How to Create and Customize Keyboard Shortcuts on a Mac
Usually, you use your keyboard to write, search for something on your Mac, or browse the web, but what if we told you there’s so much more you can do with it?
While keyboard shortcuts are pretty common, you probably don’t know that you can create and customize keyboard shortcuts on your Mac with just a few clicks. Here, we’ll discuss what you need to do to get started.
How to Change Default Keyboard Shortcuts on Your Mac
There are many ways to customize your Mac, and you can even useapps to personalize your Machowever you want.
However, if you don’t feel like installing third-party apps, you can take advantage of the built-in customization options in macOS, including keyboard shortcuts. Here’s how you can customize your keyboard shortcuts:
By default, all keyboard shortcuts are enabled, but you may disable them by clicking the checkmark next to the action.
For example, if you want to customize the keyboard shortcut for VoiceOver, you’ll need to clickAccessibilityon the left-side menu and then double-click the current key combination (which isCommand + F5, by default). Then, you can enter any key combination you want.
When you finish customizing your shortcuts, clickDonein the bottom-right corner of the window. On the other hand, if you want to return to the default key combination, clickRestore Defaultsat the bottom of the window.
How to Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts on a Mac
Let’s say you’ve already mastered all themost useful Mac keyboard shortcutsthere are; what’s next? Well, you can create your own keyboard shortcuts. Keep in mind, however, that you can’t create keyboard shortcuts for macOS. Instead, you can create customized shortcuts for specific apps.
Most apps have keyboard shortcuts you can view by clicking the options that appear on the menu bar. While many of these options have specific keyboard shortcuts you can use, some don’t. You can choose any of these actions and create a keyboard shortcut. We know it sounds tricky, but it’s actually easier once you start doing it.
To give you an example, we’ll use the Mail app and create a keyboard shortcut for the item Import Mailboxes. In the beginning, the process is similar to the steps we mentioned above, so it should be pretty easy to get started.
Screenshot by: Adilia Castellon. No attribution required.
There are two ways to make sure you did it correctly. First, you can open the app you created the keyboard shortcut for and find that particular action among the menu bar options. If you see your keyboard combination next to the item, that means it worked.
The second way is to open the app and try the keyboard shortcut you just created. If it works, that means you’re able to start using it. If it doesn’t, repeat the same steps above and ensure you’re correctly entering the action’s name.
Keyboard Shortcuts Help You Boost Your Productivity
As you can see, macOS lets you customize or create new Keyboard Shortcuts in a flash. You can use your own key combination, so it’s easier to remember your shortcuts, and if you use them correctly, you might even become more productive.
Remember that if you don’t like any of the changes you made, all you need to do is click theRestore Defaultsbutton, and your shortcuts will return to their default key combinations.
You don’t need to install third-party apps from the App Store for some immediate productivity influx. Take advantage of the built-in options first.
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