10 Mac Hacks You Should Know About
1. Use Spotlight for Quick Calculations and Conversions
Spotlight search can be used for quick math calculations, unit conversions, currency conversions, and more. Just press Command+Space and start typing the calculation or conversion.
2. Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts
Navigate to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts, and click the “+” button to create custom shortcuts for any application on your Mac, streamlining your productivity.
3. Use Quick Look to Preview Files without Opening Them
Select a file in Finder and press the Spacebar to quickly preview the content of the file without actually opening it.
4. Use Split View for Multitasking
Hover your mouse pointer over the green button located in the top-left corner of a window, then click and hold it. From there, choose Tile Window to Left or Right to utilize split-screen view for seamless multitasking.
5. Sign Documents with Preview
Open a PDF file in Preview, then click on Tools > Annotate > Signature. Create your signature using the trackpad or by holding up a signed piece of paper to the camera, and easily add it to any document.
6. Use Siri to Set Reminders
Ask Siri to set reminders based on time or locations like “Remind me to send an email at 3 p.m.” or “Remind me to buy milk when I leave work.”
7. Quickly Access Emojis with Control+Command+Space
Hold Control+Command and press Space to access the emoji picker anywhere you are typing text on Mac.
8. Utilize Built-In Dictionary Lookup
With any word selected, press Control+Command+D to access its definition through an inline pop-up without leaving your current application.
9. Hide and Show All Desktop Items
Press Command+F3 (or Command+fn+F3) to hide all desktop icons temporarily and have a clean workspace. Press the same keys again to reveal the items.
10. Use Voice Typing for Faster Text Input
Press Fn key twice or go to Edit > Start Dictation in any application that accepts text input. Start speaking, and your Mac will convert your speech to text seamlessly