Mac keyboard shortcuts that quietly changed how I move through content
My job demands creativity, but also comes with a very predictable workflow. When writing an article, I’ll need to brainstorm, edit, and fact-check my draft.
While I had no issues juggling between apps, taking notes, and browsing for information. I wasn’t a fan of repetitive low-value tasks.
Imagine clicking the Chrome icon, opening Google Docs, and launching Trello. I repeat this routine every single day, which I find quite monotonous and unnecessary.
So, I got wiser and started learning to use keyboard shortcuts on Mac. Over time, I found some helpful keyboard shortcuts. And they gradually speed up my workflow.
Essential Mac keyboard shortcuts that support my workflow
Like many, I used the Command + C and Command + V combination (which I’m sure you’re familiar with) a lot. While they help, I found a good number of shortcuts that actually help me work faster.
- Shift + Command + 4: Helps me take screenshots for articles I’m working on.
- Command + Space: Brings up Spotlight search, where I can launch an app.
- Command + Tab: Lets me switch between apps.
- Option + Command + L: Opens the Downloads folder
- Shift + Command + T: Creates a new tab in Chrome or Safari.
- Fn + Q: Opens the Notes app (useful when I want to quickly put my thoughts down)
- Command + F: Opens the search bar, whether in the app or in Finder.
- Command + W: Closes the app’s window
Eventually, I went beyond basic Mac keyboard shortcuts
It took several days to get accustomed to the combinations. But once it did, I sped up my workflow. For example, I didn’t have to click Launchpad to open an app. All I did was press Command + Space and type the app’s name.
Once I got the hang of it, I wanted more. However, as extensive as Mac’s shortcuts are, there is a limit. For example, there isn’t a shortcut that lets me run a complex math equation on the Calculator app.
While I couldn’t figure out how to create keyboard shortcuts on Mac that actually let me chain certain actions, I found some tools that come close.
Lacona
Lacona is a keyboard shortcut tool that lets you run system and app commands. It also proves to be a powerful file finder. When you type ‘Open [file name], it shows a list of possible matches.
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Reasons to try: Ironically, no shortcuts are required (except Option + Space to launch Lacona). All you need to do is describe the action you want to perform.
Be mindful of: Lacona follows a specific syntax in the command. If you chain the task incorrectly, Lacona might not recognize the action.
Alfred
Next, I tried Alfred, an app launcher and a great file search tool. What stood out is the intelligent search bar that helps me find an app or run a quick search. The options (app, document, search) automatically changed based on what you type in the search bar.
Reasons to try: It assigns a shortcut key for every option so you can avoid clicking on them.
Be mindful of: If you want a shortcut tool that supports plain language, Alfred isn’t the right fit.
Raycast
Raycast is an AI-powered shortcut tool. Like Lacona and Alfred, it lets me open apps, search Google, and send an email without actually clicking on the respective apps.
Reasons to try: It offers AI integration for some commands. For example, you can literally ask the Calculator app to perform mathematical operations over several numbers.
Be mindful of: Raycast can be quite overwhelming, especially if you want to access advanced configurations or record customized hotkeys.
How to use Mac shortcuts effectively?
Depending on how you’re using your Mac, some shortcuts are more helpful than others. So, don’t try to replace every workflow with an equivalent shortcut.
Also, it might take several attempts before you build ‘finger memory’. Be patient if you get it wrong on the first few tries.
If you need more flexibility, the tools I shared can help.
- Lacona for text-based actions.
- Alfred is a powerful alternative to Spotlight Search.
- Raycast lets you ‘speak’ with selected Mac apps with AI.
And they can all be launched with a simple Option + space bar shortcut.
Which shortcut do you find most helpful?
