Get the Most Out of Your Mac
Tips and tricks for improving workflow and getting the most out of your Macintosh.
Moving Apple Mail: Transfer Your Apple Mail to a New Mac
Moving your Apple Mail to a new Mac, or to a new, clean install of the OS, may seem like a difficult task but it actually only requires saving three items and moving them to the new destination.
Moving your Apple Mail to a new Mac, or to a new, clean install of the OS, may seem like a difficult task but it actually only requires saving three items and moving them to the new destination.
Snow Leopard Tip: Select Audio In and Out From the Menu Bar
Your Mac has multiple audio inputs and outputs. If you’re using more than one, you may find it inconvenient to launch System Preferences just to select a new input or output. Use the volume item in your Mac’s menu bar instead. Here’s how.
Your Mac has multiple audio inputs and outputs. If you’re using more than one, you may find it inconvenient to launch System Preferences just to select a new input or output. Use the volume item in your Mac’s menu bar instead. Here’s how.
Snow Leopard Feature: Quick Look for Disk Space
Use Quick Look to quickly divine the size and available free space on any hard drive or volume on your Mac.
Use Quick Look to quickly divine the size and available free space on any hard drive or volume on your Mac.
Hidden Features of Snow Leopard - Share the Snow Leopard Secrets You?…
Snow Leopard has many new features, but not all of them are well known or well documented. Have you stumbled across an unexpected Snow Leopard feature? Share it here with other About: Macs readers.
Snow Leopard has many new features, but not all of them are well known or well documented. Have you stumbled across an unexpected Snow Leopard feature? Share it here with other About: Macs readers.
The Hidden Features of Snow Leopard
Apple intended Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) to be a version of the Mac OS that concentrated on stability, as well as the future, not the past. Snow Leopard was supposed to focus on Intel multi-core processors and abandon previous technologies. Lucky for us, the engineers at Apple couldn’t completely suppress their desire to toss in a few new features, some of which have gotten more press…
Apple intended Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) to be a version of the Mac OS that concentrated on stability, as well as the future, not the past. Snow Leopard was supposed to focus on Intel multi-core processors and abandon previous technologies. Lucky for us, the engineers at Apple couldn’t completely suppress their desire to toss in a few new features, some of which have gotten more press…
Snow Leopard Feature: System-Wide Text Substitution
Snow Leopard has a new system-wide text substitution feature that lets you create text shortcuts for phrases you use frequently. Once you type a text shortcut, it will automatically expand to its associated phrase. This works in any application, not just a word processor.
Snow Leopard has a new system-wide text substitution feature that lets you create text shortcuts for phrases you use frequently. Once you type a text shortcut, it will automatically expand to its associated phrase. This works in any application, not just a word processor.
How to Enable the Hidden Single-Application Mode in Snow Leopard
Snow Leopard still supports single-application mode, Mac OS X’s ability to switch between running applications and display only the currently active application’s windows. You can enable single-application mode in Snow Leopard with Terminal.
Snow Leopard still supports single-application mode, Mac OS X’s ability to switch between running applications and display only the currently active application’s windows. You can enable single-application mode in Snow Leopard with Terminal.
Hidden Features in Snow Leopard: Exposing Expose’s Hidden Features
Hidden Features in Snow Leopard: Snow Leopard adds new functionality to Expose, Apple’s windows management system. Besides letting you view all open windows as thumbnails on the desktop, Expose now also works from the Dock, displaying only the windows associated with a particular Dock icon. For example, if you click and hold the Microsoft Word icon in the Dock, Expose will display all open Word…
Hidden Features in Snow Leopard: Snow Leopard adds new functionality to Expose, Apple’s windows management system. Besides letting you view all open windows as thumbnails on the desktop, Expose now also works from the Dock, displaying only the windows associated with a particular Dock icon. For example, if you click and hold the Microsoft Word icon in the Dock, Expose will display all open Word…
Spotlight Search: Setting the Finder’s Search Box Preferences
Spotlight’s search preferences in Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) now allow you to set the default behavior for searches performed in a Finder window.
Spotlight’s search preferences in Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) now allow you to set the default behavior for searches performed in a Finder window.
Recent Items: Find Out Where Recent Items Are Located
In Snow Leopard, the ‘Recent Items’ entry in the Apple menu can show you where applications and files are actually stored on your Mac. Let the mouse cursor hover over the ‘Recent Items’ entry, hold down the command key, and the Finder will reveal all.
In Snow Leopard, the ‘Recent Items’ entry in the Apple menu can show you where applications and files are actually stored on your Mac. Let the mouse cursor hover over the ‘Recent Items’ entry, hold down the command key, and the Finder will reveal all.
Display Hidden Files in OS X 10.6 ‘Open’ and ‘Save’ Dialog Boxes
Have you ever needed to edit or view one of the many invisible files on your Mac? There is now a simple keyboard trick that allows hidden files and folders to display in any ‘Open’ or ‘Save’ dialog box.
Have you ever needed to edit or view one of the many invisible files on your Mac? There is now a simple keyboard trick that allows hidden files and folders to display in any ‘Open’ or ‘Save’ dialog box.
