macOS is a powerhouse of features, and many of them go unnoticed by everyday users. In this article, we’ll walk you through some incredibly useful tips and tricks that will help you become more efficient and make the most out of your Mac. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Minimize Windows with a Double Click
Instead of using the tiny yellow minimize button, you can set your Mac to minimize windows when you double-click the title bar.
How to set it up:
- Open System Settings
- Go to Desktop & Dock
- Look for the setting that says “Double-click a window’s title bar to:”
- Change it from Zoom to Minimize
Now, double-clicking the top bar of any window will minimize it instantly.
2. Enable Three-Finger Drag for Easier Window Movement
Dragging windows can be made easier using three fingers instead of clicking and dragging.
How to enable it:
- Open System Settings
- Search for Pointer Control
- Click on Trackpad Options
- Set the Dragging Style to Three Finger Drag
Now, just place three fingers on the window and move it freely—no click required.
3. Clean Up Your Desktop Instantly
Tired of a cluttered desktop? Use the built-in Clean Up feature.
Steps:
- Right-click (or tap with two fingers) on your desktop
- Select Clean Up or Clean Up By to organize by name, kind, date, size, or tags
It’s an easy way to make everything look neat and professional.
4. Show Path Bar in Finder
By default, Finder doesn’t show you where you are within your file system. Enable the path bar for better navigation.
To enable:
- Open Finder
- Click on View
- Select Show Path Bar
This shows the full path at the bottom of the Finder window, letting you navigate back with a single click.
5. Add Apps to the Finder Title Bar
Add your favorite apps like Photoshop directly to the Finder title bar for quick file drops.
How to do it:
- Find the app in Finder
- Hold Command, then drag the app to the title bar
You can now drag any file to that icon to open it with that app instantly.
6. Quick Access to Settings from Function Keys
Want to access display or sound settings directly from your keyboard?
Trick:
- Hold Option and press the Volume or Brightness key
It will open the respective system settings panel directly—fast and easy.
7. Use Picture-in-Picture in Safari
Want to watch a video while multitasking?
How:
- Play a video in Safari
- Right-click (or two-finger tap) on the video tab’s Volume Icon
- Choose Enter Picture in Picture
You can now move the video anywhere on your screen while working on other things.
8. Use Force Touch for Definitions and More
On a Mac with a Force Touch trackpad, press harder on any word to look it up.
This brings up:
- Dictionary definitions
- Siri Knowledge
- Related images and info
It’s a quick way to learn more without opening a new tab.
9. Quickly Copy Website URLs
Instead of clicking the URL bar and copying, use this keyboard shortcut:
Press: Command + L, then Command + C
This instantly highlights and copies the URL. Super handy for sharing links fast.
10. Rename Files with a Single Key
You don’t need to right-click to rename files.
How:
- Click on the file
- Press Return
- Type the new name and hit Return again
It’s much faster once you get used to it.
11. Unlock Your Mac with Apple Watch
If you own an Apple Watch, you can unlock your Mac without touching anything.
To enable:
- Go to System Settings > Touch ID & Password
- Turn on the setting to allow your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac
Now, your Mac will unlock automatically when you open it.
12. Use iPhone Mirroring on Mac
You can now mirror your iPhone screen on your Mac.
Steps:
- Open Launchpad
- Search for and open Mirroring
- Authenticate with your iPhone passcode once
Now you can control your iPhone using your Mac’s trackpad and keyboard.
13. Customize Your FaceTime Background
Make your video calls more fun and professional with custom FaceTime backgrounds.
To use:
- Open FaceTime
- Click the FaceTime icon at the top
- Choose Backgrounds
- Select Apple Park scenes or upload your own photo
If you’re on a newer Mac (M3/M4 chip), the background cutout is impressively precise.
14. Use Hand Gestures in FaceTime
Enable fun effects during FaceTime by using simple hand gestures.
Examples:
- 👍 = Bubble effect
- ✌️ = Balloons
- 👍👍 = Fireworks
Just make sure Reactions are turned on in the FaceTime menu.
15. Show Battery Percentage in Menu Bar
To display the battery percentage:
Steps:
- Open System Settings
- Search for Percentage
- Enable Show battery percentage in menu bar
Now you can always keep an eye on your battery status.
16. Access Widgets with a Two-Finger Swipe
Instead of clicking the clock to see widgets:
Try: Two-finger swipe from the right edge of the trackpad
This brings up your macOS widgets instantly.
17. Resize Your Dock Instantly
You don’t need to go into settings to change your dock size.
How:
- Hover over the vertical line on the dock
- When the pointer changes, click and drag up or down
Perfect for adjusting it on the fly.
18. Check Battery Health
To see your battery condition:
Steps:
- Open System Settings
- Go to Battery
- Click Battery Health
You’ll see your Mac’s maximum capacity and if the battery needs servicing.
These features are built right into macOS and can seriously streamline your workflow once you start using them. Whether you’re managing files, multitasking, or customizing your system, there’s always a trick to make things faster and smoother.
Tags: mac tips, mac tricks, mac productivity, mac shortcuts, mac customization, macbook, macos, mac finder, mac settings, facetime mac, apple watch mac unlock, iphone mirroring, mac desktop, picture in picture mac, battery health mac
Hashtags: #mac #macbook #macos #apple #productivity #macbooktips #mactricks #applewatch #facetime #macsettings #iphoneintegration #macfeatures #macshortcuts #batterytips #finder
