Tech-Savvy Secrets: Digitally Tricky Tips That Actually Work

Think Rich Grow Rich July 19, 2025

 



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We live in an era where being digitally savvy is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you're navigating hybrid workspaces, creating content, or managing multiple devices, knowing a few smart digital tricks can save time, boost productivity, and even impress your colleagues.

But the internet is saturated with digital tips. Some are outdated, others are plain gimmicks, and very few actually work. So, in this blog post, we’re diving deep into real, tried-and-tested digital hacks that will genuinely upgrade your life.

Welcome to “Tech-Savvy Secrets: Digitally Tricky Tips That Actually Work.”



1. Master the Magic of Keyboard Shortcuts

Sure, Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V are great. But that's kindergarten. Let’s take it up a notch.

Lesser-Known Keyboard Shortcuts:

  • Ctrl+Shift+T (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+T (Mac): Reopen that tab you accidentally closed.

  • Ctrl+Shift+Esc: Directly opens the Task Manager (skip the Ctrl+Alt+Del menu).

  • Alt+Tab: Quickly switch between open applications.

  • Win+V: Access your clipboard history on Windows (enable it first in Settings > Clipboard).

  • Cmd+Option+Esc (Mac): Force quit frozen apps instantly.

Bonus Tip: Create your own custom keyboard shortcuts on both Windows and Mac. You can assign specific keys to open your favorite programs or automate repetitive tasks using scripting tools like AutoHotKey (Windows) or Automator (Mac).


2. Use "Inspect Element" Like a Developer Spy

Ever wondered how someone made a cool website layout? Or want to edit text temporarily to screenshot “proof” of being top of the leaderboard? The Inspect Element tool is your best friend.

What You Can Do:

  • Temporarily change text, images, or links on any website (great for mockups and pranks).

  • See the HTML/CSS structure of any webpage to learn design tricks.

  • Debug layout issues when building your own site.

How to Use: Right-click anywhere on a page → Click "Inspect" (or press F12). Start exploring!

⚠️ Just remember: Changes made using Inspect Element are temporary and only visible to you.

 

3. Google Like a Hacker

Search smarter—not harder. Most people don’t use even 10% of Google’s true power.

Advanced Google Search Operators:

  • site:example.com – Search only within a specific website.

  • "exact phrase"– Find pages that contain the exact words in quotes.

  • filetype:pdf– Find PDFs or any file format (e.g., doc, ppt, etc.)

  • -keyword– Exclude a word from search results.

  • intitle:keyword– Show results where the keyword is in the page title.

Example:
“marketing strategy” filetype:pdf site:harvard.edu
→ This will find Harvard-hosted PDFs containing the exact phrase “marketing strategy.”


4. Turn Your Smartphone into a Desktop-Grade Scanner

You don’t need a scanner anymore. Your phone is smarter.

Best Free Apps:

  • Adobe Scan: Automatically detects edges, crops, enhances, and exports to PDF.

  • Microsoft Lens: Great for whiteboards and business cards too.

  • Google Drive (Android): Tap the "+" button → "Scan" to turn any paper into a digital file.

These tools use AI to make even crumpled, handwritten pages look professional.


5. Use Virtual Desktops to Separate Work and Play

Your workspace is a mess because you're mixing everything on one screen.

The Fix? Virtual Desktops.

  • Windows: Press Win+Tab, then click “New Desktop.”

  • Mac: Swipe up with three fingers or use Control + Up, then add a new space.

Use different desktops for:

  • Work tasks

  • Personal browsing

  • Research

  • Creative projects

You’ll feel more organized and less distracted.


6. Turn Your Browser Into a Supertool

Your browser can do more than just browse. With the right extensions, it becomes a powerhouse.

Top Chrome Extensions That Actually Work:

  • Grammarly: Real-time grammar and tone corrections.

  • uBlock Origin: Blocks annoying ads without tracking you.

  • Toby: Saves and organizes tabs into visual collections.

  • Dark Reader: Turns any website into dark mode (great for night owls).

  • Loom: Record your screen with narration for walkthroughs and feedback.

Tip: Don’t overload your browser with 50+ extensions. Stick to 5–10 essential ones for best performance.


7. Use AI Tools to Automate Tedious Work

This one’s big. AI isn't just hype—it actually saves hours.

Real AI Tools You Can Use:

  • ChatGPT: Write emails, generate ideas, summarize articles, translate code, and more.

