12 Hidden Mac Features You Must Try [Tips & Tricks]

author avatarTodor Pichurov Hours Posted on Hours Updated on

Before we dive in

Before we dive in, let's make sure you stay safe online. We created SpyHunter because your security matters to us.

Protect your computer today — download SpyHunter right here! Check out our top tips below to keep your computer safe and secure.

Download SpyHunter

Are you getting the most out of your Mac? Many users barely scratch the surface of what their devices can offer.

From customizing your menu bar to using your iPhone as a webcam, uncovering these secret Mac features can significantly upgrade your productivity and workflow.

In this article, we’ll explore a variety of tricks that go beyond the basics—streamlining how you interact with your Mac and making everyday tasks quicker and easier.

This Article Contains:

Why these hidden Mac features matter

Exploring hidden features in your Mac not only enhances your interaction with the device but also significantly boosts your productivity.

These features are designed to simplify your workflow, allowing you to perform tasks faster and more efficiently.

Understanding and utilizing these lesser-known tools means you’re leveraging the full capability of macOS to fit your personal or professional workflow, thereby saving time and increasing output.

12 top hidden features of your Mac to boost your productivity

Many Mac users only scratch the surface of what their device can do. Beyond the basic features, macOS offers a plethora of hidden and underutilized tools that can significantly enhance your productivity and user experience.

From automating mundane tasks to quickly managing your active applications, learning to utilize these features can transform your interactions with your Mac.

Let’s delve into some of these functionalities to help you unleash the full potential of your Mac.

1. Customize your menu bar

The ability to customize the toolbar on a Mac is a significant productivity booster.

By tailoring the menu bar, you position the most used settings and features right at the top of your screen, accessible with just a click.

For example, having easy access to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or screen mirroring settings can streamline your interaction with different devices and displays during your workday. This customization eliminates the need to dig through multiple menus to find the settings you need, thus speeding up your tasks.

The steps for adding items to the toolbar are simple:

  • Open System Settings or System Preferences on older versions of macOS.
  • Navigate to the Control Center.
  • Select or deselect features to keep them permanently visible or only when they are active.
control center settings

2. Make use of hot corners

Hot corners are a stellar feature for anyone looking to streamline their workflow and reduce repetitive manual tasks.

By simply moving your mouse to any of the four corners of the Mac screen, you can trigger specific actions like locking your screen, opening the notification center, or accessing a quick note.

This is especially beneficial for users who work with multiple apps and need to switch quickly.

To set up hot corners:

  • Go to System Settings.
  • Select Desktop & Dock.
  • Click on Mission Control.
  • Click Hot Corners at the bottom right.
  • Choose the desired action for each corner of your screen using the dropdown menus.
set action for each corner of your screen

By reducing the need for keyboard shortcuts or navigation through menus, hot corners help you maintain your focus and transition smoothly between tasks, enhancing overall productivity and user experience.

3. Using your iPhone as a webcam for Mac

The increasing trend of remote work and online meetings has emphasized the need for reliable webcams. The ecosystem of Apple devices allows you to use your iPhone for this as well.

If you find yourself in need of a better quality webcam, your iPhone can easily be set up to serve this purpose for your Mac.

You can either use your iPhone wirelessly as a Continuity Camera or connect it to your mac via USB cable.

To use the Continuity Camera feature, navigate to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff and turn on Contunuity Camera.

Once you have done this or connected to your Mac via cable, simply use the settings window of the webcam-enabled application you are using and make sure you select your iPhone as the web camera in the app’s settings.

4. Emoji and special character shortcuts

Emojis and special characters can add an element of fun or precision to digital communication.

Accessing them swiftly on your Mac can be done using a simple keyboard shortcut that brings up the emoji picker interface or emoji keyboard.

While working on any text box or text field, press Control + Command + Space. This action will display the emoji picker, making it easy to find and select from various emojis and special symbols.

You can scroll through the available emojis or use the search bar to find a specific one quickly. This tool is especially useful when you want to express something visually without switching out of your workflow.

To make this feature permanently accessible, you can add the Emoji & Symbols viewer to your toolbar.

Navigate through System Settings > Keyboard, check the Show input menu in menu bar box in the Input Sources section.

keyboard input settings

This allows for even quicker access to emojis whenever you need them.

show emoji keywoard menu shortcut

5. Change your folder icons with ease

If you’re tired of the default blue folder icons on your Mac or want to have folders that are easily recognizable at a glance, you can personalize them with images that suit your needs.

Here’s a quick guide on how to change the icons of a directory:

  1. Find an image you want to use for your directory icon. This image can either be a .JPG or a .PNG file.
  2. Right-click (or control-click) on the image and select Copy Image.
  3. Next, select the directory whose alias you want to change, and click File > Get Info in the top menu bar.
  4. In the upper left corner of the info window, you’ll see the current folder icon. Click on it to highlight it.
  5. Click Edit in the top menu, then Paste your copied image.
change folder icon

Your selected image will now replace the default icon, making your folders easier to recognize and adding a personal touch to your desktop.

