If you use a Mac computer, then Safari is likely your web browser of choice. Since every browser has its own feature sets, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with what Safari offers to improve your browsing experience.
As with many applications, the best features might not be obvious to the average user. However, we’ve got your back! Below, you’ll find some of the best tips and tricks that you can use to take your Safari experience to another level.
8 Essential Safari Tips You Need to Know
Without further ado, let’s dive in:
- Disable Notification Popups
Do you visit new sites or blogs frequently? You may come across a prompt to subscribe for the latest updates. Instead of rejecting the request time and time again, you can deactivate this feature altogether. Just follow these simple steps:
- Open your Safari browser.
- Click Preferences.
- Choose the Websites tab at the top.
- Click Notifications on the left.
- Uncheck the Allow websites to ask for permission to send notifications box at the bottom.
- You can also Allow or Deny notifications for specific sites.
- Activate Picture-in-Picture
The Picture-in-Picture mode was one of the best features that were introduced with macOS Sierra. The ability to watch videos that float over everything else is quite useful, and it’s supported by many popular streaming sites as well.
If you’re using Vimeo, the Enter Picture-in-Picture button is available in the bottom toolbar. As for YouTube, you’ll have to open the shortcut menu by double right-clicking the video pane and selecting Picture in picture.
- Share Webpages via AirDrop
AirDrop can do more than just share files with nearby Apple devices – you can also use the feature to send webpages. Let’s suppose that you’re browsing through a sports site and wish to open it on your iPhone instead. Just follow these simple steps:
- Click the Share icon in the toolbar
- Select AirDrop from the options.
- Choose your desired device to view the webpage there.
- Use Reader View
Want to read without all the distractions? Go to an article on your preferred site and click the Reader View icon at the left side of the address bar. However, this button only appears on sites that support the feature. Once enabled, the article will appear in an easy-to-read and minimal layout – no ads, formatting, and other annoyances!
- Enable Link Previews
Did you know that Safari users can preview a link’s URL by simply hovering it with their cursor? To activate this feature, just follow these easy instructions:
- Open your Safari browser.
- Click View and choose the Show Status Bar option.
- The URL will appear at the bottom of the screen every time your cursor hovers over a link.
- Set Up AutoFill
Are there any sites you often visit that require credentials? You can reduce the time and effort that it takes to log in using AutoFill. The feature also works with other forms of data, such as credit cards you’ve previously saved. Here’s how you can activate AutoFill:
- Open your Safari browser.
- Click Safari at the top left corner of your screen.
- Select Preferences from the options.
- Go to the AutoFill section.
- Click Edit next to your preferred AutoFill category.
- Enter your Mac’s password.
- Click the Add button to add your passwords, credit card information, and other details.
- You’re all set.
- Save Webpages as PDF
Unlike other browsers, Safari doesn’t need an extension for exporting webpages as PDFs. It has a built-in feature available, which you can take advantage of by following these steps:
- Open your Safari browser.
- Go to the webpage you want to save as a PDF.
- Click Safari at the top left corner of your screen.
- Click File and select Export as PDF.
- Choose a name and location.
- Once done, click Save.
- Arrange Tabs Alphabetically
Having multiple tabs open at a single time can make it tricky to find the one you need. Here, using the Arrange Tabs feature proves helpful. To use it, just follow these easy instructions:
- Right-click on any of your tabs.
- Click Arrange Tabs By.
- Select either Website or Title.
- Your tabs will now automatically be arranged based on your chosen option.
Final Word
These Safari tips and tricks are simple yet extremely useful. Additionally, there are other practices that can ensure you don’t have to put your digital browsing or privacy at risk such as using a Safari VPN. A reliable Safari VPN will give you proper anonymity online without compromising your experience.
For all else, the practices mentioned above should prove more than adequate. Put them into practice as you’re browsing the internet and make the most of your experience on Safari!
Also Read: 9 Must-Have Apps Any Developer Should Install on Their Mac