The Mac operating system is one of the most popular ones worldwide. They are renowned for their high-quality goods and offerings, which always delight their clients. But, Mac OS X keeps several incredible features for the user. If you have been using a Mac for a few years, you have discovered some hidden capabilities.
Here are 20 practical, little-known Mac features that will probably surprise you.
1. Merging up folders
When using Mac, to combine the contents of two folders with the same name, you may drag the contents of two folders. When you do that, a pop-up with the option to merge or replace all material appears.
Although transparent, the Replace dialogue box is displayed when moving one folder into another. Therefore, using the Alternative method – The dragging option simplifies it by combining two folders. In that case, one folder will contain both the source and destination directories.
2. Preview of a signature
All Mac users know you can add a signature to your papers or anywhere else. But did you know you can get a preview of your signature? When the file is in preview mode, click the Annotations toolbar. By hitting the Signature button and selecting the Make Signature option, you may use the built-in iSight capability to create a signature. Follow the directions on the page to add a signature. You have the option of storing your signature for future usage.
3. Dictionary Access
Quick access to the dictionary assists users in reading or composing documents more effectively. You may rapidly access the dictionary on Mac systems using these shortcut choices. In an earlier version of Mac OS, press D to see the word’s definition when you mouse over it. In the Lion edition, you may retrieve the meaning of a phrase by double-tapping with three fingers. Dictionary availability allows users to find explanations for unfamiliar terms quickly.
4. Built-in emoji Support
Mac has built-in emojis that are entertaining and easy to use. You must check out this functionality!
It has an emoji keyboard that allows users to enter special characters. To open the window, press Ctrl + ⌘ + space. This window has a comprehensive list of special characters. This box allows you to select the unique characters and emojis you require.
5. Speech-to-Text Conversion
Mac OS’s speech-to-text conversion feature will assist you if you’re exhausted with typing. It works incredibly well. While speaking, press the function key (fn) twice to change your speech into words. Your speech is transformed to text if you repeatedly hit the function (fn) key. You can speak while OS X types. The latest ones also enable you to text and converse simultaneously. It is ideal for folks who must type a lot as part of their job.
6. Preview files
With just this technique, previewing files is a piece of cake.
Pressing the space bar while choosing a file will allow you to preview it. When viewing several files (An image or a video file), use the arrow keys to navigate.
7. Auto Complete of Words
Do you struggle with spelling? This hidden function will assist you in accurately spelling tricky words as you enter in iChat or TextEdit. F5 or Option + Escape will bring up an autocomplete menu with a list of possible spellings for the term you’ve begun typing. This capability comes in handy when writing formal papers.
8. Create a new desktop
Lion has a nice new feature called Mission Control. You may quickly create a new desktop in Mission Control. When you hover your mouse in Mission Control, a ‘+’ tab displays at the upper right. You may transfer a window to a new desktop by dragging it into the ‘+’ tab. Drag and drop windows into this tab to create a dedicated desktop.
9. Easy Volume and Brightness Control
Lion has a nice new feature called Mission Control. You may quickly create a new desktop in Mission Control. When you hover your mouse in Mission Control, a ‘+’ tab displays at the upper right. You may transfer a window to a new desktop by dragging it into the ‘+’ tab. Drag and drop windows into this tab to create a dedicated desktop. 
10. Restoring Scroll Bars
In the Lion edition, scroll bars are, by default, concealed and become visible only when the user starts to scroll the page. It might be perplexing at times. Therefore, many customers tend to have the scroll bars enabled. By adjusting the default configuration, you may make the scroll bars always visible. Go to System Preferences and choose “Always” under the Show Scroll Bars option.
11. Dark Mode
Most people have dark mode enabled on numerous applications and phones. MacBook also features a dark mode that you may activate easily. The dark mode on Mac appeared before the identical feature in the iPhone and iPad.
When you enable this mode, all other programs will change to a bright hue. To utilize dark mode, enter system options and then select General. At the top of the Settings window, you’ll see three options: bright, dark, and auto, from which you may choose your preferred mode.
12. Take Screenshots
Screenshots are now a crucial part of your life, whether you’re working on a project for a company or discussing DIYs with a buddy. Taking screenshots on a MacBook is simple. All you have to do is hit Command+Shift, then enter a number. For example, CMD+Shift+5 can be used. When you touch that, a little toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen, giving you total control over what you wish to record. You can also save the snapshot in a location of your choice.
Aside from that, you have entire discretion over whether or not the Mac screen is recorded. It’s even possible to audio-record a screen.
13. Fill out documents and sign them quickly
Your MacBook’s Preview application can assist in the task and utilize a third-party program to sign documents.
Signing a document in Preview only requires a few clicks, and you’re done. Open the document you wish to sign in Preview. Then, next to the search box, click the pen icon. Then, click the signature box and then Create a signature. There are two alternatives available: writing your name on the display of your iPhone or signing a piece of paper and placing it in front of the camera. If you select the second option, you may sign in using the trackpad. You may also keep your signature for later use.
14. Turn off notifications
We understand how annoying it is to receive many alerts simultaneously. Open your Notification Center and scroll down the side loading bar to prevent it from interfering with your study or work. You will notice the “Do not disturb” toggle function.
Toggle it on to stop receiving alerts for a day. Notifications often appear, which might disrupt one’s work. The capability is helpful for users who use their MacBooks to participate in Zoom conversations and meetings or to go live on social networking channels.
You may even plan to turn it off for a specific time, such as during an event.
15. Close Running Apps
Your system will slow down and use a lot of RAM when running programs. Here’s an easy way to stop running programs on Mac. Simply hold and tab through all open applications while holding the ⌘ + tab. When you get to the app, hit Q if you wish to exit.
H is the shortcut for hiding the program.
16. Quick Duplicate Open File
The “Save As” button to replicate an open file is absent from many Mac programs. But, it is possible to duplicate an open file without visiting the File menu. Just at the top, tap on the filename. It brings up a menu of selections. You may duplicate the document by choosing the option Duplicate.
17. Change the color of the screen.
Users of Mac OS X Lion and earlier may quickly invert and reverse the colors of their Mac screen by pressing Command + Option + Control + 8. The function was created to assist visually impaired people.
18. Quick tab management
Hold the Command and press the tab key to cycle through the programs. To exit or minimize any programs, use “Q” or “H.”
19. Delete apps in the launch pad
It is the most effective and simple method for removing all outdated apps. Use the wiggle mode and launching pad UI to do this.
20. Easily organize files into a single folder
For those who have a messy desktop, a simple shortcut may make merging data into a single folder. Just choose the files you want to group by clicking or highlighting them, then click “New Folder With Selection” from the menu that appears.
Conclusion
These are some brilliant time-saving tips and techniques for running your Mac. These quick tips and tricks can save you a lot of time from converting speech to text and using shortcuts to take a screenshot. If you are a Mac user, you will be surprised at some of these lesser-known features.
