Home : mac : 7 Hidden MacBook Features To Know About

7 Hidden MacBook Features to Know About

7 Hidden MacBook Features to Know About

Apple’s MacBook lineup encompasses various models, including the MacBook Pro, MacBook Mini, 14-inch MacBook, and more, all of which come equipped with a range of impressive hidden features waiting to be explored. From efficient screenshot and screen recording tools to simplified emoji access, these features can enrich the user’s Mac experience and enhance their productivity. Here are seven such hidden features of the MacBook models that users must know about.

Screenshots and screen recording
Taking screenshots and recording the screen are really useful features that can help users with several tasks. What a lot of people do not know is that MacBook has some hidden keyboard shortcuts that make capturing screenshots fairly easy. Some of these keyboard shortcuts are:

CMD+Shift+3 for taking a screenshot of the entire screen
CMD+Shift+4 for taking screenshots of a selected area
CMD+Shift+5 for opening a dedicated dashboard for screen capture.

This dashboard streamlines the process by giving all the essential options for screen capture in a single location. Here, the user can record specific screen sections and customize their screen recording process.

Auto-launch programs
For a streamlined startup routine on the macOS, one has the option to automate the launch of one’s preferred applications upon logging into the MacBook. This feature extends beyond just apps; it includes the option to open pictures, videos, and all the other items that are available on the ‘Finder’ app. To do this, the user would need to visit Users & Groups in System Preferences. After selecting their username, they can access the ‘Login Items’ tab, and navigate to the ‘Applications’ section. From there, they can then choose the program they wish to automatically launch during the laptop startup, enhancing its efficiency and convenience.

Full-screen mode
Whether one is using a 15-inch MacBook Air or a 16-inch MacBook, the option to use the entire screen can make a world of difference, especially for artists and those in similar professions. This MacBook feature helps the user to stay focused on their task by allowing the app or the window they are working on to occupy the entire screen. To activate the full-screen mode on their MacBook, one would need to click on the green button situated in the upper-left corner of a window. One can also activate this mode by clicking on ‘Enter Full Screen’ from the hover menu.

Dark mode
MacBooks also feature a dark mode that can help users reduce the strain on their eyes. Whether one is using a classic MacBook Air or the new and powerful Mac Studio with M2 Ultra or M2 Max chips, the dark mode can benefit all users. To activate the dark mode, the user must open System Preferences and select the ‘General’ option. In the Settings window that opens, they will see three choices: Light, Dark, or Auto. Selecting the Dark option will activate the dark mode as per the user’s preference. One can also select the Auto mode if they only require dark mode during the night time, as Auto mode switches between light and dark modes based on the time of day.

Dynamic wallpaper
Mac users can also add some variety to their work environment with the Dynamic Desktop option. This option allows the system to change the wallpaper throughout the day based on the user’s location and time, offering them a fresh visual experience. The users can access Dynamic Wallpapers via the Desktop & Screen Saver option in System Preferences. In the Apple drop-down menu, they can select one of the dynamic wallpapers available.

Digital signatures
The Preview app on a Mac provides a convenient means for users to add signatures to documents. The process involves minimal effort, starting with opening the document, selecting the pen icon near the search bar, and clicking on the signature box, followed by ‘Create Signature.’ Once the user has navigated to this option, they can then enter their signature by one of three options:

They can sign a piece of paper and hold that sign in front of the Mac’s camera.
They can also use the trackpad to create the signature digitally.
They can use their iPhone screen to create their signature.

Once they have created the signature, they can simply drag it down to the document.

Extended display with an iPad
What a lot of Mac users do not know is that they can also extend their Mac’s display to their iPad wirelessly. This is possible with an Apple feature called Sidecar. This innovation is particularly valuable for users who own a Mac (with macOS Catalina) and an iPad (with iPadOS 13 or newer), as it allows for a seamless extension of their workspace or additional display area, enhancing productivity and multitasking capabilities.

