Instead of rigid and hard-to-customize shortcut keys like F1, F2, etc., Apple invented the Touch Bar to help users operate their MacBooks more conveniently. Let’s refer to this article to see what the Touch Bar is and how to use the Touch Bar on your MacBook super easily!
1. What is Touch Bar?
Apple removed the F1-F12 keys and replaced them with the ultra-modern and user-friendly Touch Bar.
The Touch Bar serves a similar function to the F-key row while integrating many useful customizations, making it easier for users to operate thanks to its Retina-resolution OLED touchscreen.
-800x450.jpg "Touch Bar là gì?")
What is Touch Bar?
The Touch Bar also includes the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, enhancing your computer’s security.
2. Benefits of Touch Bar
– User-friendly because you don’t need to remember the function of each shortcut key like F, as the function name is displayed specifically.
– Highly customizable and personalized. Users can easily add, edit, and delete functions displayed on the Touch Bar according to their preferences.
-800x450.jpg "Touch Bar mang lại nhiều lợi ích cho người dùng")
Touch Bar offers many benefits to users
– Supports both Apple apps and apps from other developers. You can easily cut, paste, and edit images more easily on Adobe Photoshop with the help of the Touch Bar.
– Flexible, simple, and smooth operation because it doesn’t require force like pressing a key.
3. How to Use the Touch Bar on MacBook
Using Touch ID
Touch ID is used to unlock your computer and log in to some apps if you set a password for that app. To unlock, simply touch your finger to the Touch ID location.
– Automatic Password Filling: The device will save your information such as passwords, email addresses, phone numbers, credit card information, etc., and when you need to access it, just touch Touch ID.
-800x400.jpg "Touch ID tích hợp trên Touch Bar")
Touch ID integrated on the Touch Bar
– Apple Pay, iTunes Store, App Store & Apple Books: You can use Touch ID to complete purchases on the Apple online store that you make on your MacBook.
Control Strip
The Control Strip is a set of controls for general settings such as volume, brightness, or Siri. Users can easily adjust these functions by swiping left or right to increase or decrease the volume. You can also add buttons to use more functions.
-800x367.jpg "Điều chỉnh Control Strip trên Touch Bar")
Adjusting the Control Strip on the Touch Bar
Steps to customize the Control Strip:
– Add buttons: Use the trackpad or mouse to drag a button from the screen to the Touch Bar; the buttons on the Touch Bar will gently shake, similar to customizing on a phone.
– Rearrange buttons: Use your finger on the Touch Bar to drag a button.
– Remove buttons: Use the trackpad or mouse to drag a button from the Touch Bar to the screen.
– Expand: Tap the “>” icon on the Touch Bar.
– Collapse: Tap the “x” icon on the Touch Bar.
App Buttons
Depending on the app you are using, the Touch Bar will display different function buttons. For example, the image shows viewing photos, liking, editing photos, etc.
Your text will become more lively with the function of adding emojis to text on the Touch Bar in some word processing apps.
-800x562.jpg "Emotion được tích hợp trên Touch Bar")
Emojis integrated on the Touch Bar
Input Suggestions
Similar to on your phone, the Touch Bar also helps users easily find phrases when typing text via Input Suggestions. Users can Show and Hide input suggestions as needed.
You can also display these input suggestions on the screen for better visibility by pressing Fn or F5, depending on the model.
-800x459.jpg "Gợi ý nhập và định dạng văn bản trên Touch Bar")
Input suggestions and text formatting on the Touch Bar
Colors
The Touch Bar also helps users change the color of text easily.
– Select a color: Tap and hold the ‘A‘ icon > Slide your finger to the color.
– Select a shade: Tap the ‘A‘ button > Tap and hold a color > Slide your finger to a shade.
– Select a custom coloror mode: Tap the Color button > Tap the color list on the left > Tap the color mode, such as RGB.
– Use the slider for a mode to change the values, such as hue or saturation. To save your changes to the Sample, tap the color (+ will appear), then tap the color again (a checkmark will appear).
– Hide colors or color values: Tap the ‘x‘ button on the Touch Bar.
-800x477.jpg "Thay đổi màu sắc của văn bản bằng Touch Bar")
Changing text color using the Touch Bar
Function Keys
Although it replaces the F1-F12 keys, you can still display these keys when needed.
– To display the function keys, press and hold the Fn key or the Globe key (depending on the model).
– If a shortcut includes a modifier key, such as Option or Command, press and hold Fn or the Globe key along with the modifier key.
-800x600.jpg "Các phím chức năng hiển thị trên Touch Bar")
Function keys displayed on the Touch Bar
Example: To use Control-F3 to move to the Dock, press and hold Fn or the Globe key and Control together, then tap F3 on the Touch Bar.
Hopefully, after reading this article, MacBook enthusiasts will be able to customize the Touch Bar on their computers for easier operation. Thank you for reading, see you in the next articles!
