- Touch Bar Customization Reddit
- Touch Bar Customize
- Macbook Touch Bar Customization
- Customize Touch Bar Macbook Pro
Standard Chrome Touch Bar shortcuts. In customization mode. With laptop control buttons. You can also opt to disable typing suggestions if you don't want Chrome to autocomplete your keywords. On the right top side of the touch bar you will find the control strip, which will provide you a variety of functions you can add to the touch bar. And if viewed after opening through the ‘Customize Touch Bar' option via an app, the various functions of the app which are touch bar compatible will be shown, which you can drag onto the touch bar.
Parallels Program Manager guest author: Alex Sursiakov
Customize your Touch Bar so that it shows the Quick Actions button in the Control Strip. 6) You can now reach your favorite shortcuts by tapping the Quick Actions icon in the Control Strip of the Touch Bar (tap #1), then choose the Automator workflow to run (tap #2). At the top of the screen, click View Customize Touch Bar. On your laptop screen, click and hold a button. Drag the button below the edge of your screen. You'll see it highlighted on the Touch Bar. Remove a button. To get rid of a button you don't use, move your cursor below the edge of your screen. For more information about this interface, see 'Customize your Touch Bar' on this Apple documentation page. Drag commands down into the Touch Bar, toward the bottom edge of your MacBook Pro's main display. You can also drag commands within the Touch Bar to arrange them, or drag them up and out of the Touch Bar to remove them.
Touch Bar Support in Parallels Desktop for Mac
With Parallels Desktop® 13 for Mac (and Parallels Desktop® 14, as well), Mac® users can use Touch Bar™ for Windows applications. This function is supported in Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.
To see App Controls in Touch Bar, make sure that some of the options with App Controls are selected in macOS® System Preferences → Keyboard pane.
(Figure A)
A Mac with Touch Bar is highly recommended. However, if you are trying to decide if it's worth it, you can try a Touch Bar emulator like Touche on your Mac without Touch Bar. There are more than 100,000 different Windows applications that users run on a Mac with the help of Parallels. Some applications have predefined sets of Touch Bar commands, and others do not—it is impossible to support all of them.
Applications with predefined commands are:
- File Explorer
- Browsers (Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome™, Opera, Vivaldi)
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word and Word Mobile
- Microsoft Excel and Excel Mobile
- Microsoft PowerPoint and PowerPoint Mobile
There is also a set for Windows Desktop and Start Menu that you can customize by pinning your favorite applications to Windows Task Bar.
Task Bar:
(Figure B)
Touch Bar:
(Figure C)
So, what about other applications?
Default Touch Bar Customization
By default for all other applications, we show Functional keys:
(Figure D)
However, you can start an application and customize this set. Go to View menu and select 'Customize Touch Bar .'
(Figure E)
You will see the following interface, where you can pretty much do what is asked: 'Drag items into the Touch Bar…'
(Figure F)
If you don't see the menu, it may be that you have enabled Functional keys for Parallels Desktop in macOS System Preferences → Shortcuts → Function Keys. Just remove Parallels Desktop from the list.
Outline 3 5. What if buttons that we have in this dialog don't fit your needs?
Advanced Touch Bar Customization
There is a way to customize Touch Bar for any application.
All you need is to figure out how to complete the action with a keyboard, and some patience to fine-tune things.
If you are not tech savvy, then get ready to fail, fight, and ultimately succeed.
Note: Parallels doesn't officially support this way of Touch Bar customization, so you are doing it at your own risk.
Set the Goal
First you need to understand what you want and how to achieve it.
For example, I am using Notepad++ to edit an HTML file, and I like to check how the webpage looks in different browsers.
Notepad++ has these shortcuts at hand:
To see App Controls in Touch Bar, make sure that some of the options with App Controls are selected in macOS® System Preferences → Keyboard pane.
(Figure A)
A Mac with Touch Bar is highly recommended. However, if you are trying to decide if it's worth it, you can try a Touch Bar emulator like Touche on your Mac without Touch Bar. There are more than 100,000 different Windows applications that users run on a Mac with the help of Parallels. Some applications have predefined sets of Touch Bar commands, and others do not—it is impossible to support all of them.
