If you're a Mac power user, you probably look toward third-party apps to boost your productivity. While the Mac App Store is filled with awesome productivity apps, you don't need to look that far for some immediate productivity influx.

So, let's talk about some little-known productivity features in macOS.

1. Text Replacement

Text Replacement sub-window in System Settings

The built-in text replacement feature in macOS allows you to type a shortcut, and it will automatically expand it for you. For example, you can create a text shortcut like "@e" for your email address.

The next time you type in the shortcut and press the spacebar, macOS will automatically replace it with your email address. This is also a great way to create your own emoji shortcuts.

To set it up, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacements and click the plus (+) button. Then type in the shortcut in the Replace field and the phrase in the With field.

Text Replacements won't work in some text-editing software and websites, including Microsoft Word and Google Docs. However, it will work when composing emails or texting in Messages. Your Text Replacements also sync across your Apple devices with the same Apple ID.

2. Spacebar to Preview Files

Preview image of a gamer girl smiling at the camera

When you have a file highlighted or selected in Finder, you can press Space or Force Click to preview it (also known as Quick Look). It works for almost everything: images, TextEdit documents, music, QuickTime videos, and more.

When you're moving files or transferring them, you can use this feature to make sure it's the file you want—without actually opening it. Also, once you've engaged the preview mode, just use Up and Down arrow keys to switch between different files.

3. Dictation

Dictation options in System Settings on macOS Ventura

macOS has a stellar dictation feature built-in. Once you've engaged the Dictation mode, whatever you say will be converted to text on-screen. The feature supports important action keywords like period, comma, next line, next paragraph, etc.

To enable the feature, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Dictation and turn it on. You can switch languages and accents by choosing from the options in Language. The default keyboard shortcut is the F5 function key on your desktop, but you can select a new one from the dropdown menu after clicking Shortcut.

4. Split View

Finder and Discord windows in Split View

If you want to work on two apps or windows simultaneously in macOS, you don't need to use a third-party Mac app to arrange them just right. Instead, click and hold the green Maximize button on your window, and you'll see an overlay asking if you want to go full-screen or tile the window left or right.

On the other side, you'll see all available windows for the Desktop you're in. Click on one, and now you have the two apps running side by side. Use the handle between two windows to adjust the app's horizontal space.

5. Use Spotlight for Everything

Spotlight Search with pate in its text field

The Spotlight feature in macOS gives you local and web searches in one place. Spotlight searches texts in images and can even do some quick mathematical calculations for you.

Chances are that Spotlight will get you where you need to go after a couple of keypresses. For things like launching documents, files, or starting apps, Spotlight can save you a lot of time.

6. Actually Useful Siri Commands

Siri adding a reminder to go to the doctor on macOS Ventura

Siri could be a really useful way to get things done on your Mac. Just like Spotlight, Siri can save you a lot of clicking around. Here are some useful things Siri can do for you:

  • Use Siri to call people by saying "FaceTime <contact>."
  • Tell Siri to add important reminders to your schedule.
  • Ask Siri about the weather.

7. Pin Tabs in Safari

Pinning a Gmail tab in Safari

Of all the many Safari features, I particularly enjoy using pinned tabs. Because of Safari's tab design, it's difficult to differentiate tabs once you have more than a dozen tabs going.

For a tab you use consistently throughout the day, just Control-click on it and select Pin Tab. The tab will now show up on the left edge with a little icon. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Command + 1 to jump to the first tab, Command + 2 to jump to the second tab, and so on.

8. Sign Documents Using the Trackpad

Signature signed with the trackpad in Preview

Preview is one of the most underrated apps on macOS. You should spend some time exploring everything the app can do. One thing that's immensely useful is the ability to sign documents by drawing your signature on the trackpad.

Go to Preview, open the document you wish to sign, click the Markup tool (a marker tip in a circle), and then the Sign icon. Make sure Trackpad is selected and click where it says Click Here to Begin.

You can now draw your signature on the trackpad. Once you're satisfied with it, click Done, and Preview will remember it (and sync it with your iPhone and iPad via iCloud). Next time you want to sign something, select and place the signature on the document.

9. Unlock Your Mac Using Apple Watch or Touch ID

Touch ID & Password in System Settings

You can use Touch ID or your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac (or both). This can save you some time trying to get into your device.

To access these options, go to System Settings > Touch ID & Password. Remember that your Apple Watch has to be paired with your iPhone for this option to show up here.

10. Use Night Shift

Control Centre's Display menu showing the Night Shift button

If you're working late nights on your Mac, the Night Shift feature will actually help you curb eye strain. Once enabled, the feature will swiftly turn your screen into a warmer shade of yellow. This way, you won't see bright blue light coming from the screen when everything around you is dark.

To enable this feature, head to the Control Center in the menu bar, expand Display, and toggle on Night Shift.

11. Place Something in Hot Corners

Hot Corners open in System Settings

Hot Corners is a nifty way to access some useful macOS features, like Quick Notes. All you have to do is move your mouse to any of the four corners of your screen while you're on the desktop.

You can set up Hot Corners by heading over to System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Hot Corners.

12. Get Definitions With a Force Click

Using Look-Up while reading something in Books

Even though Spotlight can help you look up definitions, it could be distracting while doing something immersive, like reading a book. That's where Look up comes in; you can configure Look up so that you can force-click words for quick definitions.

Navigate to System Settings > Trackpad > Look up & data detectors, and select Force Click with One Finger.

13. Use Stage Manager to Organize Multiple Windows

macOS Desktop with Stage Manager activated

Stage Manager tiles all your minimized windows to the left side of the desktop, allowing you to select their thumbnails when you need them. It's pretty useful for keeping things organized and within view.

You can turn it on from Control Center > Stage Manager. And if you configure it correctly, Stage Manager can help you be more productive.

You should use your trackpad gestures to navigate your desktop. With gestures activated, you can swipe between desktops and see all app windows and desktops with Mission Control.

Go to System Settings > Trackpad > More Gestures to choose what gestures work for you.

Stick to Essential macOS Productivity Hacks

Nowadays, macOS is packed with all kinds of features, some useful, others not so much. But it all depends on who's using them. While these are all cool productivity hacks, some might be inconvenient for your work style.

Don't feel pressured to utilize all of them; only pick the ones you think are genuinely helpful and watch a boost in your productivity.