Whether one is using a MacBook, the Mac Mini with M2 Pro, the Mac Pro with the M2 Ultra, or any other system, exploring and utilizing these hidden features will significantly enhance one’s user experience.

Most Popular

5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep

5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep

Have you ever woken up feeling tired and lethargic despite sleeping for seven to eight hours at night? It could be due to poor sleep quality. Disturbed sleep influences the rest of your day: how you think, your performance at work, and other tasks. The causes of poor sleep are many, including a faulty mattress, distractions in your room, or a heavy dinner. Avoiding the following mistakes before bed can help you sleep better: Staring at a screen Using gadgets close to bedtime is probably the most common mistake in the digital age. The blue light emitted from screens affects the production of a specific hormone responsible for inducing sleep and regulating the circadian rhythm. Apart from the blue light emission, the television or mobile phone sound can be a distraction that keeps you awake. High noise levels create lots of mental stimulation and disturbance, preventing the brain from shutting down. Hence, it is advisable to avoid using phones, televisions, and laptops for at least an hour before bed. Exercising Exercise is among the best solutions for good health, but you must do it at the right time. Physical activity late in the evening or at night hampers sleep patterns by increasing stress and raising body temperature.
Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Food gets broken down into glucose by the body to release energy for its functioning. Most meal plans combine fats, proteins, sugars, and other essential carbohydrates vital for healthy growth and organ function. However, people with diabetes should be careful about seemingly healthy foods as it can trigger a spike in their blood glucose levels. Here are different foods that are bad for diabetes and should not be eaten regularly: Various foods that are bad for diabetes patients Fruit juices and other drinks Sugar consumption via beverages can spike insulin levels drastically. Did you know that lots of seemingly healthy store-bought fruit smoothies, sports drinks, bottled juices, and sodas can spike blood sugar levels too? Also, natural fruit juices are not necessarily a healthy option as they are high in fructose. Aside from this, cola, iced tea, lemonade, and other flavored beverages are excessively high in carbs, sugar, and fructose. Their regular consumption can trigger insulin resistance, forcing healthy cells to reject insulin and extract glucose for energy. Another crucial thing to remember is to avoid any type of spirit if you have diabetes. These contain empty calories and can worsen the condition significantly. Cereals, yogurt, and dried fruits Daily breakfast cereals are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients that make up for a wholesome meal.
3 foods to avoid for better lung health

3 foods to avoid for better lung health

Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning.
Migraine – Ways to manage the condition

Migraine – Ways to manage the condition

Migraine headaches are a devitalizing experience. It completely saps the person of energy and prevents them from being productive during these episodes. There is usually a build-up to a migraine attack which is different for every individual. The phase before the actual migraine attack is known as the aura, and people may report seeing flashes of light or experiencing a tingling sensation. Below are some options for treating migraine headaches: Treatment options Nurtec Nurtec is a treatment option that helps relieve some symptoms of migraines. It reduces the severity of headaches and sensitivity to light. Nurtec is usually taken on alternate days to prevent migraines and other pain associated with the condition. Ubrelvy Ubrelvy, a fast pain-relief, is a treatment option that blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the body. CGRP is associated with migraine attacks, and suppressing it goes a long way in treating the condition. Excedrin This pain reliever does not just treat migraine headaches but also pain in other parts of the body. Excedrin provides fast pain relief to the patient. Qulipta Qulipta is a treatment option that helps prevent migraines over a more extended period. However, medical professionals do not recommend this treatment option to people suffering from kidney or liver problems.
4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas

