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10 secret OS X features hidden inside your Mac

Published Dec 17th, 2014 9:30AM EST
Hidden OS X Features

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Apple recently updated its desktop operating system OS X to version 10.10, also known as Yosemite. The latest version of OS X packs tons of new features beneath a sleek redesign of the user interface, but most Mac computer users likely haven’t even mastered all of the features that were already available in OS X.

We recently told you how to access a nifty paint app that Apple hid on your Mac, and now we have a list to share that identifies 10 interesting OS X features that you might not have known about.

FROM EARLIER: 10 cases that will protect your iPhone 6 without ruining Apple’s gorgeous design

It’s impossible to remember all of the features found in any complex computing device, whether it’s a smartphone, a tablet or a computer. Windows and OS X are two of the most complex, feature-rich platforms that people deal with each day en masse, so that rings particularly true in the case of Apple and Microsoft’s PC platforms.

Business Insider recently compiled a list of 10 secret features that are hidden inside your Mac computer. While some of them are more “secret” than others, the list does a good job of identifying some nifty things that many users probably don’t know about.

For example, did you know that you can quickly and easily capture a cropped screenshot on any screen by simultaneously pressing Command + Shift + 4? You’ll then be presented with a crosshair, and you can drag your mouse over the desired area to capture a trimmed that will be saved on your desktop instead of the entire screen.

Another quick shortcut, Command + Option + D, will instantly hide or reveal your dock. You can also press Command + Option + Control + 8 in OS X Lion or earlier versions to instantly invert the colors on your screen.

Of course, everyone knows that holding Command and tapping Tab will open the app switcher and cycle through your open apps, but did you know that while you’re doing that, you can tap “Q” to quit an app or “H” to hide it?

One of the best tips on the list is one that will prevent you from tabbing past dropdown menus when filling out forms online. In System Preferences, select Keyboard. Then, on the Shortcuts tab, select “All Controls” at the bottom.

For more info on these five hidden features and another five that we haven’t yet covered, follow the link below in the source section.

DON’T MISS: Did you know there’s a hidden paint app on your Mac? Here’s how to find it

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.