Apple never disappoints when it comes to delivering a smooth and polished software experience. While macOS may seem like a straightforward operating system at first glance, there are a lot of hidden features and customization options that users can take advantage of.

Here are the top 7 macOS hidden features you should be using.

1. Insert emojis quickly

Did you know that you can add emojis to your emails or messages by holding down Control + Command(⌘) + Spacebar from any window? Your emojis will be presented in various categories, including a section for the ones you use most often. Simply click on an emoji and it will be inserted into your text.

2. Lock your screen in an instant

Wanna take a break from your Mac but don't want anyone snooping around while you're gone? You can easily lock your screen with just one click. Hold down Control + Command(⌘) + Q and your screen will turn off immediately. The keystroke combo works in newer versions of macOS like macOS Catalina.

If you're running an earlier version of macOS, you'll need to hold down Control + Shift + Power, or Control + Shift + Eject if you have an optical drive.

3. Pin a universal media player to the menu bar

With the macOS, users don't need to keep switching back and forth between what they're doing and the audio source to control the playback. Users can pin a universal media player to the menu bar and control playback on just about every platform from the Apple Music app to a YouTube video playing on a browser.

To display the media player widget in the menu bar, go to System Preferences > Dock & Menu Bar > Now Playing and check the "Show in Menu Bar" box. From the dropdown below this option, you can choose to always have this on display or only when there's an active playback.

4. MacOS's screenshot and recorder tool

macOS's dedicated tool for taking screenshots and recording screen content is probably its best-kept secret. You may be familiar with screenshotting a portion of your display or QuickPlayer's screen recorder, but your Mac also has a separate all-in-one tool for screenshots.

It launches a dashboard-like interface where you'll find all the options to capture your screen in one place. MacOS's screenshot app can be accessed either from the launchpad or for quick access, use the shortcut Command(⌘) + Shift + 5, or Command(⌘) + Shift + 4.

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5. Turn your screen's corners into shortcuts

If you're looking for a way to boost your efficiency with your Mac, "Hot Corners" might be a good solution for you. Hot corners are essentially shortcuts that you can set up to automatically execute an action when you hover your cursor over one of the four corners of your screen. This can save you time by not having to remember or hunt for keyboard shortcuts.

To set up hot corners, visit System Preferences > Mission Control and click "Hot Corners." Make the most of your desktop space by configuring what happens when you hover over one of the corners with your mouse pointer. You access Notes to make a quick note, lock your computer, or access the notification center, all without having to click on anything.

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