Why I Started Collecting macOS Workflow Tips
I’ve used both Windows and macOS for years — Windows mainly for gaming, macOS for everything else. Over time, I ended up with small habits and system tweaks that make working on a Mac noticeably smoother. These macOS workflow tips aren’t technical or niche; they work for anyone who uses a Mac daily, regardless of job or background.
The goal is simple: make the computer disappear and help you stay focused on the actual task.
Use macOS Gestures To Move Between Tasks Faster
The trackpad is one of the biggest reasons I prefer macOS. The gestures are natural once you learn them, and they replace a lot of manual window switching.
My essentials:
- Three fingers up → Mission Control
- Three fingers down → Bring a window back to the front
- Three fingers left/right → Switch desktops
I usually keep a separate desktop for Spotify, another for Slack or Teams, and the main one for work. It keeps the workspace clean and makes it easy to jump between context areas without stacking windows on top of each other.
Hide the Dock To Reduce Distractions
Go to:
System Settings → Desktop & Dock → Automatically hide and show the Dock
The effect is subtle but noticeable. Without the Dock constantly visible, you stop glancing at notification badges or app icons. When you really need it, moving your mouse to the bottom edge brings it back instantly.
It keeps the screen calmer and helps you stay in the task you’re doing.
Rectangle: Simple Window Management That Works
Rectangle is the first app I install on any new Mac. The built-in macOS window snapping has improved recently, but Rectangle still feels faster and smoother.
My most-used shortcuts:
- ⌃ + ⌥ + ← / → → move window to left or right half
- ⌃ + ⌥ + Return → fullscreen
- ⌃ + ⌥ + ↑ → top half (when I need a quick split layout)
You don’t need all the features — even two or three shortcuts save a surprising amount of time throughout the day. And the app is lightweight and free, which makes it an easy recommendation.
Learn the Shortcuts of the Apps You Actually Use
The biggest productivity gains come from knowing the shortcuts inside the apps you spend most of your time in.
A couple of examples:
- Notes → bullet list with ⌘ + ⇧ + L
- Finder → new tab with ⌘ + T, close with ⌘ + W
- Browsers → same tab shortcuts as Finder
Take a few minutes to check the shortcut list inside the apps you rely on. You’ll almost always find a few that instantly make your workflow smoother. It takes a bit of repetition to remember them, but once they stick, you work faster without even thinking about it.
Remove Visual Clutter From Your Apps
Almost every app has toolbars, panels, or buttons that you never touch. Hiding them helps keep the interface focused on what you’re actually doing.
It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but cleaner tools reduce the mental noise around the task. If you’ve ever opened a note-taking app that shows ten panels you don’t use, you know the feeling.
Spend a moment customizing your main tools — they don’t need to look like the default layout.
Use Hardware That Plays Well With macOS
If you use your Mac with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, it’s worth choosing gear that works smoothly with macOS.
I’m using the Logitech MX Keys and MX Master 3S, which I wrote about in another post. They support macOS gestures and shortcuts properly and make switching between devices painless.
Good hardware isn’t about “feel good tech”. It removes friction so you stop thinking about tools while working.
Key Takeaways
- macOS gestures are one of the easiest ways to move faster between tasks
- Hiding the Dock reduces distractions with zero downside
- Rectangle gives you proper window management on macOS
- Small app-specific shortcuts add up to real speed over time
- Cleaner interfaces help you focus better
- Hardware that supports macOS well makes a difference in everyday work
Final Thoughts
macOS already gives you the building blocks for a smooth workflow — gestures, multiple desktops, quick navigation, simple settings. With a few changes, the whole system becomes much easier to use. These macOS workflow tips are things I’ve picked up over years of using MacBooks, and they continue to make everyday work lighter and more organized.
