How to Boost Productivity of Your Mac 

Renowned for its innovative technology, the Mac is an extremely powerful tool that can help boost productivity in several ways. However, like any machine, it is always up to its user to take full advantage of its capabilities.

If you’re eager to try some new ways to get more out of your Mac, there are some simple tips to boost Mac productivity today:

1. Keep Your Desktop Organized

Although it may seem like a no-brainer, it’s incredible how much of a difference it can make to keep your desktop clean and organized. A messy desktop can be a significant distraction, making it challenging to find the files and applications you need.

To prevent your desktop from getting out of hand, take a few minutes daily to tidy up your main screen. Often, it’s recommended only to keep folders, apps, or files on your desktop if you’re planning to use them regularly. In addition, it’s best to get rid of all the unnecessary screenshots that may have built up.

2. Use Keyboard Shortcuts

One great thing about Macs is that there are keyboard shortcuts, which can save you a lot of time when working. For example, you can use the shortcut Command-Shift-F instead of opening the Finder to find a file. To see a list of all the keyboard shortcuts available on your Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts.

2. Use Mission Control

Mission Control is a great way to see all the open windows and applications on your Mac so you can quickly switch between them. To open Mission Control, click the Mission Control icon in the Dock or use the shortcut Control-Up Arrow.

3. Use apps that boost productivity

When it comes to boosting your productivity on your Mac, there are a lot of apps you can download. For example, task managers can help you keep track of your to-dos, and note-taking apps can help you keep track of your notes and ideas.

4. Take breaks

Although it might seem counterintuitive, intermittent breaks can help increase your productivity.

When you take a break, you’re giving your mind a chance to rest and recharge, which can help you focus more when working. To set break reminders, you can download timer apps on your Mac.

5. Purge your files

If you have a lot of files on your Mac, it can start to slow down. To speed things up, take some time to remove purgeable files that you don’t need anymore regularly. You can do this by going through your Finder window and deleting files or using an app to scan your drive and find large files you can delete.

6. Set up a distraction-free environment

If you find yourself distracted by emails, social media, or other websites when trying to work, try setting up a distraction-free environment on your Mac. A popular way to get rid of distractions on your Mac is to use apps to block distracting websites for a certain period.

7. Use a productivity method

There are many different productivity methods out there, and finding the right one for you can make a key difference in your overall Mac productivity. Some popular productivity methods include the Pomodoro Technique and Getting Things Done (GTD), which you can do manually or with Mac-supported apps.

8. Get organized

A big part of productivity is knowing where things are when you need them. An organized Mac helps you find items or files quickly when needed.

Thankfully, there are many ways to get organized on your Mac. But the most straightforward way is to use the app Finder to create folders and subfolders to store your files.

9. Track your time

Tracking your time can help you see where you’re spending the most time and identify areas where you can cut back. Although there are many ways to track your time on your Mac, one popular way is to utilize Apple’s built-in Screen Time app.

10. Simplify your Mac’s interface

Because it can make it harder to find things when needed, a cluttered desktop can be a massive distraction. To simplify your Mac’s interface, hide the Dock and put your desktop icons in folders. With this, you can avoid unnecessary visual noise.

11. Keep your Mac up-to-date

One of the best ways to keep your Mac running smoothly and efficiently is to ensure you’re using the latest version of macOS. In some cases, your Mac may be having issues because you’re using an outdated version of the macOS.

Updates often resolve critical security flaws that help prevent malware from slowing down your device. To check for updates, go to the App Store and click on the Updates tab.

12. Automate your workflow

If you routinely perform the same tasks for set periods, there’s a good chance you can automate them to save time. There are endless ways to automate your workflow on your Mac, such as using its built-in settings to wake your device up at a particular time or curating the apps that open during your device startup.

When it comes to making your Mac more productive, it doesn’t have to be a big challenge. In fact, you can do the little things that make the most difference for your workflow. For example, if you’re a designer or developer, you may want to consider using Google Chrome extensions that can help support your daily tasks.