Source: Rene Ritchie
Over the last couple of years, Apple has redesigned the Messages app for macOS to look and work more like its iOS counterpart. That means it now offers features like Memoji stickers, screen effects, apps, and more for you to liven up your conversations. Here's how to use them all in Messages for Mac.
Using Memoji stickers
To use Memoji stickers in Messages for Mac, follow the below steps:
- Click on the Messages app on your Mac.
- Choose an existing conversation or start a new one.
- Select the App Store icon to the left of the iMessage box at the bottom.
Choose Memoji stickers from the list of choices.
Source: iMore
- Select the Memoji sticker you wish to send.
- Type your message.
Hit the Return key to send your message.
Source: iMore
Creating new Memoji stickers
If you want to create new Memoji stickers to use on Messages for Mac, follow the below steps.
- Click on the Messages app on your Mac.
- Choose an existing conversation or start a new one.
- Select the App Store icon to the left of the iMessage box at the bottom.
Choose Memoji stickers from the list of choices.
Source: iMore
- Click on the ••• at the top left of the box.
- Select New Memoji.
- Create your new Memoji, by adding skin, hairstyle, brows, eyes, head, nose, mouth, ears, facial hair, eyewear, and headwear.
Click Done when you're ready to save the new Memoji.
Source: iMore
Once saved, macOS automatically creates a new Memoji sticker pack for that look that's ready to use.
Using Photos
It's easy to send photos and videos from your Photos library via Messages. Here's how.
- Click on the Messages app on your Mac.
- Choose an existing conversation or start a new one.
- Select the App Store icon to the left of the iMessage box at the bottom.
Choose Photos.
Source: iMore
- Scroll your library or use the search tool to find the image to use.
- Select the image to send.
- Type your message.
Hit the Return key to send your message.
Source: iMore
Using animated GIFs
You can also add animated GIFs from the web to an iMessage:
- Click on the Messages app on your Mac.
- Choose an existing conversation or start a new one.
- Select the App Store icon to the left of the iMessage box at the bottom.
Choose #images.
Source: iMore
- Use the search tool to find an animated GIF to use
- Select the animated GIF to send.
- Type your message.
Hit the Return key to send your message.
Source: iMore
Adding effects
Finally, you can also add effects to your messages, including invisible ink, balloons, confetti, and much more just like on iOS.
- Click on the Messages app on your Mac.
- Choose an existing conversation or start a new one.
- Type your message.
- Select the App Store icon to the left of the iMessage box at the bottom.
Choose Message Effects.
Source: iMore
- Click the effect you want to use.
Select the up arrow next to your message at the right to send the message.
Source: iMore
Spice up the group chat
Whether you've just installed macOS Monterey on your existing computer or you're about to upgrade to one of the best new Macs, the above instructions will apply.
Once you're up to speed with the latest Messages for Mac features, you'll be able to sprinkle GIFs and Memoji stickers into your chats like a pro.
Updated March 2022: Updated for macOS Monterey.

Gorgeous new Pride Apple Watch bands are now available at some Apple Stores
Apple's latest Pride Apple Watch bands are now available to buy in some Apple Stores, although whether you can walk into a store and pick one up yourself will very much depend on where you happen to be.

Rare Steve Jobs check for $9.18 goes under the hammer, could fetch $25k
A rare check signed by Steve Jobs dated July 23, 1976, has just gone up for auction and could be worth a lot more than it was originally written out for...

Apple store workers get surprise pay rise as union pressure grows
Apple plans to give U.S. workers a pay rise in the face of growing pressure from unions that are emerging in some retail locations.

Yes, your iPhone 13 Pro can look super cute with the right case
The iPhone 13 Pro's colorways might be neutral, but it can still be an amazing and outfit-enhancing accessory with one of these cases.