Preference Panes: How to Remove Preference Panes From Your Mac
Removing preference panes from your Mac can be as simple as clicking your mouse once or twice. Instead of searching for the installation location of a preference pane, use this tip to remove it quickly and easily.
Removing preference panes from your Mac can be as simple as clicking your mouse once or twice. Instead of searching for the installation location of a preference pane, use this tip to remove it quickly and easily.
Safari Develop Menu: Enable Safari’s Develop Menu
Safari Develop Menu: Enabling the Safari Develop menu brings a wealth of tools to web developers, as well as some helpful features for casual users.
Safari Develop Menu: Enabling the Safari Develop menu brings a wealth of tools to web developers, as well as some helpful features for casual users.
Safari 4 Debug Menu: Enable Safari 4’s Debug Menu
Safari 4 Debug Menu: You can enable Safari 4’s debug menu by changing a hidden preference within Safari, using the Terminal application.
Safari 4 Debug Menu: You can enable Safari 4’s debug menu by changing a hidden preference within Safari, using the Terminal application.
Safari 4: Safari 4 Complete Keyboard and Mouse Shortcuts
Safari 4 Shortcuts: Safari 4 has a large number of keyboard and mouse shortcuts. So many, in fact, that it would take quite a few pages to list them all here. I thought you might like to know how you can view or print out your own, guaranteed-to-be-current list of all Safari 4 shortcuts.
Safari 4 Shortcuts: Safari 4 has a large number of keyboard and mouse shortcuts. So many, in fact, that it would take quite a few pages to list them all here. I thought you might like to know how you can view or print out your own, guaranteed-to-be-current list of all Safari 4 shortcuts.
Safari 4 Troubleshooting: Use Safari 4’s Re-render Menu to Refresh a Web Page
Safari 4 Troubleshooting: Safari 4’s Debug menu includes a Repaint command that will re-render the currently loaded web page, instead of taking the time to download a fresh version of the page. Re-rendering saves time and ensures the content of the page doesn’t change.
Safari 4 Troubleshooting: Safari 4’s Debug menu includes a Repaint command that will re-render the currently loaded web page, instead of taking the time to download a fresh version of the page. Re-rendering saves time and ensures the content of the page doesn’t change.
Command Key: Use the Command Key to Control Background Windows
The command key has many uses with OS X. One that is often overlooked, and in my opinion, one of the most productive, is using the command key to work with background windows without bringing them to the front.
The command key has many uses with OS X. One that is often overlooked, and in my opinion, one of the most productive, is using the command key to work with background windows without bringing them to the front.
Duplicating Files: Option-Drag Duplicates Files by Adding Version Numbers
Duplicating files and adding version numbers is just an option key away. Starting with OS X 10.5, Apple added the ability to create incremental version numbers when duplicating files.
Duplicating files and adding version numbers is just an option key away. Starting with OS X 10.5, Apple added the ability to create incremental version numbers when duplicating files.
Basics: Using Your Mac - A New User’s Guide
Mac Basics is a good place to start when you’re new to the Mac or just need a refresher. You will find guides, tips, and a few revelations that will have you both enjoying your Mac and being more productive.
Mac Basics is a good place to start when you’re new to the Mac or just need a refresher. You will find guides, tips, and a few revelations that will have you both enjoying your Mac and being more productive.
Organize Your Dock: Add a Dock Spacer in OS X 10.5
Dock spacers allow you to organize your Mac’s Dock by creating a blank Dock icon that you can place wherever you wish on the Dock. You can use Dock spacers to create a separation between groups of Dock icons. Dock spacers work with OS X 10.5 Leopard and later.
Dock spacers allow you to organize your Mac’s Dock by creating a blank Dock icon that you can place wherever you wish on the Dock. You can use Dock spacers to create a separation between groups of Dock icons. Dock spacers work with OS X 10.5 Leopard and later.
Use Terminal to Remove Leopard’s 3D Dock Effects
If you like things better the old way, you can remove Leopard’s 3D Dock and return to the 2D dock used in Tiger. Changing from a 3D Dock to a 2D Dock just takes a few simple Terminal commands. Learn how to perform this easy Terminal trick.
If you like things better the old way, you can remove Leopard’s 3D Dock and return to the 2D dock used in Tiger. Changing from a 3D Dock to a 2D Dock just takes a few simple Terminal commands. Learn how to perform this easy Terminal trick.
Terminal Tricks: Access Hidden Features
Hundreds of hidden preferences and features are available within OS X and its many applications. Most of these hidden preferences are of little use to the end user, because they’re intended for developers to use during debugging. That still leaves plenty of preferences and features for the rest of us to try out.
Hundreds of hidden preferences and features are available within OS X and its many applications. Most of these hidden preferences are of little use to the end user, because they’re intended for developers to use during debugging. That still leaves plenty of preferences and features for the rest of us to try out.
Use Terminal To Clean Up Your Desktop
Clean up your Mac desktop using Terminal. With a simple Terminal command, you can sweep all of your Mac desktop debris out of sight. Bringing all of your Mac desktop icons back into view is just as easy.
