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Mac user guide: Tips and tricks for your Mac, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or iMac
Want to learn how to get the most from your Mac? Or perhaps youve run into a problem with your Apple computer and arent sure how to fix it. Regardless, our Mac user guide is here to help with our expert tips and tricks for Apples Mac laptops and desktops.
If you want to learn how to use MacOS and take your knowledge to the next level, weve grouped everything you need into categories, helping you discover more secret tips and helpful tutorials. Youll be a Mac expert in next to no time.
Contents
Great features on your Mac
Over the years, Apple has built a lot of killer features into its Macs. These are things you wont get on any other computer, from the ease and convenience of Apple Pay to the productivity power of Focus mode and Split View. Some of these features are unique to MacOS Monterey, the latest version of MacOS, so make sure you download and install it first.
How to use Focus mode in MacOS Monterey
Tired of being distracted? Apples Focus mode lets you set customizable rules that block annoying apps and signal to others that youre busy. Its perfect for keeping you in the zone, no matter what youre doing. Heres how to use Focus mode in MacOS Monterey.
How to use Shared with You in MacOS Monterey
Over time, you will collect a lot of shared photos, links, documents, and more that have all been sent to you by your contacts. Instead of searching through your apps to find this content, just use the Shared with You section, which groups everything together. Hereshow to use Shared with You in MacOS Monterey.
How to use Live Text in MacOS Monterey
Live Text is a clever new feature that lets you copy text from any picture on your device. It also works when you point your camera at text in front of you. That can then be copied and used in your documents. Hereshow to use Live Text in MacOS Monterey.
How to use your iPad as a second monitor for your Mac
Why get a separate Wacom tablet or drawing pad if you already have an iPad? After all, Apples Sidecar feature lets you use an iPad as a second screen or drawing tablet for your Mac. Its super easy, too. Hereshow to use your iPad as a second monitor for your Mac.
How to use iCloud
The beauty of Apples ecosystem is that everything is connected, so you can access your files on any Apple device. The key to that is iCloud, which has a ton of great cross-platform features. Hereshow to use iCloud.
How to use Siri on a Mac
Siri, Apples voice assistant, has improved every year since its inception. Now, its an excellent helper whatever you want to do, with many different uses for different situations. Hereshow to use Siri on a Mac.
How to use Apple Pay
If you carry your phone everywhere you go, it makes sense to use it to pay for purchases, right? Thats just what Apple Pay enables, giving you a secure way to pay with your phone. Hereshow to use Apple Pay.
How to use Notification Center widgets
Widgets are handy mini-apps that display quick bits of info, such as the upcoming weather forecast or your latest emails. Theyre a great way to see what you need when you need it on your Mac. Heres how to use Notification Center widgets.
How to use Control Center
The more you use your Mac, the more you find yourself diving into System Preferences to change some settings. Instead of rooting around for them, Control Center puts them at your fingertips in your Mac menu bar. Hereshow to use Control Center.
How to use Split View
Multitasking is made much easier with Split View, which gives you straightforward window management tools to display your apps how you want. Hereshow to use Split View.
How to get emoji on your Mac
Think emoji are just for mobile devices? Think again, as you can use them to your hearts content on your Mac too. Hereshow to get emoji on your Mac.
Personalization and tweaks
Getting your Mac just right is key to using it efficiently. Once youve followed the tips below, youll be able to tweak and tune it the way you like it. And once thats the case, you wont have to contend with annoying settings that dont work the way they should, meaning theres less getting in your way.
How to change your username
Youre not stuck with the username you created when you first set up your Mac. A few quick clicks and you can customize it how you want. Heres how to change your username.
How to turn off notifications
Theres no doubting that notifications can be annoying, especially if theyre constantly going off. Rein in the chaos with our handy guide. Heres how to turn off notifications.
How to allow pop-ups
There are times when you want to see a pop-up window when browsing the web. If your Mac automatically blocks them, well show you how to enable them once again. Hereshow to allow pop-ups.
How to install fonts
Fonts are a key way to customize your Mac and can be useful for all kinds of projects. Luckily, installing them is simple and straightforward. Hereshow to install fonts.
How to change where screenshots are saved
Taking a screenshot on a Mac simply requires a three-button shortcut. But did you know you can change where screenshots are saved by default? Hereshow to change where screenshots are saved.
How to disable the Touch Bar on a MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pros Touch Bar has many uses, but sometimes its position means it can be accidentally pressed. That can be annoying if it launches processes you dont want to run. Hereshow to disable the Touch Bar on a MacBook Pro.
