macOS User Guide
- Welcome
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- Connect to the internet
- Browse the web
- Adjust the volume
- Take a screenshot or screen recording
- View and edit files with Quick Look
- Jot a Quick Note
- Set up Screen Time for yourself
- Set up a Focus to stay on task
- Edit photos and videos in Photos
- Use Visual Look Up for your photos
- Get directions in Maps
- Create a recording in Voice Memos
- Use trackpad and mouse gestures
- Use the Touch Bar
- Use Touch ID
- Use keyboard shortcuts
- Get macOS updates
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- What is Family Sharing?
- Set up Family Sharing
- Set up other users on your Mac
- Set up Screen Time for a child
- Share purchases with your family
- Make a FaceTime call
- Use SharePlay to watch and listen together
- Send text messages
- Share a calendar with your family
- Find what people shared with you
- Find your family and friends
- Play games with your friends
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- Use Continuity to work across Apple devices
- Stream audio and video with AirPlay
- Use a keyboard and mouse or trackpad across devices
- Use your iPad as a second display
- Hand off tasks between devices
- Insert photos and documents from iPhone or iPad
- Insert sketches from iPhone or iPad
- Copy and paste between devices
- Use Apple Watch to unlock your Mac
- Make and receive phone calls on your Mac
- Send files between devices with AirDrop
- Sync music, books, and more between devices
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- Manage cookies and other website data in Safari
- Use Private Browsing in Safari
- View privacy reports in Safari
- Understand passwords
- Reset your Mac login password
- Create and autofill strong passwords
- Keep your Apple ID secure
- Set up your Mac to be secure
- Use Mail Privacy Protection
- Guard your privacy
- Pay with Apple Pay in Safari
- Use Sign in with Apple for apps and websites
- Protect your Mac from malware
- Control access to the camera
- Find a missing device
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- Change your display’s brightness
- Connect a wireless keyboard, mouse, or trackpad
- Connect other wireless devices
- Connect a display, TV, or projector
- Add a printer
- Use the built-in camera
- Use AirPods with your Mac
- Save energy on your Mac
- Optimize storage space
- Burn CDs and DVDs
- Control accessories in your home
- Run Windows on your Mac
- Resources for your Mac
- Resources for your Apple devices
- Copyright

Use an external camera with Mac
Many Mac computers have a built-in camera located near the top edge of the screen, but you can also use an external camera with your Mac.
Connect an external camera
Connect the camera’s cable to a port on your Mac. See About the video ports on Mac.
If the camera has a connector that doesn’t match the port you want to connect it to, you may be able to use it with an adapter. See the Apple Support article Adapters for the Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB-C port on your Mac.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds for your Mac to recognize the camera.
For more information about connecting your external camera, see the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use an external camera with apps and features
Photo Booth: Click Camera in the menu bar, then choose your external camera.
FaceTime: Click Video in the menu bar, then choose your external camera.
QuickTime Player: Choose File > New Movie Recording, click the Options pop-up menu, then choose your external camera.
Head pointer: Choose Apple menu
> System Preferences, click Accessibility
, click Pointer Control, then click Alternate Control Methods. Click Options next to “Enable head pointer,” click Camera Options, then choose your external camera.Third-party apps: You may be able to use your external camera with third-party apps you downloaded from the App Store. To find out how, read the developer’s instructions or explore the app’s menus and preferences.