Overview

macOS offers powerful customisation options that most users never explore. This guide shows you how to set up widgets, master keyboard shortcuts, and configure Mission Control for maximum efficiency.

Step 1: Set Up Widgets

Widgets provide quick access to information without opening apps.

1

Access Widget Centre

Click the date/time in the menu bar, or press Control + Command + N to open Notification Centre and widgets.

2

Add Useful Widgets

Scroll to the bottom and click "Edit Widgets". Add these productivity widgets:

Calendar: See upcoming meetings at a glance
Reminders: Track tasks without opening the app
Weather: Quick weather checks
Stocks: Monitor markets (if relevant)
Notes: Quick access to pinned notes

3

Arrange Widgets

Drag widgets to reorder. Place most-used widgets at the top. Remove unused widgets by clicking the minus button.

Pro Tip: Keep only 3-5 widgets visible. Too many creates clutter and slows down the widget centre.

Step 2: Master Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts dramatically speed up your workflow.

1

Essential System Shortcuts

Learn these core shortcuts:

Command + Space: Spotlight search (find anything instantly)
Command + Tab: Switch between apps
Command + W: Close window
Command + Q: Quit application
Command + ,: Open app preferences
Command + H: Hide current app

2

Window Management Shortcuts

Control + Command + F: Enter full screen
Command + M: Minimise window
Command + `: Switch between windows of same app
Control + Up Arrow: Open Mission Control

3

Create Custom Shortcuts

System Settings → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts → App Shortcuts. Click + to add custom shortcuts for menu items in specific apps.

Step 3: Configure Mission Control

Mission Control organises multiple desktops and windows.

1

Create Multiple Desktops

Press Control + Up Arrow to open Mission Control. Click + in the top right to create new desktop spaces. Organise by task:

Desktop 1: Email and communication
Desktop 2: Focused work (documents, code)
Desktop 3: Web browsing and research
Desktop 4: Media and creative apps

2

Navigate Between Desktops

Control + Left/Right Arrow: Move between desktops
Control + Number (1-9): Jump to specific desktop
Four-finger swipe left/right: Trackpad gesture

3

Optimise Mission Control Settings

System Settings → Desktop & Dock → Mission Control:

Enable "Displays have separate Spaces" (for multi-monitor setups)
Disable "Automatically rearrange Spaces" (keeps desktops in order)
Enable "Group windows by application"

Step 4: Optimise the Dock

1

Remove Unused Apps

Right-click apps you don't use daily → Options → Remove from Dock. Keep only 5-10 essential apps for a cleaner workspace.

2

Configure Dock Settings

System Settings → Desktop & Dock:

Set size to small/medium (large Dock wastes screen space)
Enable "Automatically hide and show the Dock" for more screen space
Disable "Show recent applications in Dock" to reduce clutter
Set "Minimise windows into application icon" (tidier)

3

Add Folders for Quick Access

Drag frequently used folders (Downloads, Documents, Projects) to the right side of the Dock. Right-click → Display as Folder for quick file access.

Step 5: Configure Finder for Productivity

1

Customise Sidebar

Finder → Settings → Sidebar. Add frequently accessed folders, remove unused items. Drag folders directly into the sidebar for quick access.

2

Set Up Useful Views

List View (Command + 2): Best for most file browsing
Column View (Command + 3): Excellent for navigating nested folders
View → Show Path Bar (shows current folder hierarchy)
View → Show Status Bar (displays file count and available space)

3

Enable Useful Features

Finder → Settings → Advanced:

Enable "Show all filename extensions"
Set "When performing a search" to "Search the Current Folder"
Keep "Remove items from the Trash after 30 days" enabled