How to Edit the Touch Bar on a MacBook Pro

Editing the Touch Bar on a MacBook Pro allows you to tailor its functionality to your specific needs. This guide will walk you through the process of customizing the Touch Bar on a per-app basis, highlighting various methods and tools available.

Customization on a Per-App Basis

The Touch Bar's customizability is limited to the applications that support it. Each individual app must opt-in to allowing users to modify the Touch Bar configuration. This means that you can only customize the Touch Bar within the context of the apps that support such customization.

General Method for Customization

In most applications, the customization option is found in the View menu. To access it:

Click on the View menu in the application's main menu bar. Select Customize Touch Bar.

A window will pop up, displaying all the available Touch Bar button options. You can click and drag these buttons to place them on the Touch Bar according to your preference.

System Preferences for Touch Bar Settings

For general Touch Bar settings, you can use the System Preferences to set your preferences:

Open System Preferences from the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen. Select Keyboard from the list of preferences. Click on the Keyboard tab. Under the Touch Bar section, choose your preferred option from the dropdown menu.

The options available are:

App Controls Expanded Control Strip F1, F2, etc. Keys Quick Actions Spaces

Additional Customization Tools

For more advanced customization, consider using third-party tools like BetterTouchTool. This tool offers extensive customization options for the mouse, keyboard, and trackpad, including Touch Bar customizations.

To use BetterTouchTool, download and install the application from its official website. Once installed, you can configure a variety of functions and macros for different applications and workflows.

With BetterTouchTool, you can:

Add a "middle click" function to your mouse. Create custom macros and gestures. Configure complex keyboard shortcuts and actions.

Conclusion

Customizing the Touch Bar on your MacBook Pro is a straightforward process that enhances the productivity and user experience of your Mac. Whether you prefer to use built-in options or explore third-party tools, the possibilities are vast. Happy hunting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the Touch Bar in any application?

No, the Touch Bar can only be customized in applications that support this feature. Look for the Customize Touch Bar option in the application's View menu to check if the app supports customization.

Can I change the settings for the Touch Bar through the Apple menu?

Yes, through the System Preferences menu, you can set global Touch Bar preferences like the display mode (e.g., App Controls, Expanded Control Strip, etc.).

Do I need to download additional software for Touch Bar customization?

For more advanced customization, you can use tools like BetterTouchTool. This software offers a wide range of options for fine-tuning your Mac's functionality.