1. Discover OnlySwitch for Quick Access
One of the first apps you should consider is OnlySwitch. This free and open-source application allows you to add several useful toggles directly to your menu bar. This is especially beneficial for newer Macs. For instance, the Low Power Mode toggle can extend your Mac's runtime by almost 50% while maintaining reasonable performance for daily tasks.
I often find myself toggling Low Power Mode on when I'm outside, and instead of digging through settings each time, I now have it conveniently accessible with OnlySwitch. You can also add toggles for True Tone, Dark Mode, and any other shortcuts you frequently use. My favorite toggle? Hide Desktop Icons—it’s perfect when you need to share your screen or just admire your wallpaper.
2. Dynamic and Live Wallpapers
If you’re still sourcing wallpapers from Unsplash, you’re missing out! macOS Sonoma supports Dynamic and Live Wallpapers. Apps like Dynamic Wallpaper offer stunning options like the cherry blossom live wallpaper or a whimsical corgi in a hot air balloon.
Dynamic wallpapers change throughout the day, reflecting different times like day and night, while new features introduced in Sonoma allow for constant movement on the lock screen. Keep an eye out for third-party wallpapers that leverage this effect!
3. Take Advantage of Window Snapping
With the introduction of new window snapping features in macOS Sonoma, organizing your workspace has never been easier. You can arrange multiple windows simultaneously—flip-flopping them left and right or moving them into quarters. Unlike Windows, there's no annoying prompt asking what you want on the other side; it simply tiles the most recently used apps.
If you frequently arrange windows, consider customizing the keyboard shortcut for this feature through System Preferences > Keyboard > App Shortcuts for easier access.
4. Streamline Your Workflow with Drop Over
The Drop Over app simplifies file management. You can temporarily hold items and jiggle to create a new space for them. This is useful not just for files, but also for links and images from websites. For example, while researching restaurants, I can drag and drop multiple images and menus into a Drop Over shelf, making it easier to share with friends later.
While Drop Over is a paid app, Drop Shelf is a free alternative that provides basic functionality for temporary file storage.
5. Utilize iPhone Mirroring for Seamless Use
macOS Sonoma allows for iPhone mirroring, enabling you to bring up a virtual iPhone screen on your Mac. This is especially helpful for apps that may not run well on macOS, such as health journals or smart device controllers.
Not only can you launch apps directly from your Mac, but you can also manage notifications from iPhone apps, keeping you updated without reaching for your phone constantly. To customize which notifications you receive, go to Settings > Notifications > iPhone.
6. Optimize Your Screenshot Workflow
By default, taking screenshots on Mac requires four keys. To simplify this, change your settings to save screenshots directly to the clipboard. This prevents a cluttered desktop filled with unnecessary files. Combined with the app Macki, which keeps a history of copied items, managing screenshots becomes more streamlined.
7. Enhance Your Notes with Pron Notes
While Apple Notes has improved significantly, incorporating features like collapsible sections and audio recording, it can still feel limited. Pron Notes enhances Apple Notes by providing formatting shortcuts and a convenient toolbar for quickly converting text to titles or checklists. This upgrade makes organizing your notes a breeze!
8. Explore Safari’s New Features
Safari has introduced several exciting features in Sonoma. For instance, the High Distraction Items feature allows you to remove annoying pop-ups with a simple click.
Additionally, you can enjoy a Picture-in-Picture mode, allowing videos to float above other applications. This is perfect for multitasking while keeping an eye on your favorite shows.
9. Monitor Your System with iStats Menu
If you're noticing your Mac slowing down, check out the iStats Menu app. This application provides a clear overview of your Mac’s performance directly from the menu bar, showing RAM usage, temperatures of key components, and data usage—all customizable to your preferences.
10. Leverage Built-In Camera Features
macOS Sonoma has introduced camera features like background swap, segmentation, and portrait blur, which can be utilized in any video calling app. These enhancements help you present a more polished image during calls.
11. Integrate Reminders with Calendar
You can now add reminders directly in the Calendar app, integrating tasks with your scheduling. Although Google Calendar has offered this feature for a while, it’s a welcome addition for Apple users.
12. Create Custom Widgets for Your Desktop
macOS Sonoma makes it easy to add widgets directly to your desktop. The Bears widget offers a fun countdown to upcoming events, while apps like Widger and Color Widgets provide useful and aesthetic options.
For weather updates, the Weather Graph widget shows temperature trends throughout the day, sunset times, and wind speeds—all crucial for planning your day.
13. Enable Hot Corners for Quick Desktop Access
Set up Hot Corners to quickly view your desktop, giving you a clearer view of your customized setup and making it easier to access files saved on your desktop.
14. Enable Stacks for Desktop Organization
Finally, if you haven’t already, enable Stacks for your desktop. This feature automatically organizes files into neat categories, significantly decluttering your workspace.
Conclusion
With these tips and tools, you can elevate your Mac experience, making it not just a device for work but a powerful productivity hub. If you have any other cool apps or features that you've discovered, share them in the comments below! Happy computing!
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Image Source: MacRumours via Google Images.
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