As a MacBook user, you may be using many of the basic features that help you get your daily tasks done. However, there are many useful features hidden away on your MacBook that can speed up your workflow.
In this article, you will discover 9 surprising and functional MacBook features that most users do not know about.
1. Quick Calculations and Unit Conversions with Spotlight
Spotlight is not just a tool for searching for apps and finding files. It’s also a tool for doing math and converting units. For example, when you type “256/8” you can see the result instantly. Similarly, when you type “10 USD to EUR” or “5 miles to km” Spotlight will automatically convert it for you. In short, Spotlight does this for you without you having to open a calculator or converter app.
This feature is a great tool for users who want to gain speed.
2. Silent Screen Recording
When you want to record your screen, you can usually do this with QuickTime Player. However, many users think that the screen recording will be audible and need to record a silent screen. When recording your screen with QuickTime Player, you can disable the audio recording and create a visual recording only. By following the steps "File > New Screen Recording", you can turn off the audio recording from the options section and record a silent screen. This feature is especially useful for users who are preparing training videos or presentations.
3. Shortcut Functions with Hot Corners
MacBook's Hot Corners feature lets you assign specific functions to the four corners of your screen. When you move your mouse cursor to a specific corner, the previously assigned function will automatically work. For example, moving the mouse to the bottom-right corner of the screen will return you to the desktop, or moving the mouse to the top-left corner will hide all windows.
To activate this function, go to System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Hot Corners and assign the desired function to the corners. This feature will speed up your workflow, especially when working between multiple applications and windows.
4. Automate Your Work with Automator
One of the most powerful yet overlooked tools on your MacBook is Automator . This app lets you automate tasks you repeat frequently. For example, you can have files automatically rename themselves when you drop them into a specific folder, back up a file to a specific drive, or open frequently used documents automatically.
Creating a simple "workflow" is very easy with Automator. You can save a lot of time by creating automated tasks. You can design your own workflow with System Preferences > Automator .
5. Interact with App Icons in the Dock
Application icons in the Dock aren't just for opening applications. When you right-click an application icon, you can see the active windows of those applications and quickly perform certain operations. For example, right-click the Safari icon to view open tabs, open a new window, or close the application.
Also, if you are working with multiple windows, you can quickly manage the windows via the Dock and not waste time between transitions. This feature is a small but important detail that speeds up the workflow, especially for those who use multiple applications.
6. Fine-tune Screen Brightness and Volume
When we increase or decrease the screen brightness or the volume, we usually make large adjustments. However, sometimes you may want to change these values with finer adjustments. On a MacBook, you can make these adjustments much more precisely by pressing "Option + Shift" and clicking the brightness or volume keys.
This feature is especially useful for those who want to fine-tune the volume or screen brightness.
7. Transfer Large Files Without Internet with AirDrop
AirDrop is one of the most used features by MacBook users to share photos and files. But did you know that AirDrop is not only effective for small files but also for large files? Moreover, you can quickly send these files to other Apple devices nearby without an internet connection.
With the "Finder > AirDrop" option, you can easily transfer your large files to Apple devices on the same network. This is especially useful for professionals working on large projects.
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8. Silent Charging Notification
Most MacBook users usually expect a notification sound when they plug in their charger. However, if you work in a quiet environment and don't want that sound, there is a way to plug the charger in silently. If you hold down the "Control" key while connecting the charger to your MacBook, you won't hear a charging notification sound.
This small but effective feature can be especially useful for those working in quiet environments.
9. Secret DND (Do Not Disturb) Shortcut
Want to quickly switch to "Do Not Disturb" mode without having to turn off notifications from the menu bar? You can instantly activate this mode by holding down the Option key on your keyboard and clicking on the notification icon in the menu bar . This can be a great feature for your uninterrupted work hours. This shortcut will make your life easier by quickly turning Do Not Disturb on and off!
