Game-Changing Mac Features

Being able to handle many involved tasks on a computer can be very exhausting, especially if you're a designer. No-one knows this better than these individuals who design for living and also need to push the left side of their brain on their systems. The left side hemisphere operates the logic of applications while the right side produces the engaging creativity. Because both sides are wired differently, bouncing around from software to software can become mentally draining. In my experience, a Mac is the only way to be efficient about multi-tasking on a computer particularly for juggling school work, your daily job tasks or even running a business.

I started using a Mac at the beginning of my career, during a time when “creative” people were the majority operating these machines (I am dating myself here). Since then Macs have evolved and have even busted through that old stereotype. I have tried working on PCs, but their interface is clunky and not as user-friendly as a Mac. Ever since the introduction to the market in 1984, “a computer for real people,” they offer a graphical interface that is easily understood, combined with cutting-edge design. A powerhouse platform that provides efficiency for switching your computer gears when tackling those challenging days. The bottom line, if you want to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER when it comes to your computing demands a Mac is your answer.

Check out these 3 game-changing features that will have you humming along in your day:

1. Mission Control

With this valuable feature, you can bounce back and forth quicker from your running applications. Avoid the grind of searching through multiple open application windows but instead produce quicker work. Try this: go to System Preferences > Trackpad and Mouse > More Gestures > and select “Mission Control.” While you’re there, watch the performance of this gesture. Slide three-finger upward on your trackpad or double tap (not click) with two fingers on your Magic Mouse. Your desktop will expand to display all the applications that are currently running. Now move your pointer into the top edge of your screen to reveal a “plus” symbol at the far right. Click on this symbol to add more desktops to this top row. Click, hold and drag an application to one of these additional desktops. Repeat steps to organize all your open windows to your liking. Once complete, easily swipe side-to-side with three fingers over your trackpad (2 fingers swipe on your magic mouse) to move between each of your desktops. Get the most out of your workflow with this awesome feature, sit back and enjoy the ride!

2. Split View

Allows you to place two open applications side-by-side to take up the maximum article space on your screen. Now you can shave time off the clock by limiting your attention to work on two applications simultaneously on your desktop. A great example, open Safari, and the Notes app. Split View Safari by moving the pointer to the upper left of the window and click/hold green button. Now relocate the window to either the left or right side of your screen depending what plane you want to position the window (a transparent pane will appear behind it to help you determine location). Now click on the second application that you desire placed on the opposite side of your Split View. Tweak your set-up by clicking pointer on black vertical line and moving left or right. Split View is an excellent way to take up the most space on your desktop while operating to applications at the same time, side-by-side! Also, try using it in combination with Mission Control to get even more efficiency from your workflow.

3. Markup

If you are regularly sending documents or visuals back and forth through email to your clients here is an easy way to save time having to type up directions. Following the philosophy, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” With Markup, you can point out exactly what you want to tell your recipient on the actual visual. Try this: Screen capture an image, instead of typing loads of commentary into your email body, instead simply just drag the screen capture from your desktop into the body of the email. Once there, hover your pointer at the top right corner of your screen capture to reveal an arrow. Click on the arrow and select “Markup.” Your screen capture will superimpose out of the body of your email to allow you to add comments to your visual. Choose your formatting tools from the top bar of the window to get more specific with your direction or message. You can even add multiple visuals into the body of your email with various Markups for each. A powerful way to correspond with your client's back-and-forth, simple, easy and fast!