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Optimizing Keyboard Shortcuts Combinations in macOS

Mac computers are known for their efficiency and productivity, largely due to the extensive use of keyboard shortcuts. However, as you add more applications to your system and customize existing ones, managing a long list of combinations can become overwhelming. In this blog post, we'll discuss some tips and methods for optimizing your macOS keyboard shortcut combinations.

1. Identify redundant shortcuts

First, assess which shortcuts are essential for your workflow and which ones are not frequently used. You can find a list of all the current shortcuts by going to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts. To help you identify redundancies, consider the following:

  • Are there multiple shortcuts that perform similar tasks?
  • Do any shortcuts conflict with each other or other frequently used combinations?
  • Can you group similar actions under a single shortcut to simplify your setup?

2. Customize your shortcuts

Once you have identified redundant or unnecessary shortcuts, consider customizing the remaining ones to better suit your needs. This can be done in System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > App Shortcuts. Here, you can add custom shortcuts for specific applications or actions.

3. Use text expansion tools

Another way to optimize your keyboard use is by employing text expansion tools such as TextExpander or TypeIt. These tools allow you to create custom abbreviations that automatically expand into longer phrases, saving time and effort when typing frequently used terms.

4. Create a custom Keyboard Maestro or Automator workflow

For more complex tasks, consider using third-party applications like Keyboard Maestro or Automator to create custom workflows. These tools allow you to automate repetitive tasks with a single keyboard shortcut, making your Mac even more efficient and productive.

5. Familiarize yourself with existing macOS shortcuts

Lastly, take the time to explore the default keyboard shortcuts that come with macOS. Apple has designed these shortcuts to make common tasks quick and easy. Some popular ones include:

  • Cmd + C: Copy
  • Cmd + X: Cut
  • Cmd + V: Paste
  • Cmd + S: Save
  • Cmd + Shift + S: Save As
  • Cmd + Tab: Switch between open applications
  • Cmd + Space: Open Spotlight Search

By optimizing your keyboard shortcuts, you can streamline your workflow and increase productivity on your macOS system. Remember, the goal is to make your computing experience more efficient and enjoyable.

Published April, 2015