How to use Spaces Efficiently on MacOS? Have you ever been in a situation where the screen of your computer is too cluttered? If you’re a MacOS user, here’s a feature that can help you avoid overcluttering and assist in organizing your applications and files into separate virtual desktops called Spaces.
Not only does this feature declutter your workspace, but it also helps you become more productive in the sense that you are avoiding the clutter distractions. Let’s see how you can benefit from this functionality.
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Understanding Spaces on MacOS
Spaces are virtual desktops on MacOS that allow you to extend your desktop area multiple times over. Unlike having just one desktop where all your apps are piled up, Spaces lets you spread them across several dedicated environments. This is especially useful if you like to group related tasks together.
To start using Spaces, you can access them by opening up Mission Control—swipe up with three or four fingers on your trackpad or press F3 on your keyboard. You’ll see all your open windows grouped by application, and at the top of the screen, you’ll find the Spaces bar where you can add or move between Spaces.
Setting Up Your Spaces on MacOS
Creating new Spaces is a breeze. In Mission Control, hover your cursor over the Spaces bar and click the plus (+) button on the right. This adds a new Space. To make things easy to find, consider naming each Space based on its purpose, like ‘Work,’ ‘Research,’ or ‘Social.’
You can drag and drop windows into different Spaces to organize them as you wish. If you like to keep work and personal tasks separate, using Spaces to categorize these areas can be incredibly effective.
Navigating Between Spaces on MacOS
You can change Spaces in a flash. Use the Ctrl + left or right arrow keys to flip through Spaces quickly. For a trackpad, swipe left or right with four fingers to whisk you to the next Space. With such seamless navigation, there is everything that one may want to access without a break in focus.
Optimizing Your Use of Spaces Efficiently on MacOS
To truly benefit from Spaces, assign specific applications to open in particular Spaces. This can be done by right-clicking the app icon in the dock, choosing Options, and then assigning it to a Space. This ensures that no matter where you open an application, it always appears in the Space you want.
Another tip is to adjust the settings to prevent Spaces from rearranging automatically based on your most recent use, which can be found in System Preferences under Mission Control. This keeps your Spaces exactly how you organized them, providing consistency and reliability.
Real-Life Applications and Tips
Think of a student who uses Spaces to separate coursework, research, and entertainment. Or a professional who organizes spaces based on client projects or tasks. By customizing Spaces to suit your workflow, you can reduce the time spent searching for windows and increase efficiency.
However, be wary of over-complicating things. Too many Spaces can become confusing and counterproductive. Stick to a few well-organized Spaces to keep things manageable.
Advanced Techniques
Those who want to get a true experience of Spaces should consider using full-screen apps within individual Spaces.
That way, you can give whatever you’re doing your full attention. Spaces have become much more powerful with many monitors because each monitor has its virtual desktop. Pair Spaces with other MacOS features like Hot Corners, which can trigger Mission Control or Desktop and move the cursor to the corner of your screen. This will significantly speed up your workflow.
You may also read:
The Best MacOS Apps for Boosting Productivity in 2024
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The Ultimate Guide to Using Siri on Mac
Conclusion
Using Spaces on MacOS can transform how you interact with your computer. It allows you to customize and control your environment, turning a cluttered desktop into a streamlined workspace. You can keep your productivity and stress levels low by setting up and navigating Spaces effectively.
Now that you know how to set up and use Spaces, why not try it and see how much more productive you can be? Also, if you’ve found a unique way to use Spaces, share your tips in the comments below or on our social page. And don’t forget to subscribe for more helpful MacOS tips!
