How to Use the Apple Menu on Mac? [New Information]

Are you new to Apple Mac or macOS? Then follow this easy guide on how to use the Apple Menu on Mac. You can customize what can appear on the Apple Menu or menu bar and what the app can display.

Mac is one of the most well-known computer systems globally. The high functionality and impressive working of the OS make it immensely popular. The Apple menu on the Mac is a significant part of the system. It is a drop-down menu that offers access to multiple options. 

Using these options makes it easier for users to navigate the system. For instance, you can go to the App Store quickly or gain access to the list of recent items. In this article, we will talk about the Apple menu and how to use it on Mac. 

What Is in the Apple Menu on Mac?

Are you wondering what the Apple Menu on Mac is? The Apple Menu is the drop-down menu you can see on the left of the menu bar in Mac systems. Though the role of the Apple Menu has changed, it usually displays the Apple logo. 

The Apple menu has the same design regardless of your system, be it MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, etc. You can identify it via the Apple logo. 

The Apple Menu has several items you can use when you click on it.

About This Mac: You can get more information on your system. These generally include the processor type, macOS version, memory storage, etc. 

• System Preferences: With this feature, users can customize different settings of the Mac. One can also use it to update the OS. 
• App Store: Clicking on this option will direct you to the App Store. Here, you can access different apps, which you can download easily. 
• Location: This is an optional feature and only appears if the user has multiple network locations. Using this option, you can choose the desired network location. 
• Recent items: Files, folders, and networks you use via apps get recorded for future reference. You can access the recent items option to work quickly. It is possible to list the number of items in this list. 
• Force Quit Finder: There are several instances where you can't open Finder. To resolve the error, you can press the force quit finder option. Now, Mac will restart Finder as the window disappears and then reappears. 
• Sleep: It is an excellent power-saving option that allows you to give rest to Mac without turning it off. The option reduces the screen brightness and decreases power consumption. 
• Restart: Sometimes, an app may get stuck or have other issues. In that case, restarting the system is a good idea. Clicking on this option will shut down the system and turn it on again automatically. 
• Shut Down: With this option, you can shut down the system completely. 
• Log Out Guest User: Guest User enables other individuals to gain access to your Mac without the need for a password. That is why you must log out of the Guest User account when the work is complete.

There is a distinct difference between the menu bar and the Apple Menu on the Mac. 

How to Use the Apple Menu on Mac?

There are various issues users can encounter while using the Apple Menu on Mac. For instance, you might want to add or remove items from the menu bar. In that case, you need to follow the steps given below. 

Step 1: Go to the Apple Menu present in the top-left corner of the screen. Select "System Preferences".

Step 2: Click on the "Dock & Menu Bar".

Step 3: You will come across different items on the left part of the pane. 

To add the item to the menu bar, you must check Show on the Menu Bar option in the right-hand side settings. 

If you want to remove a specific item, uncheck it. Do you want to change the clock item in the menu bar?

For that, you must adopt the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1: Go to System Preferences. Click on the "Dock & Menu Bar". You need to select the "Clock" option from the left-side pane. 

Step 2: You will get two options for the date: Show the day of the week and the date. Choose the one you want. You can choose both too. 

Step 3: For a time, you get multiple options. These include an option between digital and analog. You can also opt for the Show AM/Pm option, Use a 24-hour clock, Flash the time separators, and Display the time in seconds. 

Step 4: You can also opt for the "Announce the time" option. You can choose the voice and when you want the time to be announced. 

Final words

Though changing over the years, the Apple Menu plays a significant role in Mac. You can quickly identify it by the Apple logo, which is generally present on the top-left part of the screen. The drop-down menu has multiple options such as System Preferences, App Store, Shut down, and more!

It is easy to use the Apple menu. Moreover, you can also make changes in the event of any problem. For instance, you can add an item on the Menu bar or change the style of the date or time. 

FAQs

Undoubtedly, the Apple Menu is a crucial part of the Mac. However, it is imperative to gather more knowledge if you want to use it seamlessly. Take a look at the questions and answers listed here to know more!

1. How do you get to the Mac menu without a mouse's Apple menu?

It would help if you used the keyboard to reach the Apple menu on a Mac without a mouse. Press CNTL+ FN+F2 to highlight the Apple logo. Tap the down arrow to expand the menu and the down arrow again to choose your desired function. After that, press Enter.

2. Where are Apple menu preferences?

Apple menu preferences are available in the Apple menu in the menu bar. You need to go to the top-left part of the Mac screen. Now, select System Preferences. 

3. How do I manage the menu bar on a Mac?

To manage the menu bar on a Mac, you need to go to System Preferences. After that, select Dock & Menu Bar to manage the menu bar. You can add or remove items with ease.