» Mac Tips»Boost Productivity: 16 Efficiency Tips for Using the Touch Bar on Your MacBook Pro
The Touch Bar replaces traditional function keys with a dynamic, multi-touch display that adapts to different applications, providing context-specific tools and shortcuts. Whether you're editing photos or browsing the web, this customizable feature puts essential controls at your fingertips, helping you work faster and more efficiently. Embrace the Touch Bar to unlock new levels of productivity with your MacBook Pro.
Here are some tips to get the most out of your Touch Bar:
The Control Strip is the area on the right side of the Touch Bar that contains system controls like brightness, volume, and media playback.
To customize it, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Customize Control Strip. Drag and drop the icons you use most frequently.
Many apps have custom Touch Bar controls that appear when the app is active. Explore different apps to see what they offer.
For example, in Safari, you can see tabs, bookmarks, and search; in Photoshop, you have access to brush settings and other tools.
You can quickly access the traditional function keys (F1-F12) by holding down the
You can also set the Touch Bar to show function keys by default for specific apps by going to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Function Keys.
Create Quick Actions in Automator and add them to the Touch Bar for easy access to frequently used tasks.
Go to System Preferences > Extensions > Touch Bar to add Quick Actions.
Use the Touch Bar to control media playback with the play, pause, fast forward, and rewind buttons. You can also scrub through media by dragging the progress bar.
The Touch Bar includes a Siri button for quick access to Apple's virtual assistant. Use it to set reminders, send messages, or get information without leaving your current task.
Easily access emojis by tapping the smiley face icon in the Touch Bar when typing in a text field.
When typing, the Touch Bar can show predictive text suggestions, which can speed up your typing by suggesting words and phrases.
Adjust system settings like brightness, volume, and keyboard backlight by tapping the respective icons in the Control Strip.
Quickly take screenshots using the Touch Bar. You can customize the Touch Bar to include a screenshot button through System Preferences > Keyboard > Customize Control Strip....
Use the Touch Bar in Safari for quick access to open tabs, favorites, and search. Tap on a tab preview to switch to that tab.
Many apps allow you to customize the Touch Bar within the app settings. Look for customization options in the app's preferences.
In the Calendar app, the Touch Bar shows your upcoming events and lets you add new ones quickly.
In the Mail app, the Touch Bar provides buttons for composing, replying, archiving, and deleting emails, as well as formatting options for composing messages.
If you're using word processors like Pages or Microsoft Word, the Touch Bar can be used to accept/reject changes and format text.
If you need accessibility options, the Touch Bar can be customized to include buttons for VoiceOver, Zoom, and other accessibility features.
By customizing the Touch Bar to suit your needs and exploring the app-specific functions, you can greatly enhance your efficiency and make your MacBook Pro experience more enjoyable. Hope this post can help you know more about this little bar, that's all!