  • Notion AI: Summarizes your notes and meetings instantly.

  • Otter.ai: Records and transcribes meetings in real-time.

  • Canva Magic Studio: Auto-generates graphic designs and content layouts.

Example: Instead of spending 45 minutes writing a project update, ask ChatGPT:
“Write a concise weekly update about our app launch status for a team of designers.” Boom—done in 20 seconds.


8. Save Time with Text Expansion Tools

Do you keep typing your email or signature manually? Stop now.

Use Text Expansion Apps:

  • Text Blaze (Chrome): Type “/sig” to paste your signature.

  • aText (Mac) or PhraseExpress (Windows): Custom shortcuts that expand to full text.

Example:
Typing@ty → Expands to “Thank you for reaching out! Let me get back to you shortly.”

Multiply this over 100 emails a week, and you get hours saved.


9. Harness Hidden Features in Everyday Apps

Many popular tools have underrated features you’re not using.

Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets:

  • =IMPORTRANGE()—Pull live data from another spreadsheet.

  • Conditional formatting—Color-code cells automatically.

  • Query() function in Google Sheets— Write SQL-like queries on your data.

Gmail:

  • +alias: Use yourname+work@gmail.com to filter emails.

  • Undo Send: Enable and set to 30 seconds for “oops” protection.

  • Schedule Send: Write emails at 1am, and send them at 9am.


10. Control Your Digital Footprint Like a Pro

Privacy matters more than ever, and small tweaks make a big difference.

Easy Privacy Fixes:

  • Use DuckDuckGo or StartPage for private searches.

  • Use ProtonMail or Tutanota for secure email.

  • Use the Privacy Badger and HTTPS Everywhere browser extensions.

  • Turn off ad tracking in your phone’s settings.

  • Use Temp Mail or 10 Minute Mail for sign-ups to avoid spam.

You don’t need to go full Edward Snowden—but awareness is power.


11. Recover Deleted Files Like a Tech Wizard

Accidentally deleted something important? There’s hope.

Recovery Tools:

  • Recuva (Windows): Recovers deleted files from HDDs, USBs, and SD cards.

  • Disk Drill (Mac): Finds deleted files even after emptying Trash.

  • Google Drive/OneDrive/Dropbox: Check the trash or version history—they often save deleted files for up to 30 days.

Act quickly—the longer you wait, the less chance of recovery.


12. Unsend Emails and Messages

Sometimes we hit “Send” too soon. Here’s how to undo it:

  • Gmail: Enable “Undo Send” in settings and adjust the time window.

  • Outlook: Use the "Recall this message" feature (only works in certain org setups).

  • WhatsApp: Tap and hold → "Delete for Everyone" (within time limit).

  • Instagram DMs: Unsend any message anytime.

  • Slack: Edit or delete any message (if permissions allow).

Don’t rely on this 100%—but it’s a lifesaver when it works.


13. Use Cloud Sync Like a Boss

Don’t lose files because your device dies. Sync everything.

Top Cloud Tools:

  • Google Drive—15 GB free and great for collaboration.

  • Dropbox—Reliable syncing and file history.

  • iCloud/OneDrive—Integrates seamlessly with your OS.

Pro Tip: Use versioning. Most cloud services store previous versions of your documents. You can undo accidental changes even weeks later.


14. Digitally Sign Documents in Seconds

No more printing and scanning. Sign legally binding documents from your device.

Best Tools:

  • DocuSign

  • Adobe Acrobat

  • SmallPDF

  • HelloSign

They let you drag and drop your signature, add dates, and even request signatures from others. Perfect for freelancers, HR, and remote workers.


15. Use QR Codes for Everything

QR codes aren’t just for menus.

Cool Uses:

  • Generate a QR code for your Wi-Fi network to let guests connect instantly.

  • Create QR codes for Google Forms, websites, or digital business cards.

  • Add QR codes to presentations or resumes to link to portfolios.

Use free tools like qr-code-generator.com or even directly in Chrome (right-click a page → “Create QR code”).


Final Thoughts

Being tech-savvy doesn’t mean coding like a hacker or building the next billion-dollar app. It’s about knowing small digital tricks that compound into big-time wins—productivity, security, creativity, and efficiency.

From mastering browser tools to automating repetitive work with AI, these digitally tricky tips actually work—and they work today.

So go ahead: pick three tips from this post and implement them this week. Your future, less-frustrated self will thank you.

Think Rich Grow Rich

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