How can you optimize macOS for creative work?

If you use macOS for creative work, such as graphic design, video editing, music production, or web development, you might want to optimize your system for better performance and efficiency. In this article, you will learn some tips and tricks to tweak your macOS settings, manage your files and apps, and use some tools to enhance your workflow.

1 Update your macOS

One of the simplest ways to optimize your macOS for creative work is to keep it updated to the latest version. Updating your macOS can improve your system stability, security, compatibility, and functionality. It can also fix some bugs and glitches that might affect your creative apps. To update your macOS, go to System Preferences > Software Update and follow the instructions.

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Daniel Barbosa Lima

Functional Consultant at Stefanini Brazil | Power BI | Tableau | Alteryx Advanced | SQL | AWS Redshift | Google BigQuery | Data Visualization | SAP | Azure Devops | Oracle | Confluence | Databricks
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Manter seu macOS atualizado para a versão mais recente é crucial para otimizar a eficiência no trabalho criativo, garantindo compatibilidade, segurança e acesso às mais recentes ferramentas e recursos.

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Farhana Sethi

Reservoir Performance Business Systems | Microsoft MVP in AI | Service Delivery Manager | Program Manager | Process automation Leader | Technical Researcher | SLB Houston | Paris
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To optimize macOS for creative work, consider these steps: Adobe Creative Cloud: Download tools like Lightroom (for photo editing) and Photoshop (for advanced image manipulation) from Adobe Creative Cloud. Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn and use macOS keyboard shortcuts to speed up tasks. CleanMyMac X: Keep your system clutter-free and efficient. Focus Mode: Utilize macOS Focus feature to minimize distractions. Separate Users: Create separate user accounts for personal and work tasks. WeTransfer: Easily share large files with collaborators. Remember, a streamlined setup enhances creativity and productivity.

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2 Adjust your energy settings

Another way to optimize your macOS for creative work is to adjust your energy settings to suit your needs. Depending on whether you are using a Mac desktop or laptop, you can change your energy settings to balance your power consumption and performance. For example, you can reduce the brightness of your display, disable the automatic graphics switching, and prevent your Mac from sleeping when plugged in. To adjust your energy settings, go to System Preferences > Energy Saver and tweak the options.

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Daniel Barbosa Lima

Functional Consultant at Stefanini Brazil | Power BI | Tableau | Alteryx Advanced | SQL | AWS Redshift | Google BigQuery | Data Visualization | SAP | Azure Devops | Oracle | Confluence | Databricks
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Ajustar as configurações de energia do seu macOS para atender às suas necessidades no trabalho criativo pode prolongar a vida útil da bateria, maximizar o desempenho do processador e garantir um equilíbrio entre eficiência energética e potência de processamento, otimizando assim a experiência de uso.

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3 Clean up your storage

A third way to optimize your macOS for creative work is to clean up your storage space and free up some memory. Having enough storage and memory can boost your Mac's speed and responsiveness, especially when you are working with large files and multiple apps. You can clean up your storage by deleting unnecessary files, emptying the trash, uninstalling unused apps, and using iCloud or external drives to store your data. To clean up your storage, go to Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage and click on Manage.

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Daniel Barbosa Lima

Functional Consultant at Stefanini Brazil | Power BI | Tableau | Alteryx Advanced | SQL | AWS Redshift | Google BigQuery | Data Visualization | SAP | Azure Devops | Oracle | Confluence | Databricks
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Limpar o espaço de armazenamento e liberar memória no macOS é essencial para otimizar o desempenho no trabalho criativo. Remova arquivos desnecessários, desinstale aplicativos não utilizados e utilize utilitários de limpeza para garantir um sistema ágil e eficiente, beneficiando assim a produtividade criativa.

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4 Customize your dock and menu bar

A fourth way to optimize your macOS for creative work is to customize your dock and menu bar to access your frequently used apps and tools faster. You can customize your dock by adding, removing, or rearranging the icons of your apps, folders, and files. You can also change the size, position, and behavior of your dock. To customize your dock, go to System Preferences > Dock & Menu Bar and modify the settings. You can customize your menu bar by adding, removing, or reordering the icons of your system features, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, battery, and sound. You can also use some third-party apps to add more functionality to your menu bar. To customize your menu bar, go to System Preferences > Dock & Menu Bar and select the features you want to show or hide.

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5 Use keyboard shortcuts and gestures

A fifth way to optimize your macOS for creative work is to use keyboard shortcuts and gestures to perform common tasks and actions more quickly and easily. Keyboard shortcuts and gestures can save you time and effort when you are working with your creative apps, such as Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, or Visual Studio Code. You can use the default keyboard shortcuts and gestures that come with your Mac and your apps, or you can create your own custom ones. To use keyboard shortcuts and gestures, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts or Trackpad > Gestures and learn or customize the options.

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6 Install some useful apps and extensions

A sixth way to optimize your macOS for creative work is to install some useful apps and extensions that can enhance your productivity and creativity. There are many apps and extensions that can help you with your creative work, such as file managers, organizers, editors, converters, browsers, and plugins. Some examples of useful apps and extensions are Alfred, Hazel, Pixelmator, HandBrake, Brave, and Luminar. To install some useful apps and extensions, you can use the App Store, the web, or the terminal.

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Alex Reed

Screenwriter +10 years , TwelvePoint App contributor, Director Customer Care at morepaths.com
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If you love writing novels, screenplays, plays or comics scripts, install TwelvePoint and your Mac will become a minimalist environment totally focused on creating amazing stories. Using TwelvePoint you can do Worldbuilding, script outlines, and publish your story in the format you need without changing the content. TwelvePoint is available on Apple App stores for macOS, iOS and Vision Pro.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you optimize macOS for creative work?

1

2

3

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5

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1 Update your macOS

2 Adjust your energy settings

3 Clean up your storage

4 Customize your dock and menu bar

5 Use keyboard shortcuts and gestures

6 Install some useful apps and extensions

7 Here’s what else to consider

Operating Systems

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How can you optimize macOS for creative work?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Update your macOS

2 Adjust your energy settings

3 Clean up your storage

4 Customize your dock and menu bar

5 Use keyboard shortcuts and gestures

6 Install some useful apps and extensions

7 Here’s what else to consider

Operating Systems

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