How to Customize Widgets in macOS Big Sur

Edited 9 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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macOS Big Sur brought a significant redesign to Apple's desktop operating system. A striking feature of this update is the introduction of new and improved widgets. Widgets in macOS Big Sur allow users to take a look at important app data without opening the application. They provide quick access to information directly from Notification Center and the desktop. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about customizing widgets in macOS Big Sur, including how to add, remove, resize, and personalize them to fit your unique workflow.

Understanding widgets in macOS Big Sur

Widgets in macOS Big Sur are based on the widgets available in iOS, providing a unified experience across Apple devices. They provide a quick and practical way to access information from your favorite apps. Widgets are available in a variety of sizes and can display dynamic content, which updates in real-time. Whether it's checking the weather, viewing your calendar, monitoring reminders, or even looking at the news, widgets provide a functional and aesthetically pleasing experience.

Accessing the widget

Widgets in macOS Big Sur are primarily accessed through Notification Center. To open Notification Center, click the date and time displayed in the upper-right corner of your screen or swipe left with two fingers from the right edge of your trackpad. This action reveals a pane where your widgets reside.

Adding widgets to your macOS Big Sur

Adding widgets to Notification Center is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Open Notification Center by clicking on the date and time in the top right corner of your screen.
2. Scroll to the bottom of Notification Center and click the “Edit Widgets” button.
3. You will now see the Widget Gallery. Here, you can see all the available widgets from both Apple and third-party apps that support widgets.
4. Browse the available widgets. You can use the search bar at the top left to quickly find a specific widget.
5. Once you find the widget you want to add, hover over it. You will notice that widgets come in different sizes: small, medium, and large. Click the "-" or "+" button to switch between these sizes and decide which one suits you best.
6. After choosing the size, click the "Add Widget" button. The widget will be instantly added to your Notification Center.
7. Once added, you can drag and drop the widget to reorder it in the Notification Center to your liking.
8. After making your changes, click "Done" at the bottom of the screen to save your layout.

That's all it takes to add a widget to your Notification Center. The dynamic and adaptive nature of Notification Center makes it a great dashboard of information to suit your needs.

Removing a widget

Widgets that are no longer useful to you can be removed as easily as they were added. Follow these steps to remove widgets:

1. Open Notification Center by clicking the date and time in the upper-right corner of your screen.
2. Scroll down and click “Edit Widget.”
3. You will now see the current layout of the widget.
4. Find the widget you want to remove and click the "-" button in the upper-left corner of the widget.
5. Repeat this process for any other widgets you want to remove.
6. Once finished, click “Done” to exit editing mode.

This will remove the clutter in your Notification Center and ensure that only the most relevant information is displayed.

Resizing the widget

Widgets can be resized to display more or less information depending on your preference. The process for resizing widgets is similar to adding or editing them:

1. Open Notification Center.
2. Scroll down and select “Edit Widgets.”
3. Locate the widget you want to resize.
4. Hover your cursor over the widget to see the size options.
5. Select a new size by clicking the "-" or "+" button. Available sizes are typically small, medium, and large, with each size having a different amount of information displayed.
6. When satisfied, click “Done” to save your changes.

By allowing you to resize widgets, macOS Big Sur offers flexibility, while also boosting your productivity by presenting just the right amount of information clearly.

Personalizing and configuring the widget

One of the great features of widgets in macOS Big Sur is the ability to personalize them. Although not all widgets support customization, many offer settings that allow you to adjust what data they show or how they display that data. Here's a quick guide on how to personalize widgets:

1. Access the Notification Center.
2. Scroll down and select “Edit Widget.”
3. Click on the widget you want to personalize.
4. If the widget supports configuration, you may see a button labeled "Show more" or similar. Click it to adjust the settings according to your preferences. This may include changing the data source for the weather widget, choosing different time zones for the world clock, or changing calendar settings.
5. Adjust the settings as needed, then click "Done" to save your changes and view them in the widget.

Personalization options can vary considerably between different widgets, depending on what the widget is designed for.

Third-party widgets

While macOS Big Sur offers a set of built-in widgets from apps like Calendar, Notes, or Weather, the real power comes when you look at third-party apps. These are apps from other developers that include widget support:

• Explore the App Store: You can find widgets for macOS Big Sur by visiting the Mac App Store. Search for your favorite apps or discover new apps that support widgets.
• Install the app: If you've got an app with widget capabilities, download and install it from the App Store.
• Widget gallery: Like Apple's default widgets, third-party widgets must be activated through Notification Center's widget gallery. Find your third-party widget in this gallery.
• Adding a widget: Select the size and use the "Add Widget" button to include it in your setup.

Integrating third-party widgets can extend the functionality of your Notification Center and provide specific information from the applications you use frequently.

Customizing your workflow with widgets

Having the right set of widgets in your macOS Big Sur can greatly optimize your workflow. Here are some tips:

• Calendar widget: Use it to keep track of your schedule right from your desktop. Today's appointments and tasks can be viewed without opening the app.
• Reminder widget: This lets you keep track of daily tasks without opening the app, ensuring things don’t get forgotten.
• Weather Widget: Check the forecast instantly for better daily planning.
• Stock Market Widget: Great for investing enthusiasts who want to keep track of stock performance without any extra steps.

Customize your widget selection to increase productivity and quickly access information related to your personal and professional activities.

Widgets are a powerful tool in macOS Big Sur, offering a blend of aesthetic appeal and utility. Customizing them involves understanding your own needs and finding a balance that meets your daily informational demands in an efficient manner. By using these features effectively, your Mac system can be fine-tuned to your personal preferences, allowing you to get the most out of this versatile operating system.

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