Documents and apps
Apps are the beating heart of any Mac, so learning how to use some of the ones that come youre your Apple computer is important. The same goes for documents each Mac has some handy tricks that can make document creation and management a lot easier. Note that some of the features below only work in MacOS Monterey or later, so make sure you download and install MacOS Monterey before getting started.
How to change your Macs default apps
Apple likes to set the default apps that open certain file types, but youre not stuck with the companys choices. If youd rather set your own default apps, hereshow to change your Macs default apps.
How to force quit an app
Its a fact of life: Sometimes, an app will freeze on your Mac. But occasionally you cant quit a frozen app in the standard way. Fortunately, theres a solution thanks to the force quit command. Heres how to force quit an app.
How to master Safari tabs in MacOS Monterey
MacOS Monterey brought an all-new Safari design, and tabs are a key element of that. Heres how to get to grips with the new design and features. Hereshow to master Safari tabs in MacOS Monterey.
How to use Reminders to stay on track
Are you forgetful? Theres help at hand in the form of Apples Reminders app, which is packed full of features to help you remember the important things in your life. Hereshow to use Reminders to stay on track.
How to use FaceTimes SharePlay feature in MacOS Monterey
Whats better than watching a great movie? Watching it with friends. The new SharePlay feature in MacOS Monterey lets you do just that. Hereshow to use FaceTimes SharePlay feature in MacOS Monterey.
How to disable FaceTime
Apples FaceTime app is the default for Mac video calls, but its not for everyone. If youd rather it didnt get in your way, you can disable it. Hereshow to disable FaceTime.
How to turn off iMessage
The little blue blobs in iMessage, Apples texting app, are ubiquitous. If its causing you problems on your Mac or you simply dont want to use it, it can be turned off with a few quick clicks. Heres how to turn off iMessage.
How to use Apple Maps globe view in MacOS Monterey
MacOS Montereys Maps app gives you a great way to view the world. Zoom out and you see the earth at a distance. Hereshow to use Apple Maps globe view in MacOS Monterey.
How to create Apple Maps Guides
Got a collection of great places you want to visit? Store them together in Apple Maps using its Guides feature, newly added in MacOS Monterey. Its a great way to share local info with friends. Hereshow to create Apple Maps Guides.
How to use Shortcuts in MacOS Monterey
A lot of Mac tasks can become repetitive if you do them a lot. Save the pain and tedium with Shortcuts, which automates complex tasks at the click of a button. Hereshow to use Shortcuts in MacOS Monterey.
How to print a PDF
There are many times when you might want to print a PDF on your Mac, but what if its not immediately obvious how to do it? Just follow our guide and youll be ready to go. Hereshow to print a PDF.
How to annotate a PDF
At first glance, you might not know you can annotate PDFs on your Mac. Yet there are actually a few ways to do it and add notes to your files. Hereshow to annotate a PDF.
Utilities
Owning a computer sometimes means getting down into the nitty-gritty like backing up your files and uninstalling apps. Macs are no different, and there are a lot of useful tools under the hood, like those that let you zoom in on any part of the screen or take a screenshot of any app or screen section. Heres how to put them all to good use.
How to back up your Mac
No one wants to lose their precious data, yet that can happen if you dont back it up. It neednt be complicated though, and backing up your Mac can be a lot simpler than you might think. Hereshow to back up your Mac.
How to forget a network
Network problems are not uncommon, and it can be frustrating when you cant connect to a network. Sometimes, getting your Mac to forget a troublesome network can be the solution. Hereshow to forget a network.
How to delete a user
If you have user profiles on your Mac that are no longer used, theres no need to have them littering your computer any longer than is necessary. Hereshow to delete a user.
How to uninstall apps
Got some apps that you no longer use? Instead of having them taking up precious storage space, its best to uninstall them. Heres how to uninstall apps.
How to take a screenshot
On a Mac, you can take a screenshot that is automatically saved to a location of your choice. Its really quick and simple but has plenty of everyday uses. Hereshow to take a screenshot.
How to record your screen on a Mac
Whether you want to show a friend a gameplay clip or work out what is going wrong on your Mac, recording your Macs screen can help. Instead of using a phone, though, its best to record it directly from your computer. Heres how to record your screen on a Mac.
How to record a video
Recording a video of yourself with your Mac webcam can be a fun way to send a message to friends and family, record a vlog, or create a segment as part of a larger video project. The good news is its easy to do. Heres how to record a video on your Mac.
How to zoom in
Apple is well-known for its commitment to accessibility. If you struggle to see small details on your screen, you can zoom in for a closer look. Heres how to zoom in.
