What Can You Do on a Mac? A Must-Read New User’s Guide

Apple is one of the largest tech companies in the world. Given that, it’s not surprising to know that they have a market value of over $1 trillion.

Aside from the iPhone, which is their most popular product, they’re also known for their personal computers, aka Macs. They might not be the cheapest, but most would say that they’re worth it.

Did you recently get one? Asking yourself the question, “what can you do on a mac”? If so, you’re on the right page.

We’ll be going over everything that you need to know about these computers below—so make sure to read the rest of the post!

About Mac Computers

Mac refers to Apple’s line of Macintosh computers. Introduced in 1984, they’ve come a long way over the past few decades.

As you may know, there are several different models, including the iMac, iMac Pro, Mac Mini, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. Aside from appearance, they also differ in terms of specs and features.

For example, all MacBook Pros come with a Touch Bar and Touch ID.

What Can You Do on a Mac? 9 Things to Know

Using a Mac for the first time? Here are a few things that you can do with these computers.

1. Record Your Screen

Macs come with a built-in feature that allows you to record your screen. In other words, you don’t have to use any third-party programs.

As you can imagine, this can come in handy. For example, you can use it to create a tutorial video for work.

All you have to do is open up QuickTime. Tap on “File” at the top of the window and select “New Screen Recording.” From there, just hit the record button.

Tip: You can click and drag your mouse cursor to record a specific part of the screen.

2. Backup Your Data

Macs come with a built-in software called Time Machine. With it, you can back up your entire computer including apps, system files, photos, documents, music, and more.

It’s easy to use too—all you have to do is turn it on and it’ll automatically start to back up everything (you can choose the frequency). Depending on the size of your drive, you may want to connect an external hard disk.

3. Connect Bluetooth Devices

All modern models come with built-in support for Bluetooth. For example, you can use AirPods with your Mac.

To connect a device, make sure that it’s turned on and discoverable. From there, open System Preferences on your Mac and select Bluetooth.

You should see the device in the list. Simply click on it and it will connect automatically.

4. Look up a Word

Macs come with a built-in dictionary app that allows you to look up words quickly. It’s not just for webpages either, you can also use it in an app.

To look up a definition, Control-click a word or phrase. A shortcut menu will come up; select “Look up” from the top.

Alternatively, you can tap on the trackpad with three fingers if you’re using one.

5. Run Windows

Believe it or not but you can run Windows on your Mac. This can come in handy when you want to use software that’s not available for macOS.

There are a few ways that you can do it. For example, you can run Windows with a virtualization app such as Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion.

There’s also the option of using Boot Camp to create a Windows partition on your hard drive. That way, you can choose which operating system to use when you start your Mac.

6. Take Screenshots of Any Size

With Macs, you can take screenshots of any size. Simply press Shift + Command + 4 and you’ll be able to select the part of the screen that you want to take a snap of.

Of course, you can capture the entire screen as well. To do that, press Shift + Command + 3. By default, all screenshots will be saved on your desktop.

7. Make a Keyboard Shortcut for Anything

Want to save some time? Considering making your own shortcuts. Open System Preferences from the Apple Menu and select Keyboard > App Shortcuts.

You’ll see a + button near the bottom—click it to add a new shortcut. There will be a drop-down menu from which you can choose which app you want to apply it to.

The only thing is that you have to know the exact name of the menu command.

8. Annotate PDFs

Macs allow you to annotate PDFs without having to download any additional software. You just have to open the file with PDF viewer, which also doubles as an editor.

If you want, you can even add your signature to the document. Just click the Markup icon and select Create Signature.

Once you’ve drawn your signature, you can insert it into the PDF document.

9. Rename Multiple Files at Once

Macs are different from Windows computers in that you can rename a batch of files all at once. That way, you’ll be able to save yourself some time!

Just highlight the files that you’d like to rename and click on “Rename [X number] items.” A window will pop up that’ll let you do it all in one go.

Have Fun With Your Mac Computer!

Now you can answer the question, “What can you do on a mac?”

As you can see, they come with many different features.

For more posts like this, why not check out the rest of our blog?