If you want to revert to the default image, simply open the Get Info menu again and select Edit > Cut from the top menu.

6. Master the art of quick file previews

Quick Look in macOS allows you to quickly preview files without opening them fully, which is perfect when you need to browse through multiple files quickly.

Here’s how to use Quick Look:

  1. Select a file in Finder that you want to preview.
  2. Press the Space bar. A preview window will open, showing you the contents of the file.
  3. If you want to interact with the file, such as zooming in on an image or scrolling through a document, use the tools provided at the top of the Quick Look window.
  4. If you decide to open the file in its native application for more detailed work, simply click the Open with [Application] button at the top right of the preview window.

This tool is especially useful for quickly glancing at images, PDFs, documents, and even video files without the need to launch different applications for each file type.

7. Automate tasks with custom text shortcuts

One often overlooked feature of macOS is the ability to create custom text shortcuts.

These can save you a lot of time, especially if you find yourself repeatedly typing the same phrases or addresses. By setting up these shortcuts, a few simple keystrokes can expand into full sentences or links.

To set up custom text shortcuts on your Mac, navigate to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacements.

custom text shortcut

Here, you can add your shortcuts by clicking the (+) button, entering a phrase, and assigning it a shortcut. For instance, typing 'addr' could automatically expand to your complete address.

add new custom text replacement

It’s a simple setup that can streamline your work or personal communication.

8. How to quickly hide current active apps

Managing screen space and maintaining focus can be tricky with multiple apps open.

Thankfully, the operating system allows you to quickly hide your currently active app without closing it, helping you maintain a clean workspace.

The keyboard shortcut for hiding the active application is Command + H. When you press these keys, the active app will disappear from view, leaving your screen clutter-free.

To restore the app, just click on its icon in the Dock, or use Command + Tab to switch back to it. This quick-action shortcut can significantly enhance your workflow by reducing distractions and maximizing productivity.

9. Drag and drop files into Finder favorites

One practical way to organize important documents and folders on a Mac is by using Finder’s favorites feature.

This allows you to keep essential files at your fingertips, making them readily accessible without the need to dig through numerous directories.

To add a directory to Finder favorites, simply:

  • Open Finder and navigate to the folder you wish to favorite.
  • Simply drag the directory into the Favorites section on the sidebar.
favorites sidebar in finder window

This simple action can save you time and enhance your workflow by placing your most used folders in an easily accessible area.

10. Protect your eyes with Night Shift

Long hours in front of your Mac can strain your eyes, particularly under less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

Night Shift is a beneficial feature designed to reduce blue light exposure as the day progresses. By adjusting the display’s colors to warmer tones, Night Shift helps minimize eye strain and improve sleep patterns if you need to work late.

Activating Night Shift is simple:

  1. Go to System Settings on your Mac.
  2. Select Displays.
  3. Click on the Night Shift tab.
  4. Configure your settings according to your preferences, setting a schedule or enabling it until the next day.
night shift display settings

This small adjustment can make a significant difference in protecting your eyes and ensuring the comfortable use of your Mac during evening hours.

11. Use Spotlight to search just about anything

The Mac Spotlight search, accessible through clicking the magnifying glass icon in the toolbar in the upper right corner of your screen, is a very versatile tool.

You can use it to search not only for files and folders on your system, but also for pretty much anything you want. If you type any question in the Spotlight search box, it will usually bring a brief answer and offer automatic Internet searches for the same query.

12. Hidden features of the full-screen green button

If you hover your mouse cursor over the green button that expands the current window to a full-screen view, you will access another somewhat hidden feature.

Hovering over the green button offers multiple options for automatically arranging the currently open windows. This allows for very quick and efficient workspace management and is a great productivity booster.

full screen mode button secret settings
Share this post on your favorite social media
author avatar

Todor has over a decade of experience in creating content about cybersecurity. He specializes in making complex security topics understandable for all. As part of the SpyHunter team, Todor uses his expertise to educate users, empowering them to better understand and manage their digital environments securely and efficiently.

Keep Your Mac Fast and Secure
Optimize your Mac and stay malware-free with SpyHunter
Download SpyHunter For Free

For a better understanding of our policies, please review our Free Trial Offer below, EULA, and Privacy/Cookie Policy.

SpyHunter Free Trial: Important Terms & Conditions

The SpyHunter Trial version includes, for one device, a one-time 7-day Trial period for SpyHunter 5 Pro (Windows) or SpyHunter for Mac, offering comprehensive malware detection and removal functionality, high-performance guards to actively protect your system from malware threats, and access to our technical support team via the SpyHunter HelpDesk. You will not be charged upfront during the Trial period, although a credit card is required to activate the Trial. (Prepaid credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards are not accepted under this offer.) The requirement for your payment method is to help ensure continuous, uninterrupted security protection during your transition from a Trial to a paid subscription should you decide to purchase. Your payment method will not be charged a payment amount upfront during the Trial, although authorization requests may be sent to your financial institution to verify that your payment method is valid (such authorization submissions are not requests for charges or fees by EnigmaSoft but, depending upon your payment method and/or your financial institution, may reflect on your account availability). You can cancel your Trial by contacting EnigmaSoft’s payment processor (identified in your confirmation email) or EnigmaSoft directly no later than two business days before the 7-day Trial period expires to avoid a charge coming due and being processed immediately after your Trial expires. If you decide to cancel during your Trial, you will immediately lose access to SpyHunter. If, for any reason, you believe a charge was processed that you did not wish to make (which could occur based on system administration, for example), you may also cancel and receive a full refund for the charge any time within 30 days of the date of the purchase charge. See FAQs.

