Getting a MacBook and figuring out how the computer works is not an option for some people. They do not have the luxury for their Mac experience to develop naturally. Taking a proactive approach and learning as much as possible in the shortest space of time is one of the best options if you want to master a new computer and get on with your work, studies, or entertainment.
The article has some neat ideas and should be of good use to those struggling with their MacBooks. Continue reading and find out how you can improve productivity while on a Mac.
1. Preserve MacBook Battery Life
You will struggle with a lackluster MacBook battery life. It is a good practice to check its health regularly and make the necessary configuration adjustments.
For example, you may have too many background applications that consume system resources and put a toll on the battery.
It is not a big issue when you have a spot to charge the MacBook whenever you want, but even then, it may be that the closest electric socket is not in the most comfortable position at your home, and you cannot use the MacBook while it is charging.
Moreover, when you have to use the laptop outside your home, finding an available socket in public is not as easy. The bottom line is that you need to take proper care of the MacBook battery and make sure that its lack of lifespan does not get in the way of your productivity.
2. Free up Drive Space
Lack of MacBook’s drive space will spell trouble, particularly when the total available storage is below 15%.
The most recent Macs come with SSDs instead of HDDs. The performance improvements are noticeable, but it also means that users have even less storage to work with.
You will not have a productive day if the computer freezes and crashes. Here are some suggestions to keep the drive space at a healthy level:
- delete temporary data junk, such as app extensions, caches, and plugins
- get rid of old downloads, duplicate files, and email attachments
- transfer files to cloud storage and external storage devices
Keep in mind that you need to stick to these suggestions regularly. If you clear the drive one time and neglect it again, it will not take too long before you are left with only a few gigabytes of free storage again.
3. Disable Notifications
Most people should be aware of how much of a distraction smartphone notifications are, especially when you are trying to focus.
Well, it just so happens that MacBooks also have notifications, and it is recommended that you disable these notifications. Go to the Notification Center and select the Do Not Disturb mode. Enable it so that you do not receive random messages when you are working or studying.
4. Learn Keyboard Shortcuts
Memorizing keyboard shortcuts is a good way to increase your work rate on a MacBook. If you have switched from Windows to macOS, it will take a while to readjust, but focus on memorizing the most relevant shortcuts for now.
Here are some common keyboard shortcuts:
- Capture a portion of the screen: Shift + Command + 4
- Remove files permanently: Option + Delete + Command
- Quit an application: Command + Q
- Minimize a tab: Command + M
5. Use Relevant Tools
You do not have to rely just on built-in MacBook applications for your productivity. There are many great third-party tools that help you keep passwords secure, send reminders, plan projects, track time, and create schedules.
Do not be surprised to find yourself getting into work or studies so much that you lose track of time. Have background applications that can send you notifications to take a break.
Related: The Best-Kept Mac Tips to Make Your Life Easier
6. Optimize Your Web Browser
If you find that the current web browser is underperforming, and your MacBook is still relatively new, the cause most likely lies in the browser itself.
Some people take things too far with extensions and install more than they need. Check your list of added extensions and figure which of them you can remove.
In addition to deleting irrelevant browser extensions, you should also clear the cache regularly as well. Finally, confirm that the browser is up to date.
7. Create Digital Signatures
Open a PDF document via Preview and click on the pen icon to create a new signature. You can use the trackpad and sign on it or sign on a white sheet of paper and hold it in front of the computer’s camera.
The next time you open a PDF on Preview, you will have a signature ready. It should save you a lot of time, particularly when you have to sign multiple documents throughout the day and scan them again so you can send copies with your signature.
8. Use the Dictation Feature
The dictation feature can be of great use when you are stuck with a document in one hand and cannot type with another. Of course, that is not the only example, but keep in mind that you have an option to dictate the text and have it appear on the computer instead of typing yourself.
9. Find Word Definitions
If you are reading a text full of difficult words and need to check for definitions constantly in a dictionary or the internet, there is a better way. Mac has a built-in feature that shows you definitions of highlighted words.
Select the phrase or a word you want more information on, and hit the Command + Control + D keyboard shortcut. A pop-up with information will reveal the definition, pronunciation, and even origin of the word.
Related: How Can You Tell If Your PC or Mac Has Malware
Conclusion
To sum it all up, this article’s ideas should work as a good reference for those who want to increase their productivity using MacBooks. And remember that there is no need to cover everything all at once. You can pick one idea, memorize it, and move on to the next until you are comfortable and happy with your laptop usage.
