Tips and Tricks for macOS – Get More Out of Your Mac

macOS is a powerful Unix-based operating system developed by Apple. While it offers a sleek interface, many of its best features remain hidden. In this article, you'll discover useful tips, hidden tricks, and essential keyboard shortcuts to boost your productivity.

Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

Go to System Preferences → Keyboard → Shortcuts → App Shortcuts and add custom shortcuts to open your favorite apps faster.

Reset Password Without Logging In

1. Turn off your Mac
2. Hold down Command + R and power it on
3. Once in recovery mode, go to Utilities → Terminal
4. Type resetpassword and press Enter

Enable Right-Click

Go to System Preferences → Trackpad / Mouse → Point & Click and enable the "Secondary click" option.

Open the Emoji Picker

Use the shortcut Control + Command + Space or go to Edit → Emoji & Symbols.

Install Apps (Outside the App Store)

Download apps from the App Store or directly from the developer's website. To allow apps from outside the App Store, go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → General and enable trusted developer options.

Take Screenshots

• Command + Shift + 3: Full screen
• Command + Shift + 4: Select area
• Command + Shift + 4 + Space: Specific window

Quick File Transfer (Target Disk Mode)

Hold down T while starting your Mac to enter Target Disk Mode. Connect to another Mac via Thunderbolt cable for fast file transfer.

Receive SMS Messages on Your Mac

1. Use the same Apple ID on both iPhone and Mac
2. On iPhone: Settings → Messages → Text Message Forwarding
3. On Mac: Messages → Preferences → iMessage

Built-in Password Manager

Since macOS Monterey, passwords are stored under System Preferences → Passwords. Manage your iCloud Keychain and 2FA codes here.

Trash Files Quickly

• Command + Delete: Move file to Trash
• Shift + Command + Delete: Empty Trash immediately (no recovery!)

Use Hot Corners

Assign actions to screen corners via System Preferences → Desktop & Screen Saver → Screen Saver → Hot Corners.

Rename Your Mac

Go to System Preferences → Sharing and edit the "Computer Name" field.

Change Mouse Pointer Color

System Preferences → Accessibility → Display → Pointer. You can customize the pointer outline and fill colors here.

Show Full File Path in Finder

defaults write com.apple.finder _FXShowPosixPathInTitle -bool YES; killall Finder

To revert, replace YES with NO.

Change Screenshot File Format

defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg

Replace jpg with png or pdf if preferred.

Essential macOS Shortcuts

Conclusion

With these macOS tips and tricks, you can get even more out of your Apple computer. Whether you’re a new user or an experienced one, these tools and shortcuts will help save time and simplify your workflow.

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