Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard Shortcuts - You Need to Learn ‘em!
Efficiency = The ratio of the effective or useful output to the total input in any system. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/efficiency)
In a normal session at your computer, you will move your mouse from one folder to another, from one icon to another repeatedly. This has implications. Firstly the time that you spend doing this will add up. Secondly, many people will succumb to RSI (repetitive strain injury). This post will try to show you a more efficient way of working with your Mac.
It’s all in the Hands….
By far the most important key on your Mac keyboard is the cmd (command) key. On slightly older keyboards this still has an apple symbol on it (we called this the ‘apple’ key sometimes). Other sites will tell you what the keyboard shortcuts are for certain actions. I will also tell you how to run those shortcuts in an efficient way.
If you are typing on your keyboard, you will notice that you your thumbs are closest to the spacebar. Either side of the spacebar is the cmd key. When running the following keyboard shortcuts, try to use your thumb to press the cmd key. Why should you use your thumb? Try it. If you’re typing on your keyboard, your thumb will be closest to the command key. This means that you don’t have to move your hand very much to hit these following shortcuts.
Global Shortcuts (These work regardless of which program you’re using)
Cut / Copy / Paste - cmd + x / cmd + c / cmd + v
This is the classic shortcut. Contrary to popular belief, the cut / copy / paste was actually made popular by Apple and then ported over to Windows. I find it easiest using my left thumb on cmd and my first finger on the x, c and v keys.
Quitting a program - cmd + Q (Press cmd with your thumb and while keeping it there, press Q with whichever finger feels natural - I use my second finger)
Remember, that on a Mac, closing the window of a program doesn’t quit the program. On most other computer systems, simply clicking the X button in the top right hand side of a program quits it. Macs let you close the main window of a program, but still keeps the program running until you quit it.
Closing a window - cmd + W
As stated above, this will let you close a window, while the main program carries on running. For example, you could be in Microsoft Word typing a document. You close the current document with this shortcut, and want to start a new document. Closing the window lets you open or start a new document very quickly. This shortcut is also a good way of closing Finder windows (that is, any window that shows the folders on your computer - Finder shortcuts will follow below)
Opening / Saving / Creating New Files - cmd + O / cmd + S / cmd + N
This is an immense time saver. Imagine typing a new document, and then having to stop, reach for the mouse, drag it to the top left of your screen, go to ‘File’, drag the mouse down to ‘Save’….. Now imagine typing your masterpiece on your Mac. As you are typing, you realise that you haven’t saved your file in a while. Without moving more than your thumb and second finger you press cmd + S. Instant save. Instant coolness that you didn’t have to grab the mouse. I dare you not to get addicted to this set of shortcuts.
Printing Files - cmd + P
You can use your right thumb or your left thumb on the cmd key, and pressing this shortcut should bring up a Print Dialog.
Select All - cmd + A
This says it all. Select all the text in a document / text box etc.
Rotate through Open Applications - cmd + TAB (The key to the left of Q)
A great way to flick between open programs. Pressing this keyboard shortcut will create a small floating window in the middle of the screen. Keep the cmd key press, and press the TAB key to cycle through your programs. When you land on the program you want t0 go to, let go of the cmd key and you will jump to the program. Think of all the time you’ll save with this shortcut, instead of reaching for the mouse (or trackpad).
Hiding Files - cmd + H
This is one of my favourites, and one that Windows users need to download special software to do! cmd + H will hide the active window. This means that while reading this sentence if you press this shortcut you will hide Safari / Firefox / whatever browser you’re using. ( press the cmd + H AFTER you finish this little passage). Why? It’s a great way of getting rid of things on your screen that are distracting you. To get them back, you can either get your mouse, go to the dock and click on the icon of the program you just hid…… or see the shortcut above this one! (Rotate through Open Applications!!!) - NOTE - This will hide all the sub windows of a program. So if you have 3 word files open and want to hide two of them, it WON’T work. Equally, if you have two separate Safari windows open, it won’t hide just one.
Finder Shortcuts (You can click on the desktop, go to the Dock and click the Finder icon, or better still, cmd + TAB your way to Finder!)
Open your Home Folder - cmd + SHIFT + H
A little fiddly to start with, this is the keyboard shortcut that will have your friends and family look at you with envy. First get yourself to Finder, and then press this shortcut to open your home folder. As always, put your thumb on the cmd button, use your little finger on the SHIFT button (the key above the CTRL Button). Those of you with long fingers should be able to reach the H key with your first finger. If you’re not so long in the finger, just use your right hand to press the H key. If you want, you can use the same fingers from your RIGHT hand, with the cmd + SHIFT key on the right hand side of your keyboard.
Here is s list of FINDER shortcuts that follow the same pattern
cmd + SHIFT + A - Open the Applications Folder
cmd + SHIFT + D - Open the Desktop Folder (useful when you have too many things on your desktop!)
cmd + SHIFT + O - Open the Documents Folder
cmd + SHIFT + I - Open the iDisk Folder (if you have a mobile me account)
cmd + SHIFT + Q - Logout - Note, that this doesn’t work unless you have quit programs like Word, Firefox etc.
Too much to remember?
Definitely! But I’ve posted these shortcuts not for you to remember them all (I won’t test you on these shortcuts). Instead, browse through, and start using a few. Once you’re comfortable using those, come back to this post, and use a few more. Some you’ll come to rely on every time you sit at a computer (I myself would be lost without my cmd + TAB), but others will find their own “can’t live without” shortcuts.
Efficiency
Remember, efficiency is about putting the least amount into a system, and getting the most out of that system. Learning shortcuts save you time, effort and movement. You are Mac users. Get the most out of your Mac!
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