Mac os tips
Enable Automatic System Updates
Enable automatic system updates? But why? macOS updates usually take ages to complete, don’t they? Not anymore. macOS Big Sur now supports faster updates that initiate and run in the background, allowing for minimal downtime. If you feel brave enough, head in System Preferences > Software Update to enable automatic updates.
Bring Out the Control Center
The Control Center plays a huge role on the iPhone and iPad, and it’s finally here in macOS Big Sur. But where? Just click the Control Center icon (it looks like a couple of sliders stacked on top of one another) to the upper-right corner of the screen, and it should pop-up immediately. Unsurprisingly, the macOS Big Sur Control Center borrows a lot from its counterpart on iOS and iPadOS. You have controls for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirDrop, Do Not Disturb, and so on, neatly listed within. Sliders to adjust the screen brightness and volume are also present. Most controls expand to reveal other options. Clicking the top of the Brightness control, for example, brings up options to enable both Dark Mode and Night Shift.
Do Calculations and Currency Conversions in Spotlight
Spotlight is a useful tool for getting around your computer faster, and without using a mouse. However, did you know that it can be used as a calculator and to convert currency? Using Spotlight as a calculator and currency converter is among the most useful macOS 12 tips and tricks.
- Open Spotlight by clicking tapping Command + Space bar on your keyboard.
- To use it as a calculator; type your digits into the search bar, for example, "919+1246/2" and the answer will appear as the search result,
- To use Spotlight as a currency converter; type the amount with its currency symbol (for example, $100) and the search results will bring up conversion rates in different currencies.
Use Split View to See Two Apps at once
Using Split View to work in two apps at the same time is one of the best macOS 12 tips & tricks.
- Go to the window’s upper left corner and click and hold the green full-screen button.
- Choose Tile Window to Left of Screen or Tile Window to Right of Screen from the menu, and the window will appear accordingly.
- For normal operation, hit the Esc key on your keyboard.
Create a Keyboard Shortcut for Anything You Want
Creating your own shortcut to access any menu option you like is another macOS 12 tip & trick you need to know.
- Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > App Shortcuts, and choose + icon.
- In the pop-up box choose the application you want, the name of the menu command and the keyboard shortcut of your choice.
- Tap Add.
Make Volume Adjustments More Granular
Manipulating the Mac volume is also among the essential tips very macOS 12 owners needs to know. To make the volume increments smaller, hold down Option+ the up arrow as you hit the increase or decrease volume key. This will bring up the Sound box, which will let you adjust the volume in a more granular way.
Rename a Group of Files at the Same Time
You don't have to individually rename a bunch of files on your Mac. Renaming a group of files at the same time is among the top tips to help you master your macOS 12.
- Go to Finder and select the group of files you want to rename; click one, hold down Shift and click the others.
- Right-click, and choose Rename X items. Then, you'll be able to add text, replace text or apply a format like "Caroline’s wedding celebration" with a number for each photo.
Hide or Customize the Menu Bar
Hiding and revealing the menu bar at will is a useful macOS 12 tips and tricks.
- Go to System Preferences > General, then click "Automatically hide and show the menu bar." This will ensure that the menu bar pops up only when needed. If you want to keep your Menu bar and customize it, you can hold Command and drag the icons into different places, or remove them all together.
Spotlight Search for quick calculations
You don’t have to open the Calculator to do calculations. For simple equations, you can add, subtract, multiply, and divide using Spotlight Search. Just open the Search and pop in the calculation you want.
Force quit window
If you’re used to using Control + Alt + Delete on Windows to force quit an application, you’ll need to get used to a different shortcut on macOS. Hit Command + Option + Escape to open the force quit window.
