5 MacBook Tips and Tricks You Need to Know

A 2017 survey found that the average American household has at least two Apple devices. If you’re among those households, you may own a MacBook. But are you using it to its full potential?

Buying a MacBook isn’t cheap, but its features can make it worthwhile. However, if you don’t know how to use all of them, you’re missing out!

To help you learn everything your laptop can do, we’ve got 5 MacBook tips and tricks to share. Read on to take full advantage of this impressive piece of technology.

1. Get Work Done on ‘Do Not Disturb’

If you already own an iPhone, you may be familiar with the ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode. It works on all types of MacBooks, too!

This feature prevents phone calls, FaceTime calls, and messages from getting through to you. It’s handy if you’re on a conference call or trying to get some work done in silence. Say goodbye to pesky distractions and notifications!

2. Use Your Other Apple Devices

Owning a MacBook is great, but it’s even better when you have other Apple devices to work with it.

Do you have an iPad? Keep it close to your Mac if you need an extra monitor. While in SideCar mode, a compatible iPad can extend your laptop’s display, allowing you to work off two screens.

Or, if your iPhone is near, you can copy and paste text between it and your MacBook. You can also use your iPhone (or iPad) to scan images and documents, then immediately transfer them to your laptop.

3. Do More With Spotlight Search

Spotlight search can do more than you realize. If you don’t use it to its full ability, you don’t truly know how to use a MacBook.

Most people use it to find storage on Mac or locate a file, but it also performs calculations and conversions. Use it for quick math or to determine the value of the U.S. dollar in foreign currencies. You can also pull information such as dictionary definitions or the day’s weather report.

4. Take a Quick Look

Do you need to take a peek at a text document or image? Instead of wasting time opening it, use the quick look shortcut to view a preview! You can do this by clicking the file and pressing the space bar.

5. Better Control Your Brightness and Volume

If you’re fussy about your sound or display, this is a tip you’ll love. You know about the brightness and volume control keys. But did you know you can adjust them by more than just one little bar at a time?

You can go up and down in quarter-sized increments by holding the Shift + Option keys as you press the controls! Fine-tune them to your liking.

Try Out These MacBook Tips and Tricks

MacBooks might seem like regular laptops, but they’re so much more. They include a ton of helpful features that you have to take advantage of! Whether you’re new to owning one or have had it for years, these secret MacBook tips and tricks can teach you something new.

Interested in more technology guides and advice? Find other useful articles on our website.