How to activate additional preferences on your MacBook ?
Parallels Toolbox is a versatile suite of tools designed to enhance your MacBook’s functionality, offering simple ways to personalize your macOS experience. From tweaking the Dock to managing system files, this guide walks you through practical steps to activate additional preferences using Parallels Toolbox, making your MacBook work exactly how you want. Follow these user-friendly tips to optimize your setup.
1- you can add small or large space separators between DOCK icons.
2- You can activate the “dark mode” while leaving certain folders or apps to work as in light mode. – Restrict dark mode to menu bar and dock
3- you can show/ hide system files.
4- you can change the layout of launchpad.
5- you can force your Mac to save the screenshots in the desired format like JPEG, PDF, TIFF, TIF, BMP, GIF, PSD, and TGA.
6- Disable crash reports.
7- Change the fonts types and sizes of your macOS.
8- other options.
9- Restore system preferences to its default by one click.
1. Customize Dock Icon Spacing
The macOS Dock can feel cluttered, but Parallels Toolbox lets you adjust the spacing between icons for a cleaner look. Whether you prefer a compact or spread-out layout, this tweak improves accessibility.
- How to Do It: Open Parallels Toolbox from the Menu Bar, select the “Customize Desktop” tool, and adjust the Dock spacing slider to add small or large gaps between icons. Confirm your changes, and the Dock updates instantly.
This simple adjustment declutters your workspace, making it easier to navigate apps.
2. Enable Selective Dark Mode
Dark mode is great for reducing eye strain, but you might want certain apps or folders to stay in light mode. With Parallels Toolbox, you can restrict dark mode to the Menu Bar and Dock or apply it selectively.
- How to Do It: Launch Parallels Toolbox, go to the “Appearance” tool, and choose “Restrict Dark Mode.” Select the Menu Bar, Dock, or specific apps to remain in light mode while keeping the rest of your system in dark mode.
This feature lets you balance aesthetics and readability, tailoring your MacBook’s look to your preferences.
3. Show or Hide System Files
Accessing or hiding system files can be crucial for advanced users or those troubleshooting their MacBook. Parallels Toolbox simplifies this process, letting you toggle visibility with ease.
- How to Do It: In Parallels Toolbox, select the “Show Hidden Files” tool. Click to reveal system files in Finder, or toggle it off to keep them hidden. This works instantly without needing Terminal commands.
This option is perfect for managing files safely while keeping your system organized.
4. Change Launchpad Layout
The Launchpad’s default grid can feel restrictive. Parallels Toolbox allows you to modify its layout, letting you display more or fewer apps per page for better navigation.
- How to Do It: Open Parallels Toolbox, choose the “Customize Launchpad” tool, and adjust the grid size by selecting the number of rows and columns. Save your changes to see the updated layout.
A customized Launchpad makes finding and launching apps faster, streamlining your workflow.
5. Set Custom Screenshot Formats
By default, macOS saves screenshots as PNG files, but Parallels Toolbox lets you choose formats like JPEG, PDF, TIFF, BMP, GIF, PSD, or TGA to suit your needs.
- How to Do It: Access the “Take Screenshot” tool in Parallels Toolbox. In its preferences, select your desired output format and save location. Your next screenshot will follow these settings.
This flexibility is ideal for professionals who need specific file types for projects or sharing.
6. Disable Crash Reports
Crash reports can clutter your system and slow down recovery after an app failure. Parallels Toolbox lets you turn them off, keeping your MacBook running smoothly.
- How to Do It: In Parallels Toolbox, navigate to the “System Tweaks” tool and toggle off “Enable Crash Reports.” This prevents macOS from generating reports when apps crash.
Disabling crash reports frees up system resources, especially on older MacBooks.
7. Adjust Font Types and Sizes
Personalizing your MacBook’s fonts can improve readability or match your style. Parallels Toolbox offers a straightforward way to change font types and sizes across macOS.
- How to Do It: Open the “System Fonts” tool in Parallels Toolbox. Browse available fonts, adjust sizes for menus, windows, or Finder, and apply your changes. Preview options to ensure they suit your needs.
This tweak enhances usability, especially for users with specific visual preferences.
8. Other Customization Options
Parallels Toolbox offers additional tools to fine-tune your MacBook, such as:
- Clipboard History: Store multiple copied items for easy pasting.
- Clean Drive: Remove junk files to free up disk space.
- Sleep Timer: Schedule your Mac to sleep or shut down automatically.
- Record Audio: Capture audio directly from your Mac’s microphone.
