How To

Touch and Go: The Ultimate Guide to Customizing Your MacBook Pro Touch Bar

Tips and tricks….

by | May 5, 2023

The Touch Bar is a feature exclusive to the MacBook Pro, introduced in MacBook Pro 2016. It is a touchscreen strip located above the keyboard that changes dynamically based on the app you’re using, allowing for quick access to common functions and shortcuts. In this article, we’ll explore how to get the most out of the Touch Bar on your MacBook Pro.

How to Customize Your Touch Bar

Customizing the Touch Bar on your MacBook is a great way to make it more useful and tailored to your specific needs. By following these steps, you can make your Touch Bar more useful and tailored to your specific needs, helping you work more efficiently and effectively on your MacBook.

  1. Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
  2. Click on “Keyboard” and then choose the “Customize Control Strip” button at the bottom of the window.
  3. The Touch Bar will display a variety of buttons, including some default buttons and a “+” button to add new buttons. You can drag and drop buttons to rearrange them or remove them from the Touch Bar entirely.
  4. To add a new button, click on the “+” button and select the function you want to add to the list. You can add buttons for commonly used functions, such as taking a screenshot, adjusting the display brightness, or launching a specific app.
  5. You can also customize the Touch Bar for specific apps. To do this, open the app you want to customize and then go to “View” in the menu bar. Select “Customize Touch Bar” and drag and drop the functions you want to add or remove from the Touch Bar.
  6. Some apps may have additional Touch Bar customization options. For example, in the Pages app, you can customize the Touch Bar with specific formatting options or add a button to insert a table or image.
  7. Once you’ve finished customizing the Touch Bar, click on the “Done” button to save your changes.

Using the Touch Bar in Other Apps

By using the Touch Bar in these various apps, you can streamline your workflow and access common functions and shortcuts more easily, saving you time and effort.

  1. Web Browsers (Safari, Google Chrome, etc.): In web browsers, the Touch Bar can be used to navigate between tabs, reload pages, access bookmarks, and search the web. You can also use it to quickly access common browser functions like the Back and Forward buttons or to switch to full-screen mode.
  2. Email Clients (Apple Mail, Microsoft Outlook, etc.): In email clients, the Touch Bar can be used to compose new messages, reply to or forward existing messages, and quickly access email folders. You can also use it to flag messages, mark them as unread, or delete them.
  3. Messaging Apps (iMessage, WhatsApp, etc.): In messaging apps, the Touch Bar can be used to access emojis, GIFs, or frequently used phrases. You can also use it to send quick replies or to access conversation settings like muting notifications or blocking contacts.
  4. Video Conferencing Apps (Zoom, Skype, etc.): In video conferencing apps, the Touch Bar can be used to mute or unmute your microphone, turn your camera on or off, and share your screen. You can also use it to access chat functions, raise your hand, or switch between participants.
  5. Music and Video Apps (iTunes, Spotify, QuickTime Player, etc.): In music and video apps, the Touch Bar can be used to play, pause, and skip tracks, adjust volume, and navigate through video timelines. You can also use it to adjust playback speed, take screenshots, or access subtitles.

Troubleshooting Touch Bar Issues

While the Touch Bar is generally reliable, it can occasionally experience issues. If you’re experiencing problems with your Touch Bar, there are a few things you can try.

Common issues with the Touch Bar and how to troubleshoot them

  1. The Touch Bar is unresponsive: If the Touch Bar is not responding to touch or is freezing, try restarting your MacBook. If this doesn’t work, try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) or the Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory (NVRAM) on your MacBook. You can find instructions on how to do this on Apple’s website.
  2. The Touch Bar is displaying the wrong icons or buttons: This can sometimes happen if there’s a software glitch. Try restarting your MacBook or resetting the SMC or NVRAM as mentioned above. If the issue persists, check for any available software updates and install them.
  3. The Touch Bar is not displaying in some apps: Some apps may not support the Touch Bar or may have limited functionality. Check for any available updates for the app and try resetting the app’s preferences.
  4. The Touch Bar is draining the battery quickly: If you find that the Touch Bar is using a lot of battery power, try adjusting the brightness level in the Keyboard preferences. You can also try turning off the “Press and Hold” feature, which can cause the Touch Bar to stay active even when you’re not touching it.
  5. The Touch Bar is not displaying the correct language or region settings: If you’re using a language or keyboard layout that’s different from your MacBook’s default settings, the Touch Bar may not display correctly. Make sure to adjust the language and region settings in the Keyboard preferences to ensure that the Touch Bar displays the correct buttons and icons.

How to reset the Touch Bar

Resetting the Touch Bar can be a helpful troubleshooting step if you’re experiencing issues with it. Here’s how to reset the Touch Bar on your MacBook:

  1. Go to the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen.
  2. Select “System Preferences” and then click on “Keyboard.”
  3. Click on the “Keyboard” tab, and then click the “Customize Control Strip” button.
  4. Drag the “Reset to Default” button from the customization window and drop it onto the Touch Bar.
  5. A pop-up message will appear asking you to confirm the reset. Click “Reset.”
  6. The Touch Bar will now be reset to its default settings.

Note: Resetting the Touch Bar will remove any customizations or third-party apps that you may have added to it. If you want to restore your previous customizations after resetting the Touch Bar, you’ll need to redo them manually.

If resetting the Touch Bar doesn’t solve the issues you’re experiencing, you may need to try other troubleshooting steps or contact Apple Support for further assistance.

MacBook Pro Touch Bar

The MacBook Pro Touch Bar is a powerful and innovative feature that can help you work more efficiently and productively. By customizing it to your preferences and taking advantage of its many functions and shortcuts, you can streamline your workflow and access common tasks more easily.

While it’s not without its occasional issues, the Touch Bar is generally a reliable and user-friendly feature that can greatly enhance your experience on your MacBook. By following the tips and troubleshooting steps we’ve outlined, you can ensure that your Touch Bar continues to work smoothly and efficiently, helping you make the most of your MacBook Pro.

Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or simply someone who wants to get the most out of your MacBook, the Touch Bar is definitely a feature worth exploring and taking advantage of.

If you are looking for a good MacBook Pro but on a budget, we also have an extensive collection of refurbished MacBook Pros. You can always check them here at techable.com for the best deals.

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