Mac System Basics: Essential Tips for macOS

New to Mac or need a refresher on macOS basics? This comprehensive guide covers essential Mac system navigation, file management, and tips that every Mac user should know.

Beginner Friendly
macOS Basics
2025 Updated

What You'll Learn

File Management

Finding and organizing files, Understanding Mac folder structure, Using Finder effectively

System Navigation

Applications folder location, Library and system folders, Terminal basics for power users

Finding the Applications Folder

The Applications folder is where all your installed apps live on Mac. Unlike Windows, Mac applications are typically single files that you can easily move, copy, or delete.

Method 1: Finder Sidebar

Easiest and most common method
  1. 1. Open Finder (click the Finder icon in Dock)
  2. 2. Look at the left sidebar
  3. 3. Click on Applications
  4. 4. Browse all your installed apps

Method 2: Go Menu

Keyboard shortcut: Cmd + Shift + A
  1. 1. Open Finder
  2. 2. Click Go in the menu bar
  3. 3. Select Applications
  4. 4. Or use keyboard shortcut: Cmd + Shift + A

Method 3: Launchpad

Visual grid layout for apps
  1. 1. Click the Launchpad icon in Dock (rocket ship)
  2. 2. Or use gesture: Pinch with thumb and three fingers
  3. 3. See all apps in a grid layout
  4. 4. Click any app to launch it

File Management Essentials

Master the basics of organizing and finding files on your Mac

Installing Apps

Different methods for different sources
  • • App Store: Click "Get" or "Install"
  • • DMG files: Drag app to Applications folder
  • • PKG installers: Follow installation wizard
  • • ZIP files: Extract and move to Applications

Uninstalling Apps

Clean removal of applications
  • • Simple method: Drag app from Applications to Trash
  • • App Store apps: Click and hold, then click X
  • • Complete removal: Use AppCleaner or similar
  • • Support files: Check ~/Library/Application Support

Important Folders

Know where your files are stored
  • • Home (~): Your personal files and settings
  • • Desktop: Files on your desktop
  • • Documents: Document storage
  • • Downloads: Downloaded files from internet
  • • Pictures: Photos and images
  • • Music: Music files and iTunes library

Accessing Hidden Files

macOS hides certain system files by default. Here's how to reveal them when needed.

Show/Hide Hidden Files

Keyboard shortcut: Cmd + Shift + .

Toggle hidden files visibility in Finder:

  1. 1. Open any Finder window
  2. 2. Press Cmd + Shift + . (period)
  3. 3. Hidden files appear dimmed
  4. 4. Press again to hide them

Terminal Method

Permanent visibility setting

Use Terminal for permanent setting:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE
killall Finder

To hide again, replace TRUE with FALSE

Understanding Library Folders

Library folders contain app support files, preferences, and caches

Accessing User Library

Hidden by default in macOS

Three ways to access your User Library:

  1. 1. Go Menu: Hold Option key, click Go → Library
  2. 2. Go to Folder: Press Cmd + Shift + G, type ~/Library
  3. 3. Permanently show: Right-click home folder → View Options → Show Library Folder

Library Folder Contents

Important subdirectories
  • • Application Support: App data and support files
  • • Preferences: App settings (.plist files)
  • • Caches: Temporary files (safe to delete)
  • • LaunchAgents: Startup items
  • • Logs: System and app logs

Terminal Basics for Beginners

Command line basics for power users

Opening Terminal

Multiple access methods
  • • Spotlight: Press Cmd + Space, type "Terminal"
  • • Finder: Applications → Utilities → Terminal
  • • Launchpad: Other folder → Terminal

Essential Commands

Basic Terminal commands
ls - List files in current directory
cd folder_name - Change directory
pwd - Show current directory path
mkdir folder_name - Create new folder
open . - Open current folder in Finder

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Master these shortcuts to work faster on your Mac

System Shortcuts

Most used shortcuts
  • • Cmd + Space: Spotlight search
  • • Cmd + Tab: Switch apps
  • • Cmd + Q: Quit app
  • • Cmd + W: Close window
  • • Cmd + ,: App preferences

Finder Shortcuts

File management shortcuts
  • • Cmd + N: New Finder window
  • • Cmd + Shift + N: New folder
  • • Cmd + Delete: Move to Trash
  • • Cmd + Shift + Delete: Empty Trash
  • • Space: Quick Look preview

Screenshot Shortcuts

Capture your screen
  • • Cmd + Shift + 3: Screenshot entire screen
  • • Cmd + Shift + 4: Screenshot selection
  • • Cmd + Shift + 5: Screenshot/recording options
  • • Add Control: Copy to clipboard instead of saving

Mac System Basics Checklist

Master Your Mac

Now that you know the basics, explore more advanced Mac features and customization options to make your Mac work exactly the way you want.

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