The MacBook is a powerful tool that can help you be productive in your personal and professional life.
However, like any computer, it can also be a significant source of frustration if you don’t know how to use it effectively. In this article, we’ll share seven excellent MacBook productivity tips to help you make the most out of your computer.
Use the Stickies App
One of the most helpful productivity apps on a MacBook is Stickies. This app allows you to create digital sticky notes placed anywhere on your desktop. You can use Stickies to jot down ideas, keep track of tasks, or even store code snippets. Stickies are easy to use and can help boost your productivity.
Launch the app and click the “+” button to create a new sticky. A blank sticky will appear on your screen. You can then type in whatever you like. Just click and drag a sticky to a new location to move it around.
Learn keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts help with overall productivity by speeding up your workflow and eliminating the need to reach for the trackpad or mouse constantly. Instead, you can use keystrokes to perform everyday tasks such as opening and closing applications, switching between tabs, and more.
- Here are some of the most helpful keyboard shortcuts for a MacBook:
- Command + Spacebar: This shortcut will open Spotlight, allowing you to search for files on your computer.
- Command + Tab: This shortcut lets you quickly switch between open applications.
- Command + Option + Esc: This shortcut will force quit any frozen applications.
- Command + W: This shortcut will close the current window.
Organize Folders
Creating folders for different types of files does wonders for your productivity. For example, you could have a folder for work-related files, a folder for personal files, and a folder for downloads. This will help you find the files you need more quickly.
In addition to using folders, you can also use tags to organize your files. Tags can be used for anything, such as labeling files by project or by date. You can add tags to files by selecting them and then clicking the “Tags” button in the Finder toolbar.
Use Stacks to Organize Your Desktop
Your desktop is the first thing you see when you open your MacBook, so keeping it clean and organized is essential. A cluttered desktop can make it challenging to find the files and applications you need and be visually distracting.
Stacks is a feature in macOS that allows you to group files on your desktop. The tool can be helpful if you have a lot of files on your desktop and want to keep them organized. To use Stacks, click the “View” menu in the Finder and select “Use Stacks.”
Optimize Safari
Safari is the default internet browser on a MacBook. It is recommended to optimize it so you can avoid potential performance issues that disrupt your workflow.
- Make sure to empty the Cache and remove cookies regularly.
- Keep Safari up to date by checking for updates regularly.
- Use a plugin like ClickToFlash to block Flash content from loading automatically.
- Enable the Develop menu in Safari’s Preferences if you’re a web developer.
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts to navigate around Safari more quickly.
- Customize your Toolbar to add or remove buttons as needed.
- Choose which Tabs open when you start Safari in the General preferences pane.
- Set up Bookmarks so you can quickly access your favorite websites.
- Use Private Browsing mode when you don’t want your browsing history saved.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your internet browsing experience on a MacBook is smooth and efficient.
Rely on iCloud and Built-in Productivity Tools
iCloud is a great way to keep your files in sync across all your devices, including your MacBook. This means you can access your files from anywhere without worrying about losing anything if something happens to your computer.
Another great way to be productive on your MacBook is to use the App Store. The App Store is an excellent resource for finding applications to help you with various tasks, including productivity. Many different apps are available, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.
Finally, don’t forget about the built-in productivity tools with your MacBook. The Calendar app and Reminders can help you stay on top of your schedule, and the Notes app can help you keep track of important information. If you use these tools to their full potential, you’ll be able to get a lot more done on your MacBook.
Disable Notifications
Notifications can be pretty distracting and often contain information that isn’t even relevant to what you’re working on. By disabling them, you can eliminate this source of distraction and focus more intently on your work.
To disable notifications, open the System Preferences app and click the Notifications icon. From here, you can either disable all notifications entirely or customize them only to appear when certain conditions are met. For example, you could have them only appear when you’re not actively using your computer or when specific applications are running.