Applications with predefined commands are:
- File Explorer
- Browsers (Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome™, Opera, Vivaldi)
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word and Word Mobile
- Microsoft Excel and Excel Mobile
- Microsoft PowerPoint and PowerPoint Mobile
There is also a set for Windows Desktop and Start Menu that you can customize by pinning your favorite applications to Windows Task Bar.
Task Bar:
(Figure B)
Touch Bar:
(Figure C)
So, what about other applications?
Default Touch Bar Customization
By default for all other applications, we show Functional keys:
(Figure D)
However, you can start an application and customize this set. Go to View menu and select 'Customize Touch Bar .'
(Figure E)
You will see the following interface, where you can pretty much do what is asked: 'Drag items into the Touch Bar…'
(Figure F)
If you don't see the menu, it may be that you have enabled Functional keys for Parallels Desktop in macOS System Preferences → Shortcuts → Function Keys. Just remove Parallels Desktop from the list.
Outline 3 5. What if buttons that we have in this dialog don't fit your needs?
Advanced Touch Bar Customization
There is a way to customize Touch Bar for any application.
All you need is to figure out how to complete the action with a keyboard, and some patience to fine-tune things.
If you are not tech savvy, then get ready to fail, fight, and ultimately succeed.
Note: Parallels doesn't officially support this way of Touch Bar customization, so you are doing it at your own risk.
Set the Goal
First you need to understand what you want and how to achieve it.
For example, I am using Notepad++ to edit an HTML file, and I like to check how the webpage looks in different browsers.
Notepad++ has these shortcuts at hand:
(Figure G)
Ctrl + Alt + Shift + . I am not a fan of gymnastics for fingers, so I want to end up with this in Touch Bar:
(Figure H)
This is important: for an action you want to see in Touch Bar, you need to be able to achieve it using your keyboard. If this is possible, then you can create a Touch Bar button for this action.
Get Ready
Make a backup.
Parallels Desktop is an amazing software, and making a Windows backup is super easy.
In Window mode, select 'Actions → Manage Snapshots…' and select 'New…' here. You can also reach this item from Control Center, the Parallels icon in the menu bar, or the Windows icon in the Dock. When you are done with Touch Bar customization, you can remove the Snapshot to release disk space.
(Figure I)
Read more about snapshots here.
Add a Button
To explain to Parallels Desktop what you want to see in the Touch Bar for a certain application, you need to have an XML file with a certain name in a certain location.
In this XML file, you will describe Touch Bar buttons.
Let's create a folder:
- Open Windows File Explorer and enter %LOCALAPPDATA% in the path field and press Enter:
(Figure J) - In most cases, it will open the 'User name' > AppData > Local folder.
- In this folder, create a new folder named 'Parallels'; in the Parallels folder, create a folder named 'CustomTouchBars'.
So now it is likely to be C:UsersAppDataLocalParallelsCustomTouchBars
Then create a file. It is beneficial to use some editor with XML support. I will use the same Notepad++.
Text for the file:
(Figure K)
Now we need to name this file properly to indicate that it is for a certain application.
Proper name format: .exe.xml
For Notepad++, it is
notepad++.exe.xml
(Note: Sometime text processing apps will automatically change all quote marks into typographically correct quotes (also sometimes called 'curly quotes'). In ordinary language, this is usually correct. For computer code (HTML, XML, or programming language text), this is usually incorrect and will prevent your code from working as expected. When you are typing any type of code, if you see this conversion taking place, make sure you turn it off. Figure K1 shows two such settings.)
Here is how to find it:
(Figure L)
(Figure M)
Note: Sometime apps will 'help' you by automatically adding a file type to any file name you enter. In the case of file you name as 'notepad++.exe.xml', this might result in the file being named 'notepad++.exe.xml.xm'. For the advanced Touch Bar customization work, a file name like this will not work. You will have to ensure that the app does not add anything to the file name.
Now let's verify it's working. Reboot Windows, start your application, and check the Touch Bar.
If it's working, you will see the following:
(Figure N)
Clicking the Button will quit the application in most cases.
If it doesn't work, please make sure that you have done everything properly. If nothing helps, revert to the snapshot that you have created and repeat.
Customize the Button
For each button, we can customize the following:
- id – Mandatory field. Unique identifier of the element.
