When you get a Mac, you feel like you have to use it to its full potential. It’s as good as computers get. It’s fast, reliable, and powerful. Whether you use it for work or games, the Mac offers a distraction-free environment that makes you more focused.
But we’ll be honest: the focus depends on you, too. Maybe you filled up your device with junk that slows it down. Maybe you’re not using the right apps. Don’t worry! It’s easy to boost your work productivity when you have a Mac. You just need the right tips to guide you to a more focused state of mind.
5 Tips: How to Increase Your Productivity on a Mac
- Always Install the Latest macOS
Yes; installing the latest operating system takes time. You’re also aware of certain Apple Big Sur problems, which may appear during or after the installation process. But that shouldn’t prevent you from rocking the latest OS on your computer.
Upgrading is important for several reasons:
- The new operating system is stable, and Apple’s team is consistently working to make it better.
- Safari’s performance is greatly improved. The browser is faster and more secure.
- You get an improved Notification Centre, whose features you can use to boost your productivity.
- Use the Power of Spotlight Search
Remember this keyboard shortcut: Command + Space. You’ll need it whenever you want to find something on your computer. Searching for apps or files is easy when you know where they are. But if your computer is disorganized, Spotlight Search can save you. Just type a keyword and you’ll find the needed destination in the window.
Even if you know where your files are, Spotlight will find them faster.
- Get the Desktop in Order
Are you one of those computer users who randomly dump files on the desktop? Most of us do that, but it’s not the most effective way of organizing files and folders. When you need to find something, your eye will wander through the mess. You’ll still find what you need, but why not spend some effort to make the desktop cleaner?
You can use the Stacks feature to do this.
- Right-click on any blank space of the desktop
- Click on the Use Stacks option
There you go. The files and folders will be instantly piled up by categories: documents, PDF files, and other sections that are relevant to what you saved on the desktop.
If you don’t like how this looks, you can easily take it back. Right-click on the desktop again, and unclick the Use Stacks feature.
- Use Mission Control
Mission Control is an essential feature for those who need several windows to run at the same time. It’s a standard ever since Mac OS X Lion, and it hasn’t gone away with the Big Sur update. The concept is simple:
- To access Mission Control, you should use two fingers to double-tap the surface of your Magic Mouse, or use three fingers to swipe on your MacBook’s trackpad in any direction.
- You’ll see a quick and uncluttered view of all windows, organized in a logical way.
This feature saves you time moving between windows, so you’ll easily start the task you need to work on.
- Benefit the Most from Messages
With the Big Sur update, Apple brought new life to its macOS Messages app. Now, its design is similar to what you get on an iPhone or iPad. The app enables effective communication, which can include gifs, memoji stickers, images, and more.
You can customize the look of the app, so you’ll communicate your mood through different color schemes. There’s an improved search feature through the messages. If you want to separate important conversations, you can pin them.
The Messages app on a Mac enables you to communicate with friends and colleagues while you work or play. You won’t have to reach out for your phone to do that, so you’re saving your time and focus.
Your Mac Has Tons of Potential
This might be a cliche, but it’s true: whoever starts using a Mac never looks back. Your computer is great, but you have to learn a few tricks to use its full potential. The list of tips above works for complete beginners. Those simple actions will help you reveal a more productive side to your computer. Once you start exploring its features, you shouldn’t stop! There’s a lot more to discover and enjoy.
James Dorian is a technical copywriter. He is a tech geek who knows a lot about modern apps that will make your work more productive. James reads tons of online blogs on technology, business, and ways to become a real pro in our modern world of innovations.