If you own an iPhone, you are probably already familiar with the built-in Maps app. Apple has made searching for locations even easier by bringing the Maps app to Mac. With it, you can search for locations, get directions, see traffic conditions, and more. Here's how to start using Maps on the Mac.
Dungeon Builder is an Isometric Dungeon Map Maker that produces beautiful, high resolution maps with a hand drawn look. Download our demo (for Windows, Mac, or Linux) or keep scrolling for a more in-depth description of Dungeon Builder. Oct 31, 2013 Click the blue “Start Mapping” button in the middle of your screen. Enter a map title, description, and choose a map provider for the creation of your map, then click “Submit.” Use the toolbar to the right of the screen to add markers, lines, or shapes to denote certain areas of the map.
How to search for a location in Maps on the Mac
The most important, and standard, feature that any good mapping service requires is the ability to locate a place. With Maps, you can search for specific addresses, cities, street names, business, and more.
- Launch the Maps app from the Dock or Finder.
- Click on the Search bar.
Enter your query into the Search bar. Try businesses, street addresses, cities, and more.
The location you searched for will appear on the map with a red pin designating the location
How to reset your current location in Maps on the Mac
If you are searching all over the world but want to quickly get back to your current location, you can jump back using the current location finder.
- Click the arrow button next to the Search bar.
The map will jump back to your current location, which will be designated with a blue dot.
How to search for an address from one of your contacts in Maps on the Mac
You can search for more than just general locations. On the Mac, you can type in the name of a person or business in your Contacts app, if you have the address saved, to find the location on the Map.
- Launch the Maps app from the Dock or Finder.
- Click on the Search bar.
Enter the name of a person or business in your Contacts into the Search bar.
The contact will appear at the bottom of the search suggestion list under Contacts.
How to switch to transit or satellite view in Maps on the Mac
You can see all available transit routes in most major cities around the world. Apple is still updating this feature, so it might not be available in the location you are looking up just yet. You can also switch to satellite view to see a more detailed version of an area.
- Launch the Maps app from the Dock or Finder.
- Search for a location.
- Click Transit in the upper right corner of the Maps window to view train, bus, and other public transportation routes.
- Transit routes will be designated with different colored lines running through the cities.
Click Satellite in the upper right corner of the Maps window to view a satellite image of the location.
How to get driving, walking, or transit directions in Maps on the Mac
Once you've found the location you are looking for, you can get directions from your current location, or from any other location.
Mac Building Nc
- Launch the Maps app from the Dock or Finder.
Click Directions in the upper left corner of the Maps window.
- Enter a Starting location or select My Location.
- Enter an Ending location.
Click Drive to get driving directions.
- Click Walk to get walking directions.
Click Transit to get transit directions.
The step-by-step directions will appear on the left side of the Maps window.
How to show traffic in Maps on the Mac
If you are worried about how long it is going to take to get to your destination, you can check current traffic conditions to help give you an estimate of when you should leave.
- Launch the Maps app from the Dock or Finder.
Click on the Map tab in the upper right corner of the Maps window.
- Click Show in the bottom left corner of the Maps window.
- Click Show Traffic.
Click on a traffic icon to see what might be causing the slowdown.
How to show the 3D map in Maps on the Mac
You can get a more robust view of an area by using the 3D tool in the Maps app. It simulates building structures to help you get a better idea of what an area looks like. When you enable the 3D map, make sure you zoom in close to really see what it can do.
- Launch the Maps app from the Dock or Finder.
- Click Show in the bottom left corner of the Maps window.
Click Show 3D Map.
- Click and drag the 3D icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to increase or decrease the level at which you are viewing 3D buildings.
Click and drag the compass in the bottom right corner of the screen in a circular motion to rotate your view.
How to use Flyover
Some destination spots around the globe have been given special attention by the Maps development team at Apple. Flyover is a feature that takes you on a visual adventure across a city. You will fly around, looking at iconic spots, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or Buckingham Palace in London.
- Launch the Maps app from the Dock or Finder.
Search for a Flyover city. You can see a list of cities supporting Flyover here.
- Click on Start next to the 3D Flyover Tour tab at the bottom center of the screen.
Click on End when you want to stop the tour.
