11 Things You Should Stop Doing on Your Mac for a Smoother Experience

Do you often find yourself struggling with repetitive tasks or clunky workflows on your Mac? You’re not alone. Many users stick to outdated methods simply because they aren’t aware of better alternatives. In this guide, we’ll explore 11 common practices to stop right now and replace with smarter, more efficient ways to use your Mac.

Key Takeaways

• Boost Efficiency: Learn quick tips to enhance your productivity.
• Simplify Tasks: Discover built-in features and tools to streamline your workflow.
• Avoid Mistakes: Prevent common pitfalls that can waste time and cause frustration.

Let’s dive in and transform your Mac experience.

Stop Rewriting Text Over and Over

If you frequently type out the same information—like your email address, phone number, or home address—there’s a better way. macOS offers a feature called Text Replacements that can save you time.

How to Set Up Text Replacements:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Click on Keyboard.
3. Under Text Input, select Text Replacements.
4. Click the + icon.
5. In the Replace field, type your shortcut (e.g., “@@”).
6. In the With field, enter the text you want to replace it with.
7. Click Add, then Done.

Now, whenever you type your shortcut, the full text will automatically appear. This is great not just for email addresses or phone numbers, but also for long email templates or frequently used phrases.

Stop Using Notes for Scanning Images

While the Notes app can scan documents with your iPhone or iPad, you can actually do this in other apps or directly in Finder for more flexibility.

Alternative Scanning Methods:

1. Mail App: In a new email, click the image icon and select “Import from iPhone or iPad.”
2. Finder: Right-click in the desired folder, select “Import from iPhone or iPad,” and follow the prompts.

This way, you can easily capture and save documents or photos directly where you need them.

Stop Trying to Keep Your Mac Awake Manually

If you need your Mac to stay awake for a process or recording, instead of constantly moving your mouse, use Terminal.

How to Prevent Sleep Mode:

1. Open Spotlight Search by pressing Command + Spacebar.
2. Type “Terminal” and open it.
3. Type caffeinate and press Enter.

As long as Terminal is open, your Mac won’t go to sleep. Close Terminal to return to normal sleep settings.

Stop Using Third-Party Services to Send Large Files

Why rely on third-party services when you can use your Mac’s Mail app with iCloud for sending large files?

Sending Large Files via Mail:

1. Attach your file to an email.
2. iCloud automatically uploads it.
3. The recipient gets a download link, avoiding file size restrictions.

This method is more secure and convenient than using external file-sharing services.

Stop Using External Tools for Screen Sharing

Your Mac has built-in screen-sharing capabilities that can replace third-party apps like Zoom.

Using Built-In Screen Sharing:

1. Open Spotlight Search by pressing Command + Spacebar.
2. Type “Screen Sharing” and open the app.
3. Click the + icon.
4. Enter the iCloud email address of the person you want to connect with.
5. Click Connect.

The recipient will receive a notification to share their screen or grant control to you.

Stop Manually Converting Images

Avoid uploading images to random websites for conversion. macOS has built-in tools for this task.

Converting Images Using Quick Actions:

1. Select images in Finder.
2. Right-click and choose Quick Actions > Convert Image.
3. Choose the format (JPEG, PNG, or HEIF) and size.
4. Click Convert.

This will handle your image conversions safely and efficiently.

Stop Using Your Mac Webcam for Meetings

The built-in webcam on your Mac may not offer the best quality for important meetings. Instead, use your iPhone as a high-quality webcam.

Using Your iPhone as a Webcam:

1. Ensure both devices are signed in to the same Apple ID with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
2. Open an app like FaceTime on your Mac.
3. Your Mac should recognize the iPhone as a camera source.

Consider investing in a Belkin iPhone mount for a stable setup.

Stop Using Third-Party Services to Share Images with Android Users

Instead of relying on third-party services, you can use the Photos app to share images with Android users.

Sharing Photos via iCloud:

1. Select the photos in Photos app.
2. Right-click and choose Share.
3. Tap Copy iCloud Link.

This generates a temporary iCloud album link that you can share. Recipients have 30 days to view or download the images.

Stop Using Your Thumb and Finger to Drag Items

Dragging items with your thumb and finger on a trackpad can be cumbersome. Instead, enable three-finger dragging for an easier experience.

Enabling Three-Finger Dragging:

1. Go to System Settings.
2. Select Accessibility > Pointer Control.
3. Click Trackpad Options.
4. Enable Use Trackpad for Dragging and set the Dragging Style to Three Finger Drag.

This allows you to move windows or items with just three fingers, making dragging simpler.

Stop Printing and Scanning PDFs

Don’t waste time printing, filling out, and scanning PDFs. Use the Preview app for filling out forms directly on your Mac.

Filling Out PDFs in Preview:

1. Open the PDF in Preview.
2. Use the autofill button to create fields for typing.
3. Save and send the completed PDF.

For signatures, you can draw directly on your trackpad or use your iPhone/iPad to sign electronically.

Stop Accidentally Deleting Files

To protect your important template files from accidental changes or deletions, use the Stationery Pad feature.

Setting Up Stationery Pad:

1. Right-click the file and select Get Info.
2. Check the Stationery Pad box.

This turns the file into a template that always creates a new copy when opened. Alternatively, use Locked to make a file read-only.

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By implementing these tips, you can significantly streamline your Mac usage, reduce repetitive tasks, and improve overall productivity. Whether you’re a seasoned user or just getting started, these changes will make your daily computer tasks smoother and more efficient.