Keyboard Shortcuts for macOS: 3 Essential Examples

Introduction

Keyboard shortcuts are a fantastic way to streamline your workflow on macOS. They can save you time and make your tasks smoother, whether you’re editing a document, navigating your desktop, or managing your files. Here are three practical examples of keyboard shortcuts that you can start using today!

1. Take a Screenshot

Taking screenshots is a common task, whether you’re capturing a funny meme or saving important information. Instead of using your mouse to navigate menus, you can quickly take a screenshot with a keyboard shortcut.

To capture the entire screen, just press Command (⌘) + Shift + 3. This will save a screenshot of your entire display directly to your desktop. If you want to capture just a portion of the screen, you can press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4. Your cursor will change to a crosshair, allowing you to click and drag to select the area you want to capture. Once you release the mouse button, the screenshot will be saved to your desktop.

Notes:

• If you want to save the screenshot to your clipboard instead of your desktop, you can add the Control (⌃) key. For example, Command (⌘) + Control (⌃) + Shift + 3.
• You can also open the Screenshot app by pressing Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 for more options like recording your screen.

2. Quickly Switch Between Applications

If you find yourself juggling multiple applications, switching between them can become tedious. Fortunately, macOS makes this easy with a simple shortcut.

Press Command (⌘) + Tab to bring up the application switcher. While holding down the Command key, you can tap the Tab key to cycle through your open applications. Release the Command key to switch to the selected app. This is a great way to keep your workflow uninterrupted and save time.

Notes:

• If you want to switch to the previous application instead, simply press Command (⌘) + Shift + Tab.
• You can also use the arrow keys to navigate through the list of applications if you prefer not to use the Tab key.

3. Create a New Folder in Finder

Organizing your files is essential for maintaining efficiency. Creating a new folder in Finder can be done with a simple keyboard shortcut, making it quicker than navigating through menus.

To create a new folder while in Finder, just press Command (⌘) + Shift + N. This action will instantly create a new folder in the current directory, and you can start typing to rename it immediately. This is especially helpful when you’re sorting through files or need to quickly categorize documents.

Notes:

• If you’re using this shortcut on your desktop, it works the same way, allowing you to keep your workspace organized.
• Remember to keep your folders named clearly to enhance your file management system!

By incorporating these examples of keyboard shortcuts for macOS into your daily routine, you’ll enhance your productivity and make your computing experience more enjoyable. Happy shortcutting!