- keyCode – Mandatory field. Specifies shortcut sequence.
- title – Optional. Specifies text on the button.
- width – Optional. Specifies the width of the button, in points.
- image – Optional. Specifies the image on the button. See 'Images'.
- backColor – Optional. Specifies background color of the button in RRGGBB format.
- textColor – Optional. Specifies text color of the button in RRGGBB format.
Attribute names are case sensitive.
keyCode
*Note: You must specify keyCode for every button you have.*
In the keyCode parameter, you can pass one key, several keys, or a combination of them. They will go to the applications as if you have typed/pressed them.
To pass a combination, use +.
To pass '+', use plus.
To pass several keys in a row, use ','.
To pass ',' use comma.
Here is a full list of keyCodes:
- Characters: a-z
- Numbers: 0-9
- Functional keys: f1-f24
- Other keys: /*=[]`.,comma,semicolon,ins,del,home,end,pgup,pgdown,prtSc,break,ctrl,alt,shift,win,fn,scroll_lock,esc,left,right,up,down,space,tab,minus,np_minus,plus,enter, www_back,www_forward,www_search,www_home,www_stop,www_refresh,www_favorites,app_mail,app_calculator,app_computer,menu.
title
This one is easy. Specify the title text you want to see on a button. If no title or image is specified, then the keyCode will be used as a title.
width
This one is easy, too. Specify the width of the button in points. You may need to play with this, but here are some examples to get an idea:
(Figure O)
image
You may use standard images as per Apple® documentation.
For example, I like the 'Open in Browser' icon:
(Figure P)
I click a link and get a constant:
(Figure Q)
I then remove ImageName from the constant name and get 'NSTouchBarOpenInBrowserTemplate'
Then I can add it to the Touch Bar button like this:
Now Touch Bar will look like this:
(Figure R)
You may define custom images in xml file, but that won't look pretty. Specify image='base64:2x:'. Recommended image size is 36x36px; maximum is 60x60px.
I won't dig into details here, but the Firefox icon will look like this:
(Figure S)
backColor and textColor
If you feel fancy, specify colors:
(Figure T)
Add a Second Button
Adding the second button can be done by creating another copy of a Button section and adding its id to the list of defaultItemIdentifiers of the TouchBar element.
(Figure U)
To get what I initially wanted for Notepad++, the code will look like this:
More Customizations for Tech-Savvy Users
At this point, you should be good. But if you are tech-savvy and comfortable with stuff like this—and want to invest more time into your Touch Bar customization—there are more elements and things to play with.
TouchBar element
All in one messenger ios. The root element of an XML document. Defines elements which are displayed on Touch Bar.
- defaultItemIdentifiers – Mandatory. An array of comma-delimited identifiers of buttons included. Identifiers must point to the element of the document with the same 'id' attribute or special identifiers:
- NSTouchBarItemIdentifierCharacterPicker – smiles button
- NSTouchBarItemIdentifierFlexibleSpace – flexible space
- NSTouchBarItemIdentifierFixedSpaceSmall – small fixed space
- NSTouchBarItemIdentifierFixedSpaceLarge – large fixed space
- escapeKeyReplacementItemIdentifier – Optional. Identifier of a button which replaces Escape key.
- principalItemIdentifier – Optional. Identifier of an item which is displayed in the center of Touch Bar.
SegmentedControl element
Container element which specifies what buttons are displayed together. Should contain children Segment sub-elements.
- trackingMode – Mandatory. Must specify 'momentary'.
- separated – Optional. Should specify 'true' if buttons are displayed separately.
Touch Bar Customization Reddit
Segment sub-element
- keyCode – Mandatory. Specifies shortcut sequence.
- title – Optional. Specifies text on the button.
- image – Optional. Specifies image on the button. See 'Images'.
- width – Optional. Specifies the width of the button, in points.
Popover element
The element which specifies what button expands into a separate Touch Bar set. May show different sets for the press-and-hold scenario.
Should contain PopoverTouchBar, and may contain PressAndHoldTouchBar sub-elements that have a schema identical to other Touch Bar elements.
- title – Optional. Specifies text on the button.
- Image – Optional. Specifies the image on the button. See 'Images'.
ScrollView element
The container element that shows buttons in a scrollable area. Should contain child Button elements with a defined width.