Clean up your Mac desktop using Terminal. With a simple Terminal command, you can sweep all of your Mac desktop debris out of sight. Bringing all of your Mac desktop icons back into view is just as easy.
Dashboard Widgets: Widgets on Your Mac Desktop
You can make Dashboard widgets appear on your Mac desktop by using Terminal to invoke Dashboard Development mode. Once you enter development mode, you can drag individual widgets from Dashboard to the desktop.
You can make Dashboard widgets appear on your Mac desktop by using Terminal to invoke Dashboard Development mode. Once you enter development mode, you can drag individual widgets from Dashboard to the desktop.
Customize the Dock: Add a Recent Applications Stack to the Dock
Customize the Dock in Mac OS X by adding a Recent Items stack that can display Recent Applications, Recent Documents, Recent Servers, Recent Volumes, and Favorite Items.
Customize the Dock in Mac OS X by adding a Recent Items stack that can display Recent Applications, Recent Documents, Recent Servers, Recent Volumes, and Favorite Items.
Adding Startup Items to Your Mac
Startup items, also known as login items, are applications, documents, or other items you want to automatically open every time you start up or log in to your Mac.
Startup items, also known as login items, are applications, documents, or other items you want to automatically open every time you start up or log in to your Mac.
Safari Plug-ins - How to Remove Safari Plug-ins
To remove Safari Plug-ins, you must delete or move the appropriate plug-in files from the Internet Plug-ins folder.
To remove Safari Plug-ins, you must delete or move the appropriate plug-in files from the Internet Plug-ins folder.
Using Spotlight - Refining Spotlight Searches With Boolean Operators
Spotlight, the Mac’s built-in search service, supports using the three Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT within a query.
Spotlight, the Mac’s built-in search service, supports using the three Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT within a query.
Address Book - Tips for Using Apple's Address Book
Apple's Address Book is full of surprises and capabilities. Learn a few new Address Book tips from About: Macs that can help make you more productive.
Apple's Address Book is full of surprises and capabilities. Learn a few new Address Book tips from About: Macs that can help make you more productive.
Mail Rules - Set Up Apple Mail Rules
Apple Mail rules allow you to set up conditions and actions that tell Apple Mail how to process incoming messages. With Apple Mail rules, you can automate and organize your email for a better workflow.
Apple Mail rules allow you to set up conditions and actions that tell Apple Mail how to process incoming messages. With Apple Mail rules, you can automate and organize your email for a better workflow.
The Finder Path Bar - Using the Finder Path Bar
The Finder Path Bar is a nifty feature that’s new in OS X 10.5. Using the Finder Path Bar is easy, but first you have to make it visible.
The Finder Path Bar is a nifty feature that’s new in OS X 10.5. Using the Finder Path Bar is easy, but first you have to make it visible.
The Finder Toolbar - Add Items to the Finder Toolbar
You can easily customize the Finder toolbar by dragging and dropping new items onto it.
You can easily customize the Finder toolbar by dragging and dropping new items onto it.
Mac Backup - Backup Applications, Products, and Guides for Your Mac
Most people don’t think about backing up their Mac until after disaster strikes; by then, it’s too late. Don’t let this happen to you. Instead of waiting for that sinking feeling when you realize your Mac isn’t going to boot, or the terrifying sound of your hard drive screeching to a halt, be proactive. Check out the possibilities, make a decision, and back up your data.
Most people don’t think about backing up their Mac until after disaster strikes; by then, it’s too late. Don’t let this happen to you. Instead of waiting for that sinking feeling when you realize your Mac isn’t going to boot, or the terrifying sound of your hard drive screeching to a halt, be proactive. Check out the possibilities, make a decision, and back up your data.
Spring-Loaded Folders Can Make the Trash Spill Its Secrets
The spring-loaded folder feature works as well on the Trash as it does on folders. You can use it to peek inside the Trash without double-clicking its icon.
The spring-loaded folder feature works as well on the Trash as it does on folders. You can use it to peek inside the Trash without double-clicking its icon.
Configure Spring-Loaded Folders
Spring-loaded folders let you drill down through a hierarchy of folders, and drag and drop items as needed.
Spring-loaded folders let you drill down through a hierarchy of folders, and drag and drop items as needed.
Make the Most of the Finder Sidebar
The Finder sidebar is a handy place to store frequently used files, folders, and applications. It's also easy to customize.
The Finder sidebar is a handy place to store frequently used files, folders, and applications. It's also easy to customize.
Speed Up the Installation of Most Applications
Software installers are prone to searching all of your hard drives for older versions of their software to update, which can waste time.
Software installers are prone to searching all of your hard drives for older versions of their software to update, which can waste time.
Use Finder Labels to Organize Your Files and Folders
Finder labels are colored tags that you can use to organize items in Finder windows by assigning the same color to related files and folders.
Finder labels are colored tags that you can use to organize items in Finder windows by assigning the same color to related files and folders.
Customize the Finder Toolbar
The Finder toolbar, a collection of buttons located at the top of a Finder window, is easy to customize.
The Finder toolbar, a collection of buttons located at the top of a Finder window, is easy to customize.