When Apple releases a product, they have to set the interface in such a way that it’s “fits” a broad range of user ability and experience. Once you own the product, it’s time to make it “yours” by customizing the way it looks and works.
One cool place to do that is the Finder and Application Toolbars.
To customize the Finder Window Toolbar you either right-click on the toolbar and choose Customize Toolbar or go to the View menu in the Menu Bar (that’s at the top of your screen) and select Customize Toolbar from the drop down menu.
When you do this a drop-down window appears with your Toolbar options. This is from a Finder Window.
The items I think are missing from the Toolbar are New Folder, Delete and Get Info. (Separate Delete from the other Icons with a Space so you don’t click it accidentally.) I also use the Separator to group similar items. Even though the line is very subtle, the eye sees it — thought not consciously — and immediately goes to the right group where I can quickly select the proper Icon.
In Mail, I add Print, Flag, Read/Unread and for some people Smaller/Larger to adjust the Font size of a message from someone that is in a small unreadable font.
In Safari I add Print and Home.
Try this in all the apps you use regularly. Select the Toolbar Icons for tasks you perform most often and would rather click on, than hunt for through a Menu. You’ll find the quality of your user experience increases as you make the computing environment look and feel however fits your own style best.
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Wyn Matthews is new to the FoleyPod Digital-Life Coach eZine. He comes to us with decades of Mac and PC troubleshooting experience, and is an expert on both systems.
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