Mac settings guides

Read all 15 Mac Setup guides: settings paths, practical steps, before and after states, undo instructions, shortcuts and source references.

1. Show the Finder path bar

   Show the location and nested folders for the current file or folder near the bottom of a Finder window.

2. Show all filename extensions

   Show extensions such as .txt, .pdf, and .mov at the end of filenames so the file type is easier to identify.

3. Turn on Tap to Click

   Perform a click by tapping the trackpad with one finger instead of pressing it down.

4. Adjust trackpad tracking speed

   Increase pointer speed to suit your control preference. The third position from the right is this guide’s suggested starting point, not a universal setting.

5. Hide suggested and recent apps in the Dock

   Remove suggested and recently opened apps that macOS adds toward one end of the Dock when they are not already included there.

6. Minimize windows into the application icon

   Minimize an app window into its app icon instead of giving each minimized window a separate position in the Dock.

7. Set up Hot Corner workflows

   Use the bottom-right corner to show the desktop, and require Command with the top-right corner to put the display to sleep. Also limit wallpaper clicks that move windows out of the way.

8. Customize menu bar items

   Choose which system controls and app items appear on the right side of the menu bar, keeping the items you need to check or use quickly.

9. Keep folders on top

   When sorting by name, show folders first in alphabetical order, followed by files in alphabetical order.

10. Customize the Finder toolbar

    Keep the Finder actions you use most at the top of the window, so you do not have to look through menus every time.

11. Automatically switch to a document’s input source

    Let each open document use the input source previously chosen for it, even when you switch between documents.

12. Unlock your Mac with Apple Watch

    When you are wearing your unlocked Apple Watch and are near your Mac, use it to unlock the Mac without entering a password.

13. Drag items with three fingers

    Use three fingers to drag files, folders, or windows, then click or tap to drop. Check the gestures actually configured on the target Mac after enabling it.

14. Adjust mouse scrolling direction with Mos

    Mos is a separate app that you download and install. Keep Natural Scrolling on the trackpad while reversing an external mouse wheel independently, with optional smoother wheel movement.

15. Start with common keyboard shortcuts

    Use key combinations for common actions such as copy, paste, undo, switching apps, and searching, so you spend less time finding commands in menus.