Everyone who uses computers daily develops a set pattern. They switch on their PCs, start their respective programs, and wait while they open up. What if you don’t have to start these apps manually, and they automatically launch when you login? Sounds great, right!! So let me tell you how to set applications to launch automatically on Mac startup.
How to Set Applications to Launch Automatically on Mac Startup
The best part about automatically launching your most used applications is the time and effort saved in the process. Moreover, it is super simple to enable or disable. Along with some methods to automize your apps, I have also included some tips on managing them properly.
How to Launch Applications on Mac Startup From the Dock
Step #1. Launch the app you want to launch automatically on Mac Startup. (Skip the step if the app is already in your Dock)
Step #2. Use secondary click (two-finger tap) or right-click to access the app’s options.
Step #3. Select Options from the listing and click on Open at Login.
That’s it!! From now onwards, the applications will launch automatically on Mac startup. While quite a simple process, it can be difficult to add multiple apps individually. Don’t worry our next solution will resolve the issue in a jiffy.
How to Add Apps to Open at Mac Startup
Step #1. Click on Apple () icon and select System Preferences from the menu.
Step #2. Select Users & Groups.
Step #3. Here, switch to the Login Items tab from the top bar.
Step #4. Click Plus(+) from the bottom of the page.
Step #5. Select the app or press Command(⌘) key to select multiple apps from the window and click on Add.
You can also add a document, folder, server, or other items to the startup list. Just go to their location, select them, and click on Add.
Using Third-Party Apps to Open Applications at Mac Startup
Is there an app for this as well?? Of course, nowadays, there’s an app for anything. My suggestion is to use CleanMyMac X, an easy to use, efficient, and useful app.
The benefit of downloading such all-inclusive Mac cleaner apps is the whole array of intriguing features they offer. Whether it is deleting duplicate files or safe uninstaller, these apps enable you to optimize your usage as much as possible.
How to Manage Apps at Startup on Mac
While it is fun to have all your apps opened for you, this may significantly delay your log-in process. In short, use this feature wisely and moderately, or this will be more of a hindrance. Here are a few features that will make managing apps at startup simpler.
Hide Login Items at System Startup on Mac
If you want an item to launch at startup, but not to pop-up on the screen. The app/folder/document hides and runs in the background, ready for whenever you need it.
For instance, apps like Photoshop or CorelDRAW can be prepped in the background while you check your mails or do some errands.
Step #1. Click on Apple () icon → System Preferences → Users & Groups → Login Items.
Step #2. Add the app in the listing and tick the Hide box next to it.
Note: This feature is not applicable for servers, they will always appear in the Finder after login.
Temporarily Disable Startup Apps on Mac
There might be days when you don’t have time to enable your computer’s normal boot process. Thankfully you can temporarily stop them from launching when you log in.
Start your laptop as per usual. Type in your log-in password, press and hold the Shift key before hitting enter. Release the shift key once you see the Dock. The startup apps will not load this time, though they will behave normally otherwise.
Delay Startup Apps on Mac Startup
A very simple and basic app dubbed as Delay Start lends you an exciting way to manage startup apps. Instead of temporarily stopping auto-launch apps, it starts to fasten the log-in process.
Just stop all apps from launching automatically and add just Delay Start in the list. Now open Delay Start and add the apps you want to launch automatically. Set the launch timing from the Time Setting section and close the app.
Next time when you log-in, the Delay Start app will run automatically. And after the set time limit, all the apps added to it will start simultaneously. Though, the developer calls it an over-engineered app, in my opinion it surely makes the login process faster.
I love automation. Do you?
For quite some time, I have been using this feature to ease off my morning rituals. I start my Mac and leave the room for my tea. By the time I am back at my seat, my Slack, Safari, and Mail apps are alive and waiting for my attention. This gives me some precious time to relax and center myself for the day ahead.
If you pride yourself as a multitasker such as I, here are my favorite tips and tricks:
- How to Take Screenshots On Mac
- Best Tips to Speed Up Your Mac
- 3 Methods to Block Websites in Safari on Mac
- How to Uninstall Apps on Mac
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