At the end of the Trial, you will be billed upfront immediately at the price and for the subscription period as set forth in the offering materials and registration/purchase page terms (which are incorporated herein by reference; pricing may vary by country per purchase page details) if you have not timely canceled. Pricing typically starts at $72 for 3 months (SpyHunter Pro Windows) and $42 for 3 months (SpyHunter for Mac). Your purchased subscription will be automatically renewed in accordance with the registration/purchase page terms, which provide for automatic renewals at the then applicable standard subscription fee in effect at the time of your original purchase and for the same subscription time period, provided you’re a continuous, uninterrupted subscription user. Please see the purchase page for details. Trial subject to these Terms, your agreement to EULA/TOS, Privacy/Cookie Policy, and Discount Terms. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, learn how.

For payment on the automatic renewal of your subscription, an email reminder will be sent to the email address you provided when you registered before your next payment date. At the onset of your trial, you will receive an activation code that is limited to use for only one Trial and for only one device per account. Your subscription will automatically renew at the price and for the subscription period in accordance with the offering materials and registration/purchase page terms (which are incorporated herein by reference; pricing may vary by country per purchase page details), provided that you are a continuous, uninterrupted subscription user. For paid subscription users, if you cancel, you will continue to have access to your product(s) until the end of your paid subscription period. If you wish to receive a refund for your then current subscription period, you must cancel and apply for a refund within 30 days of your most recent purchase, and you will immediately stop receiving full functionality when your refund is processed.

For CALIFORNIA CONSUMERS, please see the notice provisions:
NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA CONSUMERS: Per the California Automatic Renewal Law, you may cancel a subscription as follows:

  1. Go to www.enigmasoftware.com and click the "Login" button at the top right corner.
  2. Log in with your username and password.
  3. In the navigation menu, go to "Order/Licenses." Next to your order/license, a button is available to cancel your subscription if applicable. Note: If you have multiple orders/products, you will need to cancel them on an individual basis.

Should you have any questions or problems, you can contact our EnigmaSoft support team by phone at +1 (888) 360-0646 (USA Toll-Free) / +353 76 680 3523 (Ireland/International) or by email at support@enigmasoftware.com.
How do you cancel a SpyHunter Trial? If your SpyHunter Trial was registered via MyCommerce, you can cancel the trial via MyCommerce by logging into the MyAccount section of MyCommerce (see your confirmation email for further details). You can also contact MyCommerce by phone or email to cancel. To contact MyCommerce via phone, you can call +1-800-406-4966 (USA Toll-Free) or +1-952-646-5022 (24x7x356). You can contact MyCommerce by e-mail at ordersupport@mycommerce.com. You can easily identify if your trial was registered via MyCommerce by checking the confirmation emails that were sent to you upon registration. Alternatively, all users may also contact EnigmaSoft Limited directly. Users can contact our technical support team by emailing support@enigmasoftware.com, opening a ticket in the SpyHunter HelpDesk, or calling +1 (888) 360-0646 (USA) / +353 76 680 3523 (Ireland/International). You can access the SpyHunter HelpDesk from SpyHunter's main screen. To open a support ticket, click on the "HelpDesk" icon. In the window that appears, click the "New Ticket" tab. Fill out the form and click the "Submit" button. If you are unsure of what "Problem Type" to select, please choose the "General Questions" option. Our support agents will promptly process your request and respond to you.

———

SpyHunter Purchase Details
You also have the choice of subscribing to SpyHunter immediately for full functionality, including malware removal and access to our support department via our HelpDesk, typically starting at $42 for 3 months (SpyHunter Basic Windows) and $42 for 3 months (SpyHunter for Mac) in accordance with the offering materials and registration/purchase page terms (which are incorporated herein by reference; pricing may vary by country per purchase page details). Your subscription will automatically renew at the then applicable standard subscription fee in effect at the time of your original purchase subscription and for the same subscription time period, provided you’re a continuous, uninterrupted subscription user and for which you will receive a notice of upcoming charges before the expiration of your subscription. Purchase of SpyHunter is subject to the terms and conditions on the purchase page, EULA/TOS, Privacy/Cookie Policy and Discount Terms.

———

General Terms
Any purchase for SpyHunter under a discounted price is valid for the offered discounted subscription term. After that, the then applicable standard pricing will apply for automatic renewals and/or future purchases. Pricing is subject to change, although we will notify you in advance of price changes.
All SpyHunter versions are subject to your agreeing to our EULA/TOS, Privacy/Cookie Policy, and Discount Terms. Please also see our FAQs and Threat Assessment Criteria. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, learn how.