Photo: Farknot Architect (Shutterstock)
You may not have realized that the full gamut of iMessage effects is available on the Mac too—even if Apple’s desktop Messages app doesn’t make it apparent. If you want to send an iMessage with a dose of fireworks, for example, you can do so on the Mac just as you can on an iPhone or iPad. Here’s how to use and send iMessage effects on the Mac.
What you need to send iMessage effects on the Mac
To access all the fun iMessage effects on your Mac, you’ll have to update to at least macOS 11 Big Sur. The Messages app on the Mac was revamped for this version, and it gained the ability to send and receive these text effects for iMessage.
If you haven’t updated already, click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your Mac’s screen and go to System Preferences > Software Update. You can also rearrange System Preferences while you’re at it, as it only takes a few seconds and makes all options easier to find. And in case you’re tired of long updates, here’s a quick tip to speed up the macOS update.
How to add effects to iMessage on your Mac
When you’ve updated to macOS Monterey, here’s how to send an iMessage with effects on the Mac:
The effects include Love, Balloon, Invisible Ink, Confetti, Slam, Lasers, Loud, Celebration, Echo, Spotlight, Fireworks, and Gentle.
[H/t: Casey Liss]
