Macs are globally-renowned devices that offer appealing exteriors paired with top-of-the-line performance and durability. The majority of the masses prefer using Apple’s Macs over other devices because it is a more reliable and powerful device than other devices, such as Windows-based PCs, Laptops, Chromebooks, etc. Even though Macs are priced aggressively, it would not be unfair to say they are worth their value. What further adds to the power and brilliance of Macs is its top-tier operating system, macOS.
macOS is an elegant operating system that offers users a plethora of useful and easily-accessible features and functionalities. To ensure Mac users have a smooth and flawless Mac experience, Apple keeps rolling major macOS updates every year and numerous patch updates frequently. According to TechRadar, the latest version of macOS, i.e., macOS Monterey, enhances the power of macOS even further by introducing numerous changes that manage to make a big impression. There are numerous tips and tricks following which Mac users can use their powerful devices in a better and more optimized way. Here are some of the most effective ones:
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
macOS offers numerous top-tier features, out of which keyboard shortcuts are a prominent one. One of the most effective ways to use your Mac more productively is to include and start using keyboard shortcuts in your daily workflow. By using keyboard shortcuts, users can conveniently perform specific actions without using the mouse and performing manually. Besides easy accessibility, using keyboard shortcuts also facilitates users to perform tasks quickly and efficiently. Hence, it helps users save time and get things done in a more productive manner. macOS offers numerous default keyboard shortcuts, including both simple and complex ones. For instance, you can use keyboard shortcuts to perform simple tasks like copying and pasting text and more complex ones, such as accessing different menus or opening different applications. Besides this, you can also use the dedicated Function keys to perform specific tasks such as increasing or decreasing your screen’s brightness, adjusting volume levels, etc.
Show Only Active Applications On Your Mac’s Dock
macOS’s Dock is a native functionality home to numerous applications and utilities. Present at the bottom of your screen, the useful tools facilitate users to access important applications with ease. However, a cluttered Dock can significantly hinder users’ productivity and make the desktop appear dull and overcrowded. Thankfully, macOS offers users numerous ways to customize their Mac’s Dock. For instance, if you are wondering how to show only active apps on your Dock, there are numerous ways following which you can do so. For instance, you can start by manually removing applications you do not use. Besides this, you can also use a third-party application like Almighty only to show active applications on your Mac. Almighty is a very useful utility that facilitates users to access tons of unique shortcuts to perform even the most complex tasks with ease and finesse. If you want to use a native functionality to enable showing active applications in your Mac’s Dock, you can use macOS’ native Terminal utility or the “Dock Preferences” option present in the “System Preferences” app.
Take Customized Screenshots
Screenshots are powerful tools that facilitate users to capture important information and share them with other individuals. Millions of users take screenshots every day and share them with others for numerous purposes. macOS offers numerous ways following which users can capture their screen’s content and turn it into a static image. For instance, if you wish to capture your whole screen’s content, you can conveniently take a screenshot by pressing the “Shift,” “Command,” and “3” keys together. However, if you wish to capture only a specific portion of your Mac’s screen, you need to press the “Shift,” “Command,” and “4” keys together. Followed by this, drag the plus-shaped crosshair to top out the required area and save it on your device. This native feature significantly helps users take screenshots of required areas without any hassle.
Force Quit An Unresponsive Application
When it comes to managing tasks and processes, macOS’s Activity Monitor is the utility that most users use. However, if any active application malfunctions and becomes unresponsive, accessing the Activity Monitor utility is not always possible. Thankfully, macOS offers users an easy way out of the sticky situation. By pressing the “Command” and “Option” keys together, followed by the “Esc” key, users can bring up a “Force Quit” dialog box to terminate the unresponsive application conveniently. The feature also facilitates users to manage other active applications and take suitable actions. This feature is the Windows equivalent of the “Alt” + “Ctrl” + ‘Del” functionality.
Macs are powerful devices that facilitate users to perform even the most complex computational tasks with ease. If you are trying to become a better Mac user, following the tips mentioned above will surely help you achieve your goal.