For the second half of last year, Apple made more than $5.5 billion worth in Mac computers. 

Consumers are getting Mac computers because they are user-friendly and they last longer than many other options.

If you just got a Mac, you will need to discover all of the hacks and shortcuts that you can take. 

Continue reading to discover cool Mac tricks that you can try on your new computer! 

1. Relocate Your Dock

If you want to impress people with cool Mac tricks, being able to relocate the dock may do it! 

When you are focused on work and need the entirety of your screen, you can press Command-Option-D to hide the dock. Typically the dock is on the bottom of your screen, displaying your most used and open applications. 

If you need to bring back your dock, simply press the same keys again. 

For those that have multiple screens and want to relocate the dock, put your cursor over the bottom center of the screen to move it. The dock will end up jumping sides until you move it again.  

2. Get Quick Calculations

Finding the calculator app can be difficult when it is lost in other applications.

To quickly solve math problems, you can go into Spotlight. Press Command-Spacebar and Spotlight should open up. Once it is open, you can type in the math problem for an answer.

To get rid of this screen you can just press ESC to close it out. 

3. Take a Shot on Your Screen

Taking screenshots on your Mac can come in handy for many different reasons. 

If you are working or need to prove confirmation, you can simply take a photo of your computer screen, without having to use your phone’s camera. If you want to take a picture of your entire screen, which includes everything you see, you must press Command-Shift-3. This will save a photo file for all of the displays. 

To take a screenshot in certain windows will require you to press Command-Shift-4 at the same time, then let go and press Spacebar. At this point, you can simply click the window that you want to have a picture taken. 

Taking a screenshot doesn’t have to include everything in your view. You can press Command-Shift-4 and use the crosshair to highlight the areas you want to be captured. 

4. Clear Your Files

Are you the type of person that will let files accumulate until you can barely locate them?

To quickly delete your files, all you need to do is select it and then press Command-Delete. This will instantly transfer your document into the trash bin so that you can go on with your day.  

When the trash bin becomes too full, press Command-Shift-Delete to empty the folder. 

5. Define Words Without a Book

Did you know that you have access to a dictionary on your Mac computer?

You can look up the definition and basic information of words by opening the Spotlight application and entering them in. You can quickly hover your cursor over the word you want to search and press the touchpad with three fingers. 

This will open a window with details about the word including definitions, a thesaurus, and top information. 

6. Sign Your Name

Many jobs require people to sign documents and have a signature at the bottom of their emails. 

This can become a pain if you use the scanner or don’t know how to get it done electronically. As long as your Mac comes with an iSight camera and OS X Yosemite, you can digitally sign your name.

Up in the toolbar on your document, you will see a button with a cursive letter on it. Select this option and Create a Signature to write a new one. Once you have created signatures, they will save for easy reference. 

7. Use Emojis 

Many people are used to responding to others from their phones and they can use emojis.

If you are using your Mac and want access to the emoji keyboard, all you need to do is hit Command-Control-Spacebar. This will allow you access to emojis on your keyboard.

It is important to note, however, that not all text boxes on your computer will be able to enter emojis. This is best used for texting and emailing other people. When emojis are unable to translate, they will appear as a triangle on your screen. 

8. Share Files With Other People

To quickly share your files with coworkers and other students in a class, you can press the Share button.

This button looks like an arrow going up and out of a box. When you press this button, your most frequent contacts will pop-up for quick reference. Sharing files with Airdrop is typically quick and easy if you have your Bluetooth enabled. 

9. Talk to Your Mac

Learning how to record audio on Mac computers can come in handy and so can communicating with your device! 

Dictation has been the standard way of speaking to your computer, but there is a much quicker way. By pressing Command-Space for a couple of seconds, you will be able to click on Siri. 

Newer Macs will open Siri by saying, “Hey Siri.” Once Siri is opened, you can ask questions and direct them on what you want to be done. 

10. Get Rid of Notifications 

Notifications can become distracting throughout the day if they aren’t helpful.

They can also make you feel more overwhelmed! If you need to focus and don’t want these distractions, you can turn them off temporarily. 

By going into the Notification Center on your Mac, you can select the ON button for Do Not Disturb. This will keep your window free of distracting pop-ups. 

Use These Cool Mac Tricks on Your Computer

Getting a computer can be fun and exciting. However, it can take a lot of time figuring out how to navigate on the computer and get things done.

By utilizing this guide, you can discover cool Mac tricks that will shorten work times and impress other people. 

Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about using your technology to the fullest and to get the value you paid for!