How to password protect a folder
Sometimes, you might want to keep the contents of a folder safe from prying eyes. To keep things under lock and key, you can password protect it. Hereshow to password protect a folder.
How to enable picture-in-picture for YouTube
A lot of people like to have a video open while working, but that might normally require you to switch between windows. When youre watching YouTube on your Mac, though, you can pop the video out into its own small window. Heres how to enable picture-in-picture for YouTube.
How to right-click
It might sound odd, but some Mac mice and trackpads lack a right-click button. But dont worry, there are other ways to get the same functionality even if you dont have this button. Heres how to right-click.
Cross-platform: Connecting and sharing with your devices
One of the great things about having a Mac is the interconnected ecosystem that comes with it. If you own any other Apple devices, they will all play nice with your computer, allowing you to do things that no other system can do. Here are our favorites.
How to run iOS apps on an M1 Mac
One of the great benefits of Apples M1 chip is that it can run iOS apps without issue. That opens up a whole new world of apps on your Mac. Heres how to run iOS apps on an M1 Mac.
How to connect AirPods to a MacBook
Apples AirPods are some of the best wireless headphones in the business, so its natural youd want to use them with your Mac. As youd expect with Apple, connecting them couldnt be easier. Hereshow to connect AirPods to a MacBook.
How to access your iCloud Photo Stream from your Mac
If you use iCloud and have enabled iCloud Photo Stream, any photos you take on your iPhone will be synced to your Mac. Its a great way to keep your photo collection up to date wherever you are. Heres how to access your iCloud Photo Stream from your Mac.
How to share an external hard drive between Mac and Windows
MacOS and Windows are two very different systems, but they can still work together. Thats true if you want to use an external hard drive with both operating systems, but youll need to make sure you take a few key steps first. Hereshow to share an external hard drive between Mac and Windows.
How to share your Apple Music library on Mac, iOS, and more
Want to share your Apple music library with other people? Its easy to do with Apples Home Sharing feature. Hereshow to share your Apple Music library on Mac, iOS, and more.
Installing MacOS and fixing problems
Everyone occasionally has to fix problems with their computer, and Macs are not immune. But dont worry, there is help at hand in the form of our tutorials and guides, which will take you through everything you need to do to get your Mac up and running again.
How to install MacOS Monterey
Apples latest Mac operating system is called MacOS Monterey, and it comes with a raft of new features and tools. If you want to download it, there are some steps you need to take. Heres how to upgrade to MacOS Monterey.
How to stop your Mac from freezing
Every once in a while, the chances are your Mac will freeze. It doesnt have to keep happening, though, and you can fix it by taking action in a few different ways. Heres how to stop your Mac from freezing.
How to speed up your Mac
No one likes a slow computer. But just because your Mac has lost its zip, that doesnt mean you need to get rid of it. A few tweaks here and there can make a real difference. Hereshow to speed up your Mac.
How to check the storage space on your Mac
No one likes running out of space on their Mac. The best way to prevent that is to work out how much space you have left and clear out unnecessary files once youre in the know. Heres how to check the storage space on your Mac.
How to free up space on your Mac
Its difficult to upgrade your Macs storage space after purchase, so if youre running out of room, youll want to know how to free up as much space as possible. Hereshow to free up space on your Mac.
How to fix problems with your Macs Wi-Fi
Sorting out your Wi-Fi connection can be a finicky business, but there are things you can do to increase your chances of success. Weve put together our best tips in a single guide to help. Hereshow to fix problems with your Macs Wi-Fi.
How to fix audio issues in MacOS
Tired of your Macs audio causing problems? Not to worry, weve got some top suggestions no matter what is going wrong. Hereshow to fix audio issues in MacOS.
How to restore a Mac to its factory settings
Restoring to factory settings means putting everything back to the way it was when you first got your Mac as it was when it came out of the factory, in other words. If youre struggling to fix recurrent problems, this can be a good solution. Hereshow to restore a Mac to its factory settings.
Common MacBook Air problems and how to fix them
The MacBook Air is an incredibly popular laptop, but that doesnt make it immune from problems. If youre suffering, dont worry, as theres help at hand. Here are some common MacBook Air problems and how to fix them.
Common MacBook problems and how to fix them
MacBook Pro or MacBook Air both of Apples laptop flavors can be beset by problems. Here are the most common ones and how to put them right. These are the most common MacBook problems and how to fix them.
How to reset your Macs PRAM and SMC
Every modern Mac uses Parameter Random Access Memory (PRAM) and a System Management Controller (SMC). Occasionally, these can cause problems with your Mac, and giving them a quick refresh can help to solve otherwise intractable problems. Hereshow to reset your Macs PRAM and SMC.
