Custom shortcuts are a powerful feature that allows users to create their own keyboard shortcuts for specific tasks or actions on their Apple computers. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who frequently use certain applications or perform certain tasks, as it can save a lot of time and effort in the long run. In this article, we will explore how to create custom shortcuts and provide some examples of when and how to use them.
To create a custom shortcut on your Apple computer, follow these steps:
Open System Preferences and click on “Keyboard.”
Click on the “Shortcuts” tab.
Select the application for which you want to create a shortcut.
Click on the “+” button to add a new shortcut.
Enter the menu command for which you want to create a shortcut.
Press the keys for your desired shortcut.
Click “Add.”
Now that you know how to create custom shortcuts, let’s explore some examples of when and how to use them:
Custom shortcut for launching a specific application: If you frequently use a certain application, you can create a custom shortcut to quickly launch it. For example, you can create a shortcut to launch Microsoft Word by pressing “Command+Option+W.” This can save you time and effort in navigating through your applications folder to find the app.
Custom shortcut for inserting a frequently-used phrase: If you frequently type the same phrase, you can create a custom shortcut to insert it quickly. For example, if you frequently type “Best regards,” you can create a shortcut to insert it by pressing “Command+Option+B.” This can save you time and effort in typing out the same phrase repeatedly.
Custom shortcut for toggling a frequently-used setting: If you frequently toggle a setting, such as turning Wi-Fi on or off, you can create a custom shortcut to do it quickly. For example, you can create a shortcut to turn Wi-Fi on by pressing “Command+Option+Shift+W.” This can save you time and effort in navigating through the settings menu to find the option.
Custom shortcut for opening a frequently-used folder: If you frequently access a specific folder, such as your Documents folder, you can create a custom shortcut to open it quickly. For example, you can create a shortcut to open your Documents folder by pressing “Command+Option+D.” This can save you time and effort in navigating through your Finder window to find the folder.
Custom shortcut for copying and pasting frequently-used text: If you frequently copy and paste a specific piece of text, such as your email address, you can create a custom shortcut to do it quickly. For example, you can create a shortcut to copy and paste your email address by pressing “Command+Option+E.” This can save you time and effort in typing out the same text repeatedly.
In addition to these examples, there are countless other ways to use custom shortcuts on your Apple computer. By taking the time to create shortcuts for frequently-used actions, you can save time and effort in your daily computer use. Here are a few additional tips to help you get the most out of custom shortcuts:
Be consistent: Try to use consistent key combinations across different applications to avoid confusion and make it easier to remember your shortcuts.
Choose shortcuts that are easy to remember: Avoid using shortcuts that are too complex or difficult to remember. The goal is to make your workflow more efficient, not to create more work for yourself.
Test your shortcuts: Once you’ve created a custom shortcut, be sure to test it to make sure it works as intended. If it doesn’t, you can always go back and edit the shortcut.
Share your shortcuts: If you work in a team or share your computer with others, consider sharing your custom shortcuts so that others can benefit from them as well. This can be particularly helpful in a work environment where everyone is using the same applications and performing similar tasks.
Don’t overdo it: While custom shortcuts can be a powerful tool, it’s important not to overdo it. Too many shortcuts can become overwhelming and difficult to remember. Focus on creating shortcuts for the actions and tasks that you perform most frequently.
Custom shortcuts are a powerful feature that can help you save time and effort in your daily computer use. By taking the time to create shortcuts for frequently-used actions and tasks, you can streamline your workflow and become more productive. With the tips and examples provided in this article, you should be able to create custom shortcuts that will help you work more efficiently on your Apple computer.