{"id":9383,"date":"2023-09-28T11:11:27","date_gmt":"2023-09-28T11:11:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/tech\/?p=9383"},"modified":"2023-10-03T08:18:16","modified_gmt":"2023-10-03T08:18:16","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-for-textedit-on-mac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/tech\/apple\/mac\/the-ultimate-guide-for-textedit-on-mac\/","title":{"rendered":"THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR TEXTEDIT ON MAC","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

TextEdit is the basic text-processing app on a Mac. You can also use Pages; however, TextEdit is much faster if you just need to write a simple text document. TextEdit has many more built-in functions than the Windows Notepad software. Here are some pointers for using the Mac’s TextEdit software efficiently, whether you’re a new Mac owner or just like to type up a lot of documents. Enjoy the ride with me!<\/p>

What Is TextEdit on Mac?<\/span><\/h2>

TextEdit is the default text editor on your Mac. The Applications folder is where you’ll discover it. Both RTF (rich text format), which supports conventional formatting and even the addition of graphics to files, and plain text are supported by this software. It opens in Rich Text Format (RTF) by default, but you can switch to Plain Text Format (Plain Text) from the Format option. If you only need to type something infrequently, TextEdit may be sufficient; in plain text mode, the content aligns virtually flush with the left margin of your window and the top toolbar.<\/p>

For others, the question “What is TextEdit used for?” may seem incomprehensible. It is a word processor that lets you create, open, and modify text files made with the program as well as those made with other word processors. Furthermore, it contains features like automated spelling correction, support for data detectors, and the ability to alter text.<\/p>

TextEdit is also a free and open-source word processor and text editor that was originally introduced in NeXT’s NeXTSTEP and OPENSTEP operating systems. Since Apple Inc.’s acquisition of NeXT, it has been bundled with macOS and made available as GNUstep apps for Linux and other Unix-like platforms.<\/p>

Features that Make TextEdit on Mac Different<\/span><\/h2>

The following is what makes TextEdit on Mac so different from others:<\/p>

#1. Edit in Rich Text Mode<\/span><\/h3>

TextEdit excels at handling basic text processing tasks, but it also includes more robust editing capabilities. Format > Make Rich Text will get you there. Selecting this alternative brings up more choices for formatting, such as font size, alignment, and spacing. (A tab ruler might also appear.)<\/p>

You can also edit the text by selecting it and using the standard menus, just like in any other word processor. The paragraph icon next to the styles button in the top left allows you to apply styles to the full paragraph at once.<\/p>

#2. Edit Tabs<\/span><\/h3>

Standard tabs in TextEdit on Mac will advance the cursor by one centimeter. Of course, you have the power to alter that. Pressing Command+R will reveal the ruler if it is hidden. The tabs can be moved by clicking and dragging them, or you can remove them from the ruler by dragging them down. Tab stops can be changed to left, center, right, or decimal by right-clicking them.<\/p>

#3. Prior Versions<\/span><\/h3>

The app is different because of how well it integrates with macOS. TextEdit makes it easy to view and manage your document’s revision history. Any file format is supported by iWork for this purpose. A new version of your document is created whenever you save it, and macOS saves automatically once an hour. Choose File > Revert To > Browse All Versions to view older saves.<\/p>

However, the macOS Versions browser appears, much like in Time Machine. To restore a previous version, use the right-hand arrows to get to it.<\/p>

#4. Enhanced Search<\/span><\/h3>

It’s possible you’ll find TextEdit’s search function lacking in sophistication. And that’s accurate on the surface. When you press Command + F, a basic search interface appears. However, the search is capable of slightly more than meets the eye. Use the shortcut key to bring up the search bar, and then click the magnifying glass icon to the left. The Insert Pattern option will appear in the resultant menu.<\/p>

Also, find tabs, paragraph breaks, URLs, and more with this handy search feature. When used in conjunction with the more traditional, character-based search keywords, you can find anything.<\/p>

#5. Replace and Search<\/span><\/h3>

TextEdit doesn’t appear to have a find-and-replace feature at first glance. Which is a shame because it’s a very helpful skill. However, TextEdit includes a search and replace function. It’s a matter of knowing what to look for. Cmd + F will open the find bar once more. Make sure the Replace box is selected this time by clicking on it.<\/p>

You probably didn’t even notice that it was there. Looking back, it’s easy to realize how blatant it was. It is now possible to repeatedly execute search and replace queries. If you don’t want to search and replace the full document, you can just do it on the highlighted parts.<\/p>

#6. Length in Words<\/span><\/h3>

One major drawback of TextEdit is the lack of word count capability. However, a simple search bar hack will allow you to find one anyway. You can also access the Insert Pattern option in the same way you did before by searching for it in the bar. Choose Any Word Characters and then perform the search.<\/p>

You’ll see a new number to the right of the search bar; that’s the total number of results. In this context, it refers to the total number of words in your paper.<\/p>

#7. Use Bullet Points for Speedy Lists<\/span><\/h3>

Lists can be bulleted or numbered in rich text. Even if you don’t want to use the rich text editor, a simple keyboard shortcut will allow you to insert a list. To create an indented, bulleted list with hyphens denoting items, just press Option + Tab.<\/p>

#8. Use Autocomplete<\/span><\/h3>

The autocomplete tool in macOS can be helpful when typing lengthy phrases; however, utilizing a text expander is faster for frequently used phrases. If you start typing a term and then press Option + Esc, a list of possible completions will appear. Simply insert the one you select using the keyboard or mouse.<\/p>

#9. Verbalize the Text<\/span><\/h3>

Don’t have time to read but really need to? Consider turning on TextEdit’s reading mode. Then, select Edit > Speech > Start Speaking after pasting text into the TextEdit window. The voice isn’t great, but it does the job! This can also be done on the go with a text-to-speech app on your iPhone.<\/p>

How Do I Use TextEdit on a Mac?<\/span><\/h2>

If you want to know how to use TextEdit on your macOS devices, it’s not as hard as quantum mechanics if you follow this step-by-step guide. Here is how to use TextEdit for your Mac:<\/p>

#1. Launching Mac OS X’s TextEdit<\/span><\/h3>