Everything You Need To Know About The MacBook Pro Touch Bar.
The Touch Bar is now a feature you’ll find on every current MacBook product, with the exception of the MacBook Air. If you’re looking to buy a new MacBook in the future, it will almost certainly have this feature. Specifically, all 2019 MacBook Pro models come with a touch bar, and all but the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pros from 2016 to 2018 also come with it.
If you’ve never used the Touch Bar before and are unsure of what to expect, here are the most important facts we think every MacBook Pro Touch Bar user should know.
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What is the MacBook Pro Touch Bar?
The Touch Bar is a small OLED touchscreen located in exactly the same place as the top row of function keys on Macs that came before. The “F” keys can perform any function, the keys themselves do not change. The touchpad offers a dynamic control surface that can mimic traditional F keys, but can also be anything.
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The touchpad has caused quite a bit of controversy. Many people like it, but, again, many want it not to be. Apple has made some changes to the touchpad in some of its latest models to balance these critics. For example, the physical Escape key is returning on the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro, which many professional users have cited as their primary touch bar issue.
How do I use the Touch Bar?
The beauty of the touchpad is that you use it just like any key on your keyboard. Just press the button you see to perform its function. The difference is that the Touch Bar will change which keys are displayed depending on which application is currently active.
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These controls do not have to be regular buttons. It could be sliders, buttons that go to other buttons, or whatever the developers want to do with this little real estate.
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The touch bar is split into two parts
The Touch Bar is divided into zones with different functions. The third part on the right is known as the “Control Strip”. There is a Siri button, brightness controls, and volume buttons. The control bar can be extended by touching the small arrow on the left side. In another part of the Touch Bar, you will find application buttons.
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Which apps support Touch Bar?
Since the Touch Bar is an integral part of macOS and not a third-party add-on (it’s Apple’s walled garden, after all), you probably won’t be surprised to find that native Apple software takes full advantage of the Touch Bar’s capabilities. Safari, iMovie, Garageband and others are really showcasing the capabilities of the Touch Bar.
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For example, in Safari you will see a small preview of your open tabs and can switch between them using the touch bar. Garageband gives you quick access to instruments and playback controls, making your music creation much easier.
What about third party apps? Well, this is where things get a little more successful. Many professional applications now include their own functionality for this new input device.
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Photoshop, as a prime example, lets you quickly adjust settings like brush size and type. Add layers, undo actions, and more. Of course, you can do all of this simply by using keyboard shortcuts. This is exactly what the most seasoned Photoshop pros will do.
However, that doesn’t make the Touch Bar useless. There are several types of controls that really benefit from this versatile control. Editing timeline scrolling, color adjustments, fine tweaks, and anything that works better with analog controls are good candidates for Touch Bar handling.
Touch Bar is Multi Touch!
As with iPhones and iPads, touch input on the MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar is 10-channel multi-touch input. This may not seem like a big deal if you are probably only using one finger to use most of the functions.
However, applications like GarageBand really need it when you control instruments with the Touch Bar. It also opens up all sorts of possibilities for third-party developers.
You can customize the Touch Bar!
One of the best things about the Touch Bar is that you can customize it using the built-in Touch Bar utility in macOS This is where the Touch Bar really can be best for power users who need certain features to be within reach, and where overall time savings really matter.
To do this, click the Apple menu, then System Preferences. Then open the keyboard.
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All you have to do now is click the button labeled “Customize Control Bar” and you will see this set of Touch Bar buttons.
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The final step is to drag the buttons you want to place on the Touch Bar directly onto it. Once you’ve configured it as desired, click Finish and you’re done.
The F keys are just a remote button
If you’re using a MacBook without the Touch Bar, you might immediately feel a little panicky as soon as you have to use the F keys. The good news is that it is very easy to get them back. Just hold the “FN” button on your keyboard and they will appear.
You can return F keys permanently
If you prefer the function keys to be the default items displayed on the touchpad, this couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is click the Apple menu System Preferences again.
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On this screen, you will see two important dropdown menus. The first is labeled “Touchpad is displayed” and the second is labeled “Press the Fn key to”.
If you not see these options, make sure the Touch Bar is active before opening Keyboard Preferences. If you are using external peripherals with the MacBook lid closed, there will be no options.
All we have to do is change the first option to “F1, F2, etc.” Keys “, and the second -” Show control strip “.
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The touchpad now always displays the F keys, and if you hold down the Fn key, the standard control bar is displayed. Of course, you can combine these settings as you like. This is just one example of a setup.
Stay in touch
Love or hate the Touch Bar, it seems like it will stay forever. So why not make the most of it and find new ways to make using your MacBook Pro even easier. It takes a little getting used to, but once you dive into the life of the Touch Bar, it’s hard to go back.
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