The Touch Bar is a unique feature on MacBooks that provides a customizable interface with context-aware buttons and controls. It is a small touchscreen display located at the top of the keyboard, replacing the traditional function keys. The Touch Bar offers users quick access to various functions, shortcuts, and controls depending on the active application. However, many users may not be aware of the different ways they can customize and personalize the Touch Bar to better suit their needs and preferences. In this blog post, we will explore various methods and techniques to change and customize the Touch Bar on your Mac.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change The Touch Bar on Your Mac:
The default settings and controls on the Touch Bar may not always align with your specific workflow or preferences. By customizing and changing the Touch Bar, you can optimize it to better suit your needs, increase productivity, and enhance your overall user experience. Whether you want to add new shortcuts, rearrange existing controls, or remove certain buttons altogether, personalizing the Touch Bar can make using your Mac more efficient and enjoyable.
Method 1: Changing The Touch Bar Via System Preferences
Changing the Touch Bar settings via System Preferences is the most straightforward and accessible method for customizing your Touch Bar. Follow these steps to modify the Touch Bar settings:
1. Open "System Preferences" from the Apple menu or the Dock.
2. Click on "Keyboard" within the System Preferences window.
3. Navigate to the "Keyboard" tab, and you will find a section titled "Touch Bar shows."
4. Click the drop-down menu to select the app or functionality for which you want to customize the Touch Bar.
5. Drag and drop items from the "Customize Control Strip" section onto the Touch Bar to add them or drag them off to remove them.
6. Rearrange items on the Touch Bar by holding down the Command key while dragging them.
7. Customize the expanded Control Strip by clicking on it and selecting the desired options.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy and straightforward process for customizing the Touch Bar via System Preferences. | 1. Limited to options provided by Apple; cannot add custom buttons or shortcuts. |
| 2. Allows users to quickly modify the Touch Bar to better suit their needs. | 2. Changes made through System Preferences apply universally and cannot be customized on an app-specific basis. |
| 3. Provides a visual representation of the Touch Bar and the ability to rearrange controls easily. | 3. Requires accessing the System Preferences, which may be less convenient for some users. |
Method 2: Changing The Touch Bar Using Third-Party Apps
While Apple’s System Preferences offer a decent level of customization, some users may desire more advanced options and additional features for their Touch Bar. Several third-party apps are available to enhance and change the functionality of your Touch Bar. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Identify and download a third-party app that allows customization of the Touch Bar, such as "BetterTouchTool" or "MTMR" (My TouchBar, My Rules).
2. Install and launch the app on your Mac.
3. Follow the app’s instructions to set up and configure the Touch Bar customization options.
4. Explore the app’s settings and features to personalize your Touch Bar according to your preferences.
5. Customize the Touch Bar by adding custom buttons, creating shortcuts, or modifying existing controls.
6. Save your changes and start using the new Touch Bar setup within the supported apps or system-wide, depending on the app’s capabilities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Offers advanced customization options beyond what is available through System Preferences. | 1. Requires downloading and installing additional third-party apps, which may not be suitable for all users. |
| 2. Allows users to create custom buttons and shortcuts for specific applications or system-wide. | 2. Some third-party apps may have a learning curve or require additional setup. |
| 3. Provides a wide range of customization options to personalize the Touch Bar experience. | 3. Not all third-party apps may be compatible with the latest macOS updates. |
Method 3: Changing The Touch Bar Via App-Specific Options
Some applications offer specific settings and customization options for the Touch Bar within their own preferences or settings menus. This allows you to tailor the Touch Bar controls and buttons to better align with the features and functions of individual apps. Here’s how you can customize the Touch Bar for specific applications:
1. Open the desired application for which you want to change the Touch Bar settings.
2. Access the application’s preferences or settings menu.
3. Look for any options related to the Touch Bar or customize controls.
4. Modify the Touch Bar settings based on your preferences, such as rearranging or adding/removing buttons.
5. Save the changes, and the Touch Bar will now reflect your customized settings when using that specific application.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows app-specific customization for the Touch Bar. | 1. Limited to applications that offer Touch Bar customization options. |
| 2. Lets users optimize the Touch Bar controls and buttons based on the specific app’s features. | 2. Requires accessing each application’s settings individually for customization. |
| 3. Provides a more fine-tuned control over the Touch Bar experience within different applications. | 3. Not all applications may offer Touch Bar customization options. |
Method 4: Changing The Touch Bar Via Xcode
For users with more advanced technical skills and knowledge, Xcode, Apple’s integrated development environment, provides additional opportunities for changing and customizing the Touch Bar. This method requires some coding and familiarity with Xcode. Follow these steps:
1. Open Xcode on your Mac.
2. Create a new project or open an existing one.
3. Go to the "Window" menu and select "Touch Bar."
4. Customize the Touch Bar by dragging and dropping buttons and controls onto the interface.
5. Configure the behavior and functionality of the Touch Bar components using Xcode’s coding capabilities.
6. Save and compile the project to apply the customized Touch Bar settings.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Offers the most extensive customization options for the Touch Bar. | 1. Requires coding knowledge and familiarity with Xcode. |
| 2. Allows users to create highly customized and tailored Touch Bar experiences. | 2. May be overly complex and time-consuming for users without coding experience. |
| 3. Provides full control over the behavior, appearance, and functionality of the Touch Bar. | 3. Changes made through Xcode are specific to the project and do not apply system-wide. |
What to Do If You Can’t Change The Touch Bar:
If you encounter issues or are unable to change and customize the Touch Bar on your Mac, here are some potential fixes:
1. Restart your Mac: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor software glitches and restore the ability to modify the Touch Bar settings.
2. Check for macOS updates: Ensure that your Mac is running the latest version of macOS, as updates often include bug fixes and improvements related to the Touch Bar.
3. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC): Resetting the SMC on your Mac might help resolve hardware-related issues that prevent Touch Bar customization. Consult Apple’s support documentation for instructions on how to perform an SMC reset specific to your Mac model.
Bonus Tips:
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your Touch Bar experience:
1. Use the "Customize Touch Bar" option within the "View" menu of various apps to streamline controls based on your specific needs.
2. Take advantage of Touch Bar extensions, available through the Mac App Store, to add new features and functionality to your Touch Bar.
3. Explore online communities and forums dedicated to Touch Bar customization for inspiration and guidance on advanced techniques.
5 FAQs about Changing The Touch Bar:
Q1: Can I revert to the default Touch Bar settings?
A: Yes, you can revert to the default Touch Bar settings by going to System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard and selecting the "App Controls" option from the "Touch Bar shows" drop-down menu.
Q2: Are there any risks associated with changing the Touch Bar?
A: No, changing the Touch Bar settings is a software-based customization process that does not pose any risks to your Mac or its hardware components.
Q3: Can I change the Touch Bar on older MacBook models?
A: No, the Touch Bar is a feature exclusive to certain models of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air released by Apple in recent years.
Q4: Will changing the Touch Bar settings impact the battery life of my MacBook?
A: No, changing the Touch Bar settings does not have a significant impact on the battery life of your MacBook.
Q5: Can I change the Touch Bar on external keyboards?
A: No, the Touch Bar is only available on the built-in keyboard of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models and cannot be added to external keyboards.
Final Thoughts:
Customizing and changing the Touch Bar on your Mac can greatly improve your productivity and user experience. Whether you prefer a more streamlined interface, additional shortcuts, or personalized controls, implementing these methods will enable you to optimize the Touch Bar to align perfectly with your needs. Experiment with different options, explore third-party apps, and enjoy the enhanced functionality of your custom Touch Bar setup!