyboard, and you probably never knew they were there. Accessing the emojis is as easy as hitting Control + Command + Space. Once you hit that combination, the emoji picker automatically opens. You can use emojis in a variety of applications, especially Safari, Mail, Calendar, Reminders, Notes, and iMessage.
3. Rename Multiple Files at Once
This is definitely one of the handier tricks, especially for managing photos. To do this, go into Finder and find a bunch of photos, documents or whatever file type you prefer.
4. Automatically Launch Programs
One of the easiest tips you can discover on a Mac is to start applications at launch. To get started:
5. Combine Open App Windows to Tabs
Instead of keeping multiple application windows open, combine them with tabs. For example, open two windows for Apple Maps. Then go to the menu bar and select “Window -> Merge All Windows,” and instead of two open Apple Map windows, they will combine into one application with two tabs. This works for most of Apple’s default software including Maps, Calendar, Finder, etc.
6. Spotlight Does Math
macOS comes with a calculator, but sometimes you just want to do a quick math calculation. Did you know that Spotlight can do math or currency conversion? Open Spotlight by clicking on the magnifying glass in the upper right on the Mac menu bar or by pressing Command + Space on the keyboard. Once it’s open, type whatever calculation you want to make in the search bar. The answer appears as a search result that can be copied and pasted. To convert currency, open Spotlight again and type in the amount you wish to convert. For example, if you put $100 into the search bar, it will return currency conversions in Japanese yen, Swiss francs, Canadian dollars, British pounds and Euros.
7. Create Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are hardly new for most computer users, but did you know Apple allows you to create your own?
8. Stop Autoplaying Content
Few things about the Internet are more frustrating than autoplaying ads and videos. Fortunately, Safari makes it really easy to put an end to this practice.
9. Muting Siri
Everyone knows the distinct sound of Siri’s responses, but that doesn’t mean they are required. Instead, opt for a silent Siri response with this macOS tweak. The above-mentioned tips are a few of the hidden customization settings in Mac, with more features like changing folder icons, managing multiple app windows, etc. not included. These showcased the power of macOS and all of the easy ways you can adapt it to your own use. What’s your favorite hidden Mac setting?
