The new Apple MacBook Pros introduced at the end of last October are already reaching their first and most impatient owners, and the time has also come to start taking advantage of their new features, especially the touch Bar, the most outstanding novelty of this new generation of Apple professional notebooks.
The Touch Bar or touch bar is the flagship feature of the new MacBook Pro. It is a long and narrow touch sensitive screen that replaces the previous mechanical function keys and that dynamically change your content depending on the application the user is using.
Let's take advantage of the Touch Bar
Those who have tried the Touch Bar of the new MacBook Pro say that it is very simple to use, of that we are sure, but that it also requires getting used to it until you acquire a certain mastery. To do this, we have compiled a series of tips and tricks that will be just the beginning of a new relationship between you and your computer.
How to display function keys
To display the F1, F2 keys, etc. traditional in the Touch Bar, you will simply have to press and hold, from any app and at any time, the Function key (fn) that is in the lower left corner of the keyboard to reveal them.
How to always display function keys for specific applications
For applications that require more intensive use of these standard function keys, it is most convenient for them to are displayed by default while using that app.
To do this simply go to System Preferences → Keyboard → Shortcuts, select Function Keys and click on the '+' sign to add the application where you need this.
Also, from now on, if you press and hold the function key while using the previously selected application, the expanded options of the control bar will be displayed in the Touch Bar.
Quickly adjust brightness and volume
Instead of tapping the brightness or volume key on the Touch Bar control bar, simply touch and drag the slider up to the desired level.
How to customize the touch bar control bar
Open System Preferences → Keyboard and click the button to customize the control bar.
Access the extended control bar
Touch the button to the left of the control bar on the Touch Bar to access an expanded list of system functions and controls.
Customize the expanded control bar
Pressing that button while customizing the control bar will give you access to more system functions and controls, allowing you to customize the extended control bar.
How to customize the application area of the Touch Bar with your favorite apps
If a Touch Bar compatible application supports customization, you can go to View → Customize Touch Bar while using the application to configure its specific keys on the Touch Bar.
How to customize the control bar while editing an application
When editing the control bar settings for an application, you can quickly switch to editing the control bar with just a tap.
Escape key
The escape key is in the upper left corner of the control bar.
Rest and return
The Touch Bar will turn off after 60 seconds and turn off completely 15 seconds later. To activate it, touch it or press a key on the keyboard
Trackpad + Touchbar
macOS allows you interact with the trackpad and touch bar simultaneously. This means that you can do things like move a shape in Pixelmator and at the same time change its color or the size of its border.
Crab
When invoking Siri through the Touch Bar, press and hold the Siri key to hear your commands.
Explore music and videos
When you play music or videos on your MacBook Pro through iTunes, Safari videos, QuickTime videos, etc., from the Touch Bar you can explore them by sliding your finger about her. This function is always available when playing a media that is compatible.
You can use the Touch Bar in a Windows installation with Boot Camp
When used with Windows, the Touch Bar will show basic controls such as keyboard illumination, screen brightness or volume. Also access to the Escape key and holding down the physical Function (fn) key will display a set of 12 function keys.