4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas

A pet’s fur can be the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pests can annoy your pet throughout the day. Such parasites can also cause several health problems like Lyme disease and skin infections in dogs and humans. Fortunately, pet care experts have developed several ways to rid these critters of your furry friend. Here are four handy tips that help with managing flea and tick infestations in dogs: Initiate a treatment plan If your pet develops a pest infestation, the first and foremost thing to do is get them on a treatment plan. Here are a few prescriptions that can be helpful: Bravecto® (Fluralaner) This prescription for dogs comes in two types: a chewable option or a topical solution. Bravecto is approved by the FDA and works on dogs and puppies at least six months of age who weigh at least 4.4 pounds. If you pick the chewable option for your pet, it must be given with their food once a month. Alternately, the topical solution must be applied once every 12 weeks. You can also check out special offers on Bravecto’s website for attractive discounts on their products. Simparica Another recommended treatment for fleas and ticks is the FDA-approved chewable from Simparica.

Popular Articles

5 mistakes to avoid while using vacuum cleaners
Home
01

5 mistakes to avoid while using vacuum cleaners

Vacuum cleaners are one of the most reliable home cleaning appliances. With the help of the machine, cordless or corded, one can get rid of dirt, cobwebs, and allergens found around the house. The device is used for cleaning purposes, therefore, it is vital to handle the vacuum cleaner correctly for optimal usage. That said, not everyone knows how to use a vacuum cleaner efficiently. Below are the common mistakes made while using them: Failing to empty or clean dust bags and filters It is important to empty and clean vacuum dust bags regularly. Failing to do so can affect the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner. Despite vacuuming, if you still notice dust stains on the carpet or the floor, it’s an indicator to empty the dust bag. Another tell-tale sign for the removal of dust bag is when your vacuum cleaner seems to be losing its suction power. The frequency of emptying the vacuum bags will depend on how often you use the device. A full vacuum dust bag will lead to an accumulation of dust and the breeding of bacteria and germs in the bag. Many latest models are equipped with disposable bags that are much more convenient.
Read More
How to manage osteoporosis and improve bone health
health
02

How to manage osteoporosis and improve bone health

Osteoporosis is a condition that makes the bone brittle and weak. When severe, even slight pressure caused by coughing, bending over, or falling can cause a fracture. Such fractures are predominant in the spine, wrist, or hip. Osteoporosis occurs if the new bone fails to keep up with the loss of the old bone. It affects men and women, but post-menopausal women are more susceptible. Let’s discuss the correct osteoporosis treatment and management plan: Treatment plan Prolia It is a prescription treatment plan for relieving osteoporosis in women post-menopause who cannot use other options or have not responded well to prior treatment and are susceptible to fractures. Doctors will prescribe it for at least six months. Prolia helps treat both men and women. However, professionals do not recommend it for pregnant women, women trying to get pregnant anytime soon, or people with low blood calcium. Further, those allergic to denosumab or any other Prolia ingredient must avoid it. Evenity Evenity helps with osteoporosis in two ways: it slows down bone loss and helps build new bone simultaneously. It is an FDA-approved treatment for osteoporosis that comes as a prefilled, single-use syringe with solution. But Evenity may have severe side effects.
Read More
10 human foods that are safe for dogs
Pets
03

10 human foods that are safe for dogs

Many pet owners tend to share their own food with their pets. After all, it can be hard to say no to the puppy eyes watching you while you cook or eat. However, humans and dogs metabolize food differently, and so, what is safe and healthy for you can be dangerous for your four-legged companion. So, here are a few safe and delicious human foods that even dogs can enjoy: Peanut butter Not just us, even dogs can’t get enough of peanut butter. Fortunately, it is safe for dogs and contains nutrients like healthy fats, vitamins B and E, protein, and niacin. However, it is high in fat and calorie content, so overindulgence can lead to health issues. Also, plain peanut butter that does not contain added sugar, salt, or artificial sweeteners, should be offered to dogs. Chicken Cooked chicken, without bones and spices, can be a perfect meal for canines. It is one of the best sources of protein, making it one of the most common ingredients in dog foods. Cooked chicken bones should never be given to your pets as these bones can splinter and lead to choking. Carrots Carrots can be your go-to choice for veggies that can be shared with dogs.
Read More