How to send map locations or directions to your iPhone in Maps on the Mac
If you've figured out where you want to go and have directions ready, you can send them to your iPhone so they are waiting for you when you are ready to leave. All you have to do is open Maps on the iPhone when you head out.
- Launch the Maps app on your Mac.
Click Directions in the upper left corner of the Maps window.
- Enter a Starting location or select My Location.
Enter an Ending location.
- Launch the Maps app on your iPhone.
- Click on the Share button in the Maps app on your Mac.
Select your device.
Tap Show when you see the directions pop up in the Maps app on your iPhone.
If you are signed into iCloud and sync the Maps app, your searches will automatically sync between your iPhone and Mac. This feature is useful if you want directions starting from somewhere other than your current location.
How to share map locations or directions with others in Maps on the Mac
If you want to send directions to someone else, save a location to one of your notes apps, or show friends and family where you are staying on your vacation on your social feeds, you can share locations and directions from the Maps app.
- Launch the Maps app.
Search for a location or get directions.
- Click on the Share button.
Select the app with which you want to share the Maps info.
Anything questions?
Do you have any questions about how to get started using the built-in Maps app on the Mac? Let us know in the comments and we'll help you out.
macOS Catalina
Main
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Closed for 2020Apple says its offices in the US will not fully reopen until at least 2021
According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple is planning for its office and many of its retail workers to remain remote for the rest of the year.
Best 3D Modeling Software for Mac: 3D Printing with Mac OS
Not all 3D modeling software is available for every operating system. That’s why we compiled a list of the most popular 3D design programs for Mac users. Read on to discover the top 20!
The list of the most used 3D design software for Mac (see below) is based upon our list of the 25 most popular 3D modeling programs. However, we excluded software that is not available or not suitable for the Mac OS. This leaves us with the ultimate 3D modeling list for Macintosh users.
The Ranking: 3D Modeling Software for Mac Users
The two most used 3D modeling software programs for Macintosh devices are freeware program Blender (score: 80) and freemium software SketchUp (75). Blender is known for its enormous design freedom and its endless number of tools and functions – however, it’s also known for its steep learning curve. SketchUp, on the other hand, is said to be rather beginner-friendly and great for architectural and geometric objects. However, it’s not suited for creating organic structures.
Next come three programs from the Autodesk family: its professional high-end programs AutoCAD (59) and Maya (59) as well as its beginner-friendly free-to-use online app Tinkercad (51) all score well with Mac users. ZBrush (49), a professional 3D sculpting software, comes in 6th. Its free light version, named Sculptris (19), made it to rank 15.
After ZBrush, Cinema 4D (43), 123D Design (42), OpenSCAD (38), and Rhinoceros (36) complete the list of the top 10.
Screenshot of SketchUp, a popular 3D modeling software with Mac users.
The Popularity Score for 3D Modeling Programs
We calculated the popularity of a 3D modeling software for Mac based on their ‘popularity score’ in the 3D printing community. The popularity score consists of mentions and fans on social media, page authority, forum mentions, video mentions, 3D printing database mentions, and Google results. This score is especially helpful if you’re looking for a modeling software for Mac that is widely used for 3D printing, so you can be assured of an online community to brainstorm with and help you out if you get stuck.
Fantasy Map Making Software For Mac
3D Design Programs that Won’t Run on Apple’s Mac
Best Map Drawing Software For Mac
Most 3D design programs are available for Windows and Mac users alike. However, some 3D design software that is not available for Mac OS includes Solidworks (62), 3DS Max (55), and Inventor (55). While these are not many, they still represent quite popular 3D modeling software packages. In our original list which includes all platforms, these programs ranked 3rd, 6th, and 7th among the most popular.
Some good news to end with: there are more and more options for Mac users. For example, Rhino 5 is available for Mac. Since many 3D design apps run online now (browser-based), programs like Tinkercad and 3DTin are also accessible from any device. With Cheetah3D there’s also a 3D design software which is exclusively available for Mac OS.
Are you new to the world of 3D modeling and 3D printing? Make sure to avoid these 5 common mistakes in order to create stunning designs. Do you already know how to create printable 3D files? Then simply upload them to our website, choose from more than 100 materials and finishes, and let us take care of printing your object.