There are about 100 million active Mac users out there today.
The MacBook Pro features keep people interested and buying, but do you know all of them? Using a MacBook Pro is different from using any kind of computer.
Use this MacBook Pro user guide to learn about 7 tips for Mac users.
1. Do Unit Conversions in Spotlight
Basic calculations can be done in Spotlight. Most Mac users know this and mainly use it for just that. However, starting with macOS Sierra, you can also do unit conversions in Spotlight.
If you ever need to do specific unit conversions but don’t know how you can type in the amount and unit in Spotlight that you want to convert. Your Mac will be able to give you multiple conversions along with the most likely one.
Your native currency can be set in the Language and Region part of system preferences. For example, if your native currency is US dollars, you can type in an amount and be suggested pounds and other possible currencies.
This tool will also allow you to type in the specific currency you are looking for. For example, you can type in “$100 to AUD.”
2. Take Screenshots
The next tip in this MacBook pro user guide is taking screenshots of any size. This is something Windows users cannot enjoy. On a Windows computer, taking screenshots can only be done by capturing the entire display.
A Mac provides an easy process to take any size screenshot you desire. As one of the MacBook Pro features, you can still take a snapshot of the whole screen by pressing Shift + Command + 3 at the same time. The screenshot then gets stored on the desktop.
To only take a screenshot of the portion of the screen, press Shift + Command + 4 at the same time. This will turn the cursor into a cropping device where you can decide exactly what to screenshot.
The newer MacBook Pro’s with Touch Bars can take a screenshot by pressing Shift + Command + 6. This is one of the easiest MacBook Pro tips to use if you can memorize the combos.
3. Type Different Characters
One of the coolest MacBook Pro tips and tricks is being able to type exotic characters. Your keyboard can type a lot of special characters you may not know about, more than just accents.
Most apps will have an edit menu where you can see special characters you can use. This panel will show you everything you have access to. Just grab these symbols and place them into your documents.
Most symbols can be used on different platforms, but keep in mind that not all apps will support them.
4. Use a Split Screen
Two apps or two windows can be easily worked on at the same time with the split-screen. You can left-click on an app and hold down the maximum button. This will give you a dropdown menu where you can choose to enter full screen, left screen, or right screen.
Once you have your second window or app open, you can make each screen smaller or larger. A split-screen will come in handy for a lot of different instances. You can be productive on one side while watching your favorite sports game on the other.
5. Annotate PDFs and Images
Preview is a great tool for those who want to annotate PDFs or images but don’t know how. Despite its name, it is not just used for previewing.
PDFs are usually only compatible with services used by Windows. Preview allows you to share documents and make annotations even without the use of Windows. This makes it easy for colleagues who work with different platforms to be able to share their work.
The Edit Toolbar will allow you to use a variety of options to annotate. You can use shapes, arrows, thought bubbles, and more. You can even highlight a text in a PDF, add text boxes, and strikethrough text.
6. Change Folder and File Icons
Most people are drawn to MacBooks for how attractive and modern they are. This is not just an exterior thing, the interface is also beautiful and can be customized. You can replace icons with any image you want.
This is a lot easier than it may sound. Go to any image of your choosing, right-click, and select Get Info. You will copy the preview of this image and then edit it in your preferred editing application.
Once this is finished, click the existing icon in the Get Info window then press Command + V to paste your image. That’s it, that’s all there is to it!
7. Find the Wi-Fi Password
Macs can save off of your passwords and find them for your other devices using Keychain. This is something other computers don’t feature. Keychain is a built-in application where any details will be stored.
You may not think to use this app, but it can come in handy when it comes to Wi-Fi. If you are in an unknown place or just can’t seem to remember your Wi-Fi code, you can use your Mac to find it. The process to find it is very easy.
Open the app Keychain and search the name of the connection you are looking for. Once you have found the right connection, double-click it. Then all you have to do is click “Show password.” This can be done in any place where you have used the password before.
For more tips about MacBook Pros, click here.
Use This MacBook Pro User Guide
If you are a new MacBook Pro user, using this MacBook Pro user guide can teach you a lot of new things. Even veteran MacBook users will find something they have never known before. Your MacBook can do a lot of things, try them out today!
If you like what you’ve read, don’t forget to keep coming back for more articles like this.
