Essential Mac Settings to Customize

Introduction

• Importance of customizing Mac settings for productivity after purchasing a new Mac.

Customizing Finder

• Toolbar Customization:
  • Right-click and select Customize Toolbar.
  • Remove unneeded tools (e.g., Tags).
  • Recommended tools to add: Eject Disc, AirDrop.
• Show Path Bar:
  • Go to View > Show Path Bar.
  • Displays a navigation bar for easier folder navigation.

Customizing the Menu Bar

• Drag features from Control Center to the menu bar.
• Recommended items to add: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Display, Sound, Focus Settings.
• Reorder Icons:
  • Hold Command key and drag icons.
  • Remove icons by dragging them out of the menu bar.

Customizing the Dock

• Remove unused apps for faster access to frequently used apps.
• Dock Settings:
  • Right-click > Dock Settings.
  • Keep dock at the bottom or on the side.
  • Enable Automatically hide and show dock for extra screen space.
  • Turn off Show recent applications in dock.
  • Set dock size to small and magnification to maximize accessibility.

Trackpad Settings

• Go to System Preferences > Trackpad.
• Adjust Tracking speed for quicker navigation.
• Enable Tap to click for smoother interaction.

Hot Corners Feature

• Assign actions to screen corners for quick access.
• Access via System Settings > Desktop and Dock > Hot Corners.
• Prevent Accidental Triggers:
  • Hold Shift key while triggering actions to avoid mistakes.

Desktop Customization

• Right-click on the desktop > View Options.
• Adjust icon/text size and enable Snap to Grid for organization.

Changing Default Applications

• Change default apps for file types:
  • Select file > Command + I (Get Info).
  • In Open with, select preferred application and click Change All.

Screenshot Settings

• Change screenshot saving location:
  • Press Command + Shift + 5 and go to Options.
  • Choose a new save location (e.g., Downloads folder).
  • For one-time screenshots:
    • Right-click preview > Save to Clipboard or hold Ctrl while taking a screenshot.

Safari Settings

• Disable automatic opening of downloaded files:
  • Go to Safari Preferences > General.
  • Uncheck Open “safe” files after downloading.

Widgets on Mac

• Access widgets by clicking on date/time in the menu bar.
• Customize widgets by clicking Edit Widgets.
• Recommended widgets: Calendar, Reminders, Weather.
• Add commonly used widgets (e.g., music player) to desktop for easy access.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to watch related videos for additional tips and apps.