Keyboard shortcuts can dramatically increase the speed at which you can use your Mac. For example, with a single tap, you can open the iCloud Drive directory in the Finder or set up file transfers via AirDrop. It’s very convenient, and hardly any user can argue with that fact. But unfortunately, only some remember keyboard shortcuts and only rely on the macOS graphical interface.
Even though it is clear and intuitive, depending on it alone will waste your time. That’s why we’ve collected in this article the most useful, essential, and convenient keyboard shortcuts to speed up your work significantly. As a result, you will complete the same tasks much faster than your competitors.
What You’ve Been Looking For and Now Found
There have probably been situations where you thought how nice it would be to press a couple of buttons instead of doing a whole set of actions to launch a particular process. And then, you’ll learn which buttons you should demand to supercharge your workflow. Below you will find a helpful all popular shortcuts for everyday use. But if you face any difficulties with them or need additional information, consider using a consulting service called Howly, where you can get a Mac consultation and help anytime online.
1 Open the iCloud Drive folder in the Finder
Command(⌘) Shift(⇧) I in Finder
This shortcut will prove extremely useful if you store all your work documents in iCloud Drive. It instantly takes you to the root directory of Apple’s proprietary cloud storage.
2 Open the desktop folder in the Finder
Command(⌘) Shift(⇧) D in Finder
With this command, you can quickly pick up files to move.
If you’re interacting with an ongoing project using the desktop and then scattering the files you’ve created into folders in “Documents,” here’s a great way to move quickly. Moreover, as practice shows, it is very convenient.
3 Setting up file transfers via AirDrop
Command(⌘) Shift(⇧) R in Finder
When working in the office with other people, some users prefer to turn off AirDrop to avoid regular random accesses. However, you can turn it on very quickly with a simple keyboard shortcut.
4 Duplicate files or folders
Command(⌘) D
in Finder
Duplicate files are great for test adjustments of anything and everything. In addition, duplicate helps create new versions of layouts of any plan for customers and beyond.
5 Create a new folder for the files
Command(⌘) Shift(⇧) N in Finder
It is the fastest way to create a new folder. You don’t need to use the context and any other menus when there is a simple keyboard shortcut to do it.
6 Quick Recycle Bin cleanup
Command(⌘) Shift(⇧) Delete(⌫)
in Finder
For now, no need to reach for the Recycle Bin with the cursor. Instead, all you have to do is use the keyboard shortcut.
7 Add the selected item to the Dock
Command(⌘) Control(⌃) Shift(⇧) T
in Finder
Thus, for example, in the Dock, you can add a folder with files you need quick access to within the current project.
8 Hide or show the Dock panel
Command(⌘) Option(⌥) D
in any app
If you don’t need Dock temporarily, you can quickly hide it with a simple keyboard shortcut. If you need more screen space, you can conceal Dock as well.
9 Open an additional tab
Command(⌘) T
in many apps
Most built-in and third-party Mac applications work with a tabbed system. Instead of creating more and more windows, it’s easier to work with files in tabs within a single app. Not all software supports this system, but it works well in Safari and Finder.
10 Start the search in the Help Menu bar
Command(⌘) Shift(⇧) ?/
in any app
With this search bar, you can quickly find any item from various sections in the menu bar. It is advantageous both for quickly starting one of them, and in case it is unclear where any of them is located.
11 Scrolling through documents, lists, files
Fn ▲ and ▼ arrows
in any app
Of course, it’s convenient to flip through any list with two fingers swiping vertically on the trackpad. However, some will like the alternative, which involves using the keyboard shortcut.
12 Quick access to the application settings menu
Command(⌘) <
in any app
It is the fastest way to start settings. Using this shortcut in any application opens its settings. Very convenient if you need to look there regularly.
13 Delete files, photos, songs
Command(⌘) Delete(⌫) in many apps
Not everyone knows how to delete files quickly. Those who have just moved from Windows wonder why files are not deleted simply through Delete(⌫).
14 Forced to terminate an application
Command(⌘) Option(⌥) Esc
in any app
Yes, within macOS, applications also sometimes need to be terminated. This keyboard shortcut opens up the most simplified custom version of the Task Manager, which can help you close something that’s unexpectedly frozen.
15 Add a particular symbol or emoji to the text
Command(⌘) Control(⌃) Spacebar(␣)
in any app
macOS has a very convenient system for working with memorable characters and emoticons.
16 Switch the application to a full-screen view
Command(⌘) Control(⌃) F
in many apps
This way, it will use the screen 100% efficiently. It is especially true when using laptops with relatively small screens. In addition, running applications on all inches will help increase your workspace, as well as shield you from other software that might be distracting.
17 Switching between the latest applications
Command(⌘) Tab(⇥)
in any app
Now you can quickly return to one of the most recent applications. It is analogous to the multitasking menu of the iPhone and iPad for quick access to the most recent apps you’ve recently used.
18 Creating screenshots with built-in tools
Command(⌘) Shift(⇧) 5 in any app
It is the most convenient tool for creating screenshots.
19 Instantly lock the screen of your Mac
Command(⌘) Control(⌃) Q
in any app
It will protect the data on your computer from the bad guys around you. For example, if you work in an office, lock your Mac’s screen whenever you leave it unattended.
20 Quick access to the monitor setup menu
Option(⌥) brightness button
in any app
You can quickly switch profiles or turn off unwanted modes. For example, if you occasionally process photos, you can quickly turn off True Tone mode, which distorts colors by adjusting the white balance to suit your computer’s surroundings. True Tone is instrumental when working with text and reading but not professionally interacting with visual content.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you have the superpower to handle all your work processes in a few seconds, while your competitors may take much longer. In addition, we can see that all Apple equipment is user-friendly and offers many excellent features and functions for its owners.