Alex Ruben
Create Custom Shortcut Keys to Open Apps on Your MacBook
Do you want to launch your favorite applications faster on your MacBook? Creating custom keyboard shortcuts is a fantastic way to enhance your productivity, allowing you to open any app instantly without navigating through the Dock or Finder. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up your own shortcut keys on macOS, ensuring you can access your most-used applications quickly and efficiently.
Before you begin, make sure your MacBook is running the latest version of macOS. This guide will work best on macOS Monterey or later. You’ll also need to have the applications you wish to create shortcuts for already installed on your Mac.
Step 1: Access the Shortcuts App
Begin by opening the Shortcuts app on your MacBook. You can find it by navigating to your Applications folder or by using Command + Space to open Spotlight Search and typing “Shortcuts.” Once open, you will be in the main interface of the app.
Step 2: Create a New Shortcut
To create a new shortcut, click on the + (plus icon) located at the top right corner of the Shortcuts window. This will open a new shortcut editor where you can define the actions for your custom shortcut.
Step 3: Search for the Open App Action
In the new shortcut editor, use the search bar to type “Open App.” This will filter the available actions. Click on Open App to add it to your shortcut. Double-click on the action to configure it.
Step 4: Select the Application
Now, choose the application you want to create a shortcut for. A dropdown menu will appear where you can select from a list of installed applications. For example, if you want to create a shortcut for ChatGPT, select it from the list.
Step 5: Set Your Shortcut Key
After selecting your app, click on the Details icon next to the app selection. Here, you can assign a keyboard shortcut by clicking on the field that says “Shortcut.” It’s crucial to select a key combination that is rarely used to avoid conflicts with existing shortcuts. For example, you might use Control + Command + C for ChatGPT.
Step 6: Deselect Unwanted Options
In the same details section, make sure to deselect any unwanted options that may interfere with the shortcut. Ensure that the selections are clean and that only the necessary settings are enabled. This helps in avoiding any potential conflicts with other shortcuts.
Step 7: Save Your Shortcut
Once you’ve configured the app selection and shortcut key, click on the Done button to save your new shortcut. You can now close the Shortcuts app.
Step 8: Test Your New Shortcut
To test your new shortcut, simply press the assigned key combination (e.g., Control + Command + C) and see if the selected application opens instantly. This confirms that your shortcut has been set up successfully.
Step 9: Create Additional Shortcuts
If you want to create more shortcuts for other applications, repeat Steps 2 through 8. Each time, ensure you choose a unique key combination to avoid any conflicts with existing shortcuts.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
When creating shortcuts, keep the following in mind:
- Choose unique keyboard combinations that are not assigned to other actions to prevent conflicts.
- If a shortcut doesn’t work, double-check the key combination and ensure that it is not already in use by another system function.
- Consider using Function keys or combinations of Shift, Option, and Command for more unique shortcuts.
By setting up custom shortcut keys, you can significantly streamline your workflow, making it easier to access the applications you use most frequently. This simple process can save you valuable time and enhance your overall efficiency on the MacBook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I assign shortcuts for any application?
Yes, you can create shortcuts for any application that is installed on your MacBook as long as it appears in the Shortcuts app.
What should I do if my shortcut doesn’t work?
If the shortcut doesn’t function as expected, check to ensure that the key combination is not already in use and that it is correctly assigned in the Shortcuts app.
Is there a limit to how many shortcuts I can create?
No, there is no specific limit to the number of shortcuts you can create; however, it’s essential to keep track of your key combinations to avoid overlap.