Group element
The container element for other elements. May contain any child elements.
Touch Bar Customize
Example
Application States
Sometimes you want to see different Touch Bar sets based on the context you have in your application. Unfortunately, this is not possible at the moment.
If you create a useful set of Touch Bar buttons for your Windows application and feel like you want to share it with others, feel free to reply here or post on Parallels forums. We also encourage you to share on Facebook or Twitter and tag us to show us your work! We'd love to share it with other users.
Interested in using the Mac Touch Bar on your Mac with Windows programs? Try our 14-day free trial here!
The Touch Bar puts access to your MacBook's commands and controls right at your fingertips. It even adapts automatically, changing its available options based on the apps you're using and what you're doing. Pretty cool, right? But one of the most valued features of the Touch Bar is the fact that you can customize it, making frequent tasks and commands a breeze.
In this article, we'll take a look at the Touch Bar feature on the MacBook Pro. We'll walk you through the basic functions of the Touch Bar and how you can customize it for different apps and uses on your MacBook Pro.
What is the MacBook Pro Touch Bar?
The Touch Bar is a smart, multi-use touch-operated bar. The MacBook Pro was the first Mac to introduce the Touch Bar, which replaced the topmost row of physical keys on its keyboard.
The Touch Bar has the same functionality as the standard keys it replaces (including volume, brightness, and Function keys). What's more: In a feat of versatility, the Touch Bar can also change its available options according to the app you're currently working in.
Located on the far right of your Touch Bar is the Control Strip. The Control Strip's default settings include brightness, volume control, Siri, and much more.
Access classic functions
If you relied on the classic Function keys for a variety of uses, no need to worry! To use the typical F1–F12 keys on your MacBook Pro, press and hold the Function key (fn) on the bottom left corner of your keyboard. Holding the Function key will pull up each of the traditional Function keys across the Touch Bar.
How to customize your Mac's Touch Bar
The Touch Bar allows you to customize its default functions. To change or rearrange these options, go to View in the Top Navigation bar and select Customize Touch Bar. This screen should appear:
In the upper left of this menu, you'll see the Default Set. This is the set of options that will appear when this application is running.
To customize these options, simply click and drag the icons to the bottom of your screen and they will appear on the Touch Bar. You can also use your finger to select a command or function directly on the Touch Bar and move it to your new preferred location.
Customize the Control Strip
One of the best features of the Touch Bar is that you can customize it for each individual app you use.
If you want to customize the Touch Bar for a particular app, start by launching the desired application (it'll need to be one that supports customization).
With the app open, navigate to View in the Top Navigation Bar and select Customize Touch Bar. Next, touch the Touch Bar's Control Strip area to switch over to Control Strip customization. This screen should appear:
From here, you can customize your Control Strip to include Mission Control, Play/Pause, Night Shift, Screenshot, Screen Lock, and much more.
Using Touch Bar with native applications
The Touch Bar has a wide range of functionality within native (Apple) applications.
In the Messages app, for example, you can create a new message, access a variety of your frequently used emojis, and even use a few quick replies. In Apple Mail, you can use Touch Bar to easily compose, reply to, archive, mark as junk, and flag messages.
Using the Touch Bar with third-party applications
The Touch Bar also has some great functions in third-party applications. Spotify in particular lets you use the Touch Bar to search for music, control volume, play/pause, and rewind or fast forward through tracks.
Other ways to tune up your Mac (and boost its speed)
There are other small customizations you can try on your Mac. Did you know you can speed up your Mac's startup? Or delete large hidden folders scattered around your drive? This is possible with a Mac tune-up app, CleanMyMac X.
It's notarized by Apple, so it's perfectly legit to use on your Mac.
Macbook Touch Bar Customization
Tricks you can do with CleanMyMac X: Techsmith snagit 2019 1 6.
- Find large hidden files and space wasters
- Disable Launch Agents and hidden background apps
- Tune your Mac for maximum speed
- Find long lost and unused applications via Uninstaller
And lastly, with CleanMyMac X's System Junk tool, you can reclaim wasted space and clean up your Mac to achieve maximum performance.
Customize Touch Bar Macbook Pro
You can run start with a free version of CleanMyMac X. It's available here.
