5 MacBook tricks to make your life easier

Your MacBook is probably more capable than what you think. There are several tricks that you might not be aware of even if you have been using the device for a long time. The macOS is full of features that can make your lives easier. The only thing you need to do is to know about the existence of these features in the first place. So, without further ado, here are the best MacBook tricks that are actually useful and can make a busy workday feel less tiring. 

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1. Spotlight has more uses

Starting off with a feature that you might be aware of, but might not really be using it to the best of its capabilities – spotlight. Now, most people use Spotlight search just to open apps, but did you know that it can also act as your all-in-one command centre? Yes, you read that right. It can handle much more than just locating and opening apps. You can use it as a calculator, to convert units and much more. 

For example, if you type “5000 USD in INR” in the Spotlight Search bar (by pressing ⌘ + Space bar), it will instantly convert it and show you the answer. You can also type mathematical equations and get answers right away without opening a calculator. Not only this, it can even pull up files, emails, and system settings almost instantly, which means you do not have to dig through folders or menus.

The feature is also lightning fast and once you get used to typing what you need instead of manually navigating, you will realise how much time you save. It also learns from your usage, so the more you use it, the better it gets at predicting what you are looking for.

2. Navigate better and faster

Dragging windows around on a MacBook might not feel like a big deal, but there is a much smoother way to do it. It is called three-finger drag, and once you enable it, you will not want to go back.

By default, you have to click and hold the trackpad to move windows. But with the three-finger drag, you can simply place three fingers on the trackpad and move them to drag anything across the screen. It feels more natural and requires less effort, especially if you are moving windows frequently.

But this isn’t turned on by default. You will have to go into System Settings, then click on Accessibility, and finally, Pointer Control. Under trackpad options, you will find the toggle for three-finger drag. This option is slightly buried, which is probably why many users miss it. But once enabled, we guarantee you will use it almost everyday..

3. Improve your multitasking power

We all love multitasking. On a busy Monday morning, there’s nothing else we would rather do. But what if we tell you that there’s a way to multitask better using your MacBook? Yep, it is possible by taking full advantage of the Split View feature. 

Instead of manually resizing windows, you can snap two apps side by side and focus on both without overlap.

To use this, just click and hold the green maximise button on any window. You will see options to tile the window to the left or right side of the screen. Once you pick a side, macOS will show you other open apps for the remaining half.

This is especially useful when you are working with reference material. For instance, if you are writing something while reading from a browser, or comparing two documents, Split View keeps everything neatly organised.

It also reduces distractions because you are only dealing with two apps at a time, instead of a clutter of overlapping windows.

4. Preview files instantly 

Quick Look is one of those features that quietly becomes your go-to once you start using it. Instead of opening a file, you just preview it instantly. Sort of like reading WhatsApp messages from the notifications tab instead of heading over to the app and reading the message. 

Now, circling back to Preview files, all you have to do is select a file and press the space bar. That is it. Whether it is an image, a PDF, a video, or even a document, macOS will show you a full preview without launching a separate app.

Quick Look also supports basic controls for media files, so you can play videos or scroll through documents right there. It might seem like a small shortcut, but over time, it saves a surprising amount of effort.

5. Set up Hot Corners for instant shortcuts

Hot Corners is one of the most underrated features in macOS. It lets you assign specific actions to the four corners of your screen. When you move your cursor to a corner, the assigned action triggers instantly.

For example, you can set one corner to show the desktop, another to open Mission Control, and another to lock your screen. It is entirely customisable, so you can set it up based on how you use your MacBook.

You can enable this by going into System Settings, then Desktop and Dock, and scrolling down to Hot Corners. From there, you can assign different functions to each corner.

So, which one of these tricks are you going to try out first? Do let us know and keep watching this space for more such pieces. 

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