Mac User Guide
- Welcome
- What’s new in macOS Sequoia
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- Get started with Apple Intelligence
- Use Writing Tools
- Use Apple Intelligence in Mail
- Use Apple Intelligence in Messages
- Use Apple Intelligence with Siri
- Get webpage summaries
- Summarize an audio recording
- Create original images with Image Playground
- Use Apple Intelligence in Photos
- Summarize notifications and reduce interruptions
- Use ChatGPT with Apple Intelligence
- Apple Intelligence and privacy
- Block access to Apple Intelligence features
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- Intro to Continuity
- Use AirDrop to send items to nearby devices
- Hand off tasks between devices
- Control your iPhone from your Mac
- Copy and paste between devices
- Stream video and audio with AirPlay
- Make and receive calls and text messages on your Mac
- Use your iPhone internet connection with your Mac
- Share your Wi-Fi password with another device
- Use iPhone as a webcam
- Insert sketches, photos, and scans from iPhone or iPad
- Unlock your Mac with Apple Watch
- Use your iPad as a second display
- Use one keyboard and mouse to control Mac and iPad
- Sync music, books, and more between devices
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- Control what you share
- Set up your Mac to be secure
- Allow apps to see the location of your Mac
- Use Private Browsing
- Keep your data safe
- Understand passwords
- Change weak or compromised passwords
- Keep your Apple Account secure
- Use Mail Privacy Protection
- Use Sign in with Apple for apps and websites
- Find a missing device
- Resources for your Mac
- Resources for your Apple devices
- Copyright
Prevent Spotlight searches in files on Mac
You can exclude files in specific folders or disks from Spotlight searches.
On your Mac, choose Apple menu
in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)Click Search Privacy in the lower right, then do any of the following:
Exclude files in a folder or disk from Spotlight searches: Click
, then select a folder or disk. You can also drag folders or disks into the field.Include excluded files in folders or disks in Spotlight searches: Select the folder or disk in the list, then click
.
If you exclude a Time Machine backup disk, you continue to receive messages that Spotlight is indexing it. This indexing is necessary for Time Machine to function properly and can’t be turned off. When searching, Spotlight does exclude items stored on the backup disk that aren’t part of a Time Machine backup.
Important: If you exclude certain files and folders, you may not be notified when updates become available for some apps. If you exclude your entire internal disk, you won’t be notified about any updates.
To learn more about how Apple protects your information and lets you choose what you share, click About Siri Suggestions, Search & Privacy, or see the Apple Privacy website.