One of the best features of macOS is the built-in tools that comes preinstalled on the OS. Yes, there are many nice in-built tools designed to boost your experience without you necessarily looking around for third-party options. The problem is that most Mac users tend to overlook or know little about these inbuilt tools on the OS. In this regard, let us enlighten you on some of the best in-built tools in your Mac that you should use more often.
Dictation
Do you know that you do not have to use your keyboard to type on Mac? Well, there is a dictation feature that allows you to speak to your Mac for 30 seconds at a time, and as you do so, words appear on the text field. If you want to add punctuation marks to your text, you just have to say it loud, for example, ‘Comma’ or ‘Full stop’, and the feature will do as per your command. Dictation is available in MacOS X Mountain Lion and the other versions after. Access the dictation feature by clicking your Apple menu, System Preferences, and then Dictation and speech. macOS X, like Mavericks, even allows you to use the dictation feature with no internet connection.
Preview
Preview is another quite underrated application on MacOS. Preview is an In-built application for PDF files and image files like PNG, GIF, and JPG. It allows you to view, crop, rotate, and resize image files. Moreover, the app will enable you to annotate a document, magnify, and crop a particular section of a document and insert new pages in a file. With the app, you can add a signature to a soft copy of a document. You can try out using the app by opening Finder Menu, Applications, and then click on Preview. If a different application has taken over as a default app for your Image and PDF files, you can make the changes in the Finder. You can also control/ right-click the file you want to open, click on Open with, and then select Preview.
Terminal
The terminal is another in-built application in Mac that allows you to control your device through command prompts. You can use the mac terminal to execute virtually any task, especially if you are tech-savvy enough to interact with the tool. If you are a beginner in the macOS Unix environment, you can take time, and learn a few basic commands and functions. Once you grasp the basics, you will find it easy to progress to the command prompts for complex tasks. Ensure you are conversant with the tool before using it for complex tasks. You type in the wrong command and you might end up in murky waters!
Grapher
MacOS version 10.4 and all the succeeding versions have Grapher, a powerful tool for the math geeks and those that find equations browbeating. Grapher creates 2D and 3D graphs from both simple and complex math equations. The app can even chart multiple equations at a go. Access the application by opening Finder, Utilities, Applications, and then Grapher. The tool’s interface has three panes; At the top is the equation editor, On the left the equation list, and then the graphic area. The app also allows for editing like a change of color and line type using the inspector button at the interface’s right corner.
Automator
Why are you doing repetitive tasks when your Mac can do it for you? Automator is an essential tool in time management as it reduces the amount of time used on repetitive activities. If you intend to make the same changes to multiple files, for example, resizing images or changing files name, this is the app for you. Automator can quit the specified application at a specified time and days. Make a built-in action by adding your scripts to your workflow, and your tasks will be automated. Access the tool by opening Finder, Applications, and then Automator.
Wi-Fi diagnostic
Wi-Fi diagnostic tool a perfect tool to enhance the optimal performance of your Wi-Fi network. Suppose you are having trouble loading webpages or sending and receiving email yet connected to your Wi-Fi router. In that case, this tool can help analyze the connection of the network to the internet. Upon analysis, the tool generates a list of detected issues as well as all the possible solutions. The Wi-Fi diagnostic tool also generates a compressed file that can help your Wi-Fi service providers or IT support team. Then, the tool has a Record Event Functions that logs in any attempt by someone to connect to the network. Access the Wi-Fi diagnostic by Opening Finder, Go, System, Library, Core services, and then Wi-Fi diagnostic.
Podcast publisher
Apple developers have a solution to podcasters, too known as the podcast publisher. This tool records high-quality audio and video podcasts and even real-time Mac’s screen to create a demo. It has editing features like trimming that makes it easy to remove the unnecessary parts in a podcast. After creating a podcast, you can export it to iTunes, your desktop, or publish it on your library server. Access the Podcast publisher by opening the Finder, Applications, Utilities, and then Podcast Publisher.
Screen sharing
The screen sharing feature in Mac enables you to control or observe another person’s screen on your Mac. You can open their applications, open, close, and move windows and files, or see what they are doing on their screen. With this feature, you can help someone troubleshoot their Mac or guide them through downloading or installing an application. It is also nice that you can collaborate on a project with someone else via screen sharing. You can turn on Mac screen sharing by clicking on the Apple icon, System Preferences, and then sharing. In the dialogue that appears, enter the other user Apple ID, then click connect. The other user will receive a connection request, and after accepting it, they will receive another request which options between allowing you to observe them use the screen or allowing you to control their screen. You can use Back to my Mac to share your Mac Screen on a remote network if you have an iCloud account.
Tip: Beware of the dangers of sharing your screen and only share to people you trust.
Wrap up
Your Mac has tons of built-in tools that can better your experience and increase your productivity. The tools we have covered are just but examples of preinstalled tools on your Mac, depending on your version. Explore and find more free preinstalled apps you can use. Remember, the best things in the world are always free!
