Mastering macOS shortcuts. Have you ever wondered when watching in awe as someone seemingly effortlessly navigates his Mac with the slightest touch of the mouse? It’s as if they have a secret language with their computer, all attributed to keyboard shortcuts.
Learning these can reduce your computing time and make you a more productive person. In this guide, we are going to cover essential MacOS keyboard shortcuts every power user—from newbie to seasoned pro—should know.
Table of Contents
Why Use Keyboard Shortcuts?
And keyboard shortcuts are not some sort of tricks; these are very efficient mechanisms to raise the level of your productivity at the computer. While taking a shorter period to process commands, then creative or productive work can take its course. Imagine working with a big document; you would have been required to use the mouse now to seek the options on the edit.
That simple combination of keys would do the trick instantaneously, saving valuable seconds with every move. These seconds add up, and before one knows it, they’ve taken off minutes, and hours from your projects over time.
Additionally, for those who frequently work on a computer, reducing mouse use can lessen the strain on your wrists, helping prevent fatigue and repetitive strain injuries. I remember when I first started using shortcuts, the initial challenge of memorization gave way to a much faster and smoother workflow, which was a game-changer in meeting my deadlines.
Getting Started with MacOS Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts might be a little daunting at the beginning, but once you get a hold of how to use them, they are pretty manageable. A good rule of thumb would be to start with the most common type of use and add to it as you go. It’s going to be handy, especially at the beginning, with some sticky notes in place on the edge of your monitor to have the keys to remember.
Essential MacOS Keyboard Shortcuts
Let’s dive into some of the most useful MacOS keyboard shortcuts that you can start using today:
1. Basic Navigation
Finder Shortcuts:
- Command + N: Open a new Finder window
- Command + W: Close the current window
- Command + Tab: Switch between open applications
Desktop Navigation:
- F3 or Mission Control: View all open windows
- Command + H: Hide windows of the front app
2. Text Editing
Basic Editing:
- Command + C: Copy
- Command + V: Paste
- Command + X: Cut
- Command + Z: Undo
Text Selection:
- Command + A: Select all text
- Shift + Command + Arrow keys: Select text incrementally
3. System Controls
Adjust Settings:
- Volume Up/Down: Use F11 or F12
- Brightness Up/Down: Use F1 or F2
Screenshots:
- Command + Shift + 3: Capture the whole screen
- Command + Shift + 4: Capture a selected area
4. Application Shortcuts
For apps like Safari, Mail, and Preview, learning specific shortcuts can improve your navigation and efficiency:
- Safari: Command + T to open a new tab
- Mail: Command + N to compose a new email
- Preview: Command + F to search within a document
Advanced macOS Shortcuts for Power Users
For those looking to take their shortcut skills further, MacOS offers deep cuts that can enhance your workflow:
Automator:
- Use Automator to create custom workflows and assign shortcuts to them.
Terminal:
- Master Terminal commands for powerful system management and troubleshooting.
Customizing Your Own Shortcuts
MacOS allows you to customize and create your shortcuts through the System Preferences under Keyboard > Shortcuts. This customization enables you to tailor the tools you need directly at your fingertips, perfect for those unique actions you find yourself doing repeatedly.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
A common pitfall is overwhelming yourself by trying to learn too many shortcuts at once. Start with a few, get comfortable, and then gradually integrate more into your routine. If a shortcut doesn’t work, check if it conflicts with another shortcut or if it’s disabled in the system preferences.
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The Best Chromebook Tips and Tricks
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Everything You Need to Know About the New AI-Powered Meta Smart Glasses
Conclusion
Embracing keyboard shortcuts on your Mac can spruce up how you relate to your computer and help you work faster and more smoothly. But start with the basics, practice regularly, and soon you’ll be working like a pro—all without ever touching that mouse.
Do you have a favorite Mac shortcut or tip? Post in the comments below or on our social page, so you can help others speed up their workflow too. Oh, and if you found this guide helpful, do let me know, or better yet, subscribe for more tips on getting the most out of your technology.
