Boosting VLC Media Player on Your Mac: 10 Ways to Get the Most Out of This Free Media Player

VLC Media Player, one of the most popular media players in the world, has been a staple on Macs for years. Its free, user-friendly, and versatile, with a massive user base that swears by its ability to play almost any audio and video file. But, even with all its strengths, there are ways to make VLC Media Player on your Mac work better for you. In this article, we’ll explore 10 ways to boost your VLC experience and get the most out of this powerful media player.

1. Customize the Interface

VLC allows you to customize the interface to suit your preferences. Go to Preferences > Simple Settings, and adjust the interface settings to your liking. You can choose from different skins, change the font size, and even opt for a dark theme if you prefer a distraction-free experience.

2. Use Keyboard Shortcuts

VLC offers a range of keyboard shortcuts to help you navigate and control playback without having to reach for the mouse. Some essential shortcuts include:

3. Use Keyboard Controls with a Script

For more advanced users, VBScript is available to create custom keyboard controls. You can create your own scripts using AppleScript or JavaScript to automate tasks, such as playing specific files or adjusting settings.

4. Enhance Performance with Extensions

VLC has a range of extensions available, offering additional features like:

5. Stream Media to Your TV or Chromecast

VLC allows you to stream media to various devices, including Apple TV, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV. To set up streaming, go to File > Streaming and select your preferred device.

6. Play Same-Format Files in Order

If you have a large collection of files in the same format (e.g., all MP3s), VLC allows you to play them in order without stopping. Simply select all files in the list and right-click > Play in order.

7. Convert Media Files with FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a powerful command-line tool that’s available from within VLC. Use it to convert media files to other formats, such as MP3 to WAV, and more.

8. Disable Automatic Updates

If you’re not comfortable with the latest features or prefer your own configuration, disable automatic updates by unchecking Auto-start VLC with operating system in Preferences > Miscellaneous.

9. Customize the Media Library

The media library in VLC is customizable, with options like:

10. Get More Features with the VLC Nightly Build

The VLC Nightly Build offers experimental features, bug fixes, and new functionality. While not always stable, this build can provide exclusive features and help you discover new ways to use VLC.

By following these 10 ways to make VLC Media Player on your Mac work better, you’ll unlock the full potential of this powerful, free media player. From customizing the interface to streaming media to your TV, there’s no end to the possibilities. Happy playing!

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