7 Cool MacOS Tips That You Need to Try Now

According to Apple Insider, 110 million people use a Mac or an iPad, and if you’re reading this, you’re one of them. 

But, have you wondered if you’re getting the most out of your Mac? 

MacBooks and iPads are designed to be extremely reliable, durable, and seamless, but they can also be pretty daunting for new users and complex to the point where even seasoned users may not be aware of every cool in-built feature.

We’re about to change that with these 7 really amazing tips that you can try on your MacBook Pro, Air, iMac, or iPad. 

P.S. These tips won’t cost you a cent. 

Work remotely like a pro with local GDrive

Google’s suite of products has completely taken over our lives, and for a good reason. Remote work is on the rise, and you need to have a place to store all your important files. But, remote work may also mean that you always need great internet connectivity, and sometimes that isn’t possible. 

So, here’s what you can do. Install ‘Backup and Sync’ by Google from google.com/drive/download. All your Google Drive files will be automatically synced to your Mac, and you can integrate this with Finder to manage all your files. 

This gets the job done, but if you want added functionality, you may want to use an app. Check out this step-by-step guide on how to download from google drive to your Mac and apps that supercharge your Finder.

Multitask seamlessly with Split View and Slide Over

Multitasking isn’t an option. It is a necessity when you’re trying to be more efficient and get more done in less time, and Apple clearly understands that.

Split View allows you to have 2 apps open at the same time without having to resize them or the distraction of other apps.

To use Split View:

In macOS Catalina, hover over or click and hold the green full-screen button and choose Tile Window to Left of Screen or Right of Screen. 

For older versions, click and hold the green full-screen button and drag the window to the left or right to tile it. 

Pro Tip: Need to switch between apps quickly? Use this shortcut: Command + Tab to swap between the apps. 

iPads take multi-tasking a step further with Slide Over. You can use it to work on an app that slides in front of any open app. 

Declutter your desktop

If your desktop is a dumping ground for all your screenshots, you need these hacks. 

Use Stacks: Right-click on a blank space in your desktop and choose Use Stacks. All your files will be arranged in folders instantly. 

Bypass the Bin: If you know you don’t need the file, delete it permanently instead of sending it to your Trash Bin. Select a file and press Option + Command + Delete. 

Pro Tip: If you accidentally delete a file you need, here’s how you can recover deleted files:

1. Recover files using Time Machine
2. Recover files using a data recovery software

To be able to use the Time Machine, you need to have it installed first on the laptop so that it regularly backs up your data on an external storage device.

If you don’t have that setup, you may have to rely on data recovery software like Recoverit, Disk Drill, or Test disk.

Turn your desktop folders into emojis: Yes, you read that right. If you like emojis (who doesn’t?), you can turn your desktop folder icons into emojis. 

• Create a new folder on your desktop
• Download the emoji you want
• Drag the image to your desktop
• Double click it to open it in Preview
• Make it transparent using the markup button. Copy the image (Command + C)
• Right-click on the original folder and click Get Info
• Click the blue folder icon and press Command + V to change the file icon to your emoji.

Take better screenshots

You already know how to take a screenshot. Press Command + Shift + 4, but you often don’t really need the whole screen, and then you have to use Preview to edit the portions you don’t want or another tool to blur out information. 

Instead, just take screenshots of specific parts of the screen by using Command + Shift + 3. 

You can also capture a window or menu with this shortcut:

Shift + Command + 4 + Space Bar. The pointer changes to a camera icon. Click on the screen to capture it. 

This creates an aesthetically pleasing screenshot with a shadow of the screen. To remove the shadow, press and hold the Option key.

Run Windows on your Mac

Some people just prefer Windows as their Operating System but want the durability of a Mac. Windows on Mac is better for gaming and helps you develop stable cross-platform apps.

And guess what? It is entirely possible to run Windows on your Mac with this easy hack.

Go to Applications -> Utilities -> Boot Camp. 

It will partition your hard drive to enable you to use both Windows and Mac. Click Partition to start. 

Restart your computer and install Windows. Next time, you can hold down the Option key to choose between Windows or Mac. 

Sign PDFs without investing in a tool

There are plenty of online PDF tools that allow you to share contracts or sign them with your digital signature, but you don’t need any of that. You can use Preview to sign official documents without breaking a sweat. 

Open the document on Preview -> Click Sign icon -> Create Signature 

Now you have 3 options. 

1. Use the trackpad to trace your signature
2. Sign on a white paper and hold it up to the webcam
3. Sign your name on your iPhone 

Once you add your signature, click on the Sign icon and click on the signature and add it to the doc. 

Screen Record with QuickTime

A screen recording can add a lot of value if you’re creating a tutorial, sharing a product update, or just want to create a demo of your product. 

You can typically use online tools, but you don’t have to. QuickTime is an in-built feature that allows you to record your screen seamlessly. 

QuickTime -> File -> New Screen recording. 

You can record the entire screen or just a portion of it. You can also enable it to capture sound. 

Conclusion

To recap, 

1. Use Google Drive locally
2. Multitask with Split View and Slide Over
3. Shortcuts to declutter your desktop
4. Take better screenshots
5. Run Windows on Mac
6. Sign PDFs with Preview
7. Screen Record with QuickTime

These 7 tips can not only help you save time but also money. Found these tips useful? Share it online by clicking one of these options below.