Boost Your Mac Efficiency: 12 Essential Keyboard Shortcuts
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Mastering macOS Keyboard Shortcuts
In this guide, we will explore a selection of keyboard shortcuts that can help streamline your workflow, allowing you to keep your focus on the task at hand rather than fumbling with the mouse.
Photo by James McKinven on Unsplash
Previously, in November 2021, I shared a piece featuring 12 macOS keyboard shortcuts tailored for beginners. While they were aimed at novices, they can benefit anyone looking to enhance their efficiency with keyboard commands. In this article, I will outline additional shortcuts you may find advantageous. Ultimately, my goal is to deepen your understanding of the macOS system you cherish.
Essential Keyboard Shortcuts for macOS Users
Here are some fundamental keyboard shortcuts that every Mac user should know to boost productivity:
Command+P
This command prints the document currently in view. Instead of sifting through menus, this straightforward shortcut efficiently sends your document to the printer.
Command+S
This keyboard shortcut saves your active document, similar to the CTRL+S command found on Windows. Adopting this habit ensures your work is consistently saved.
Command+T
Use this shortcut to open a new tab in your web browser. It's a simple way to keep your hands on the keyboard while browsing—this works across various browsers, not just Safari.
Control+Command+Space
This combination brings up the character viewer, allowing you to insert emojis and other symbols into your documents. Emojis are popular in modern communication, so why not incorporate them into your Mac usage?
Shift+Command+3
Capture your entire screen with this command, which saves the screenshot directly to your Photos library.
Shift+Command+4
This command allows you to capture a specific area of your screen. Once activated, your cursor changes to a crosshair, enabling you to select the desired portion to capture.
Shift+Command+4+Space
This shortcut captures the active window or menu without needing to select it first, making it a handy tool for quick screenshots.
Control+Command+Q
Lock your screen instantly with this shortcut—a crucial practice for maintaining security, especially in office settings.
Command+E
Eject the selected disk or volume seamlessly with this command. Whether it's an external drive or Time Machine backup, this shortcut simplifies the process.
Option+Command+ESC
Force quit an unresponsive application using this command, offering a quick remedy when a program freezes.
Shift+Command+Delete
This shortcut allows you to empty the trash without taking your hands off the keyboard, streamlining your workflow even further.
Shift+Command+I
Open your iCloud Drive directly with this shortcut, making it easier to access the vast amounts of data we store in the cloud.
Maximizing Efficiency in Your Workflow
In a world constantly filled with tips on improving efficiency and productivity, it’s essential to remember that not every productivity hack requires complex systems. Sometimes, simply reducing the number of mouse clicks by utilizing keyboard shortcuts can significantly enhance your efficiency.
Try incorporating a few of these shortcuts into your daily routine; you might discover that they help you work more effectively and productively, even if just in small ways.
Until next time…
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Chapter 2: Keyboard Shortcuts to Enhance Productivity
In this chapter, we'll showcase some useful YouTube videos that further elaborate on keyboard shortcuts for macOS users.
The first video titled "Best MacBook Keyboard Shortcuts for Productivity!" provides an engaging overview of essential shortcuts that can enhance your productivity on a Mac.
The second video, "5 macOS Keyboard Shortcuts to Use Every Day (and speed up your life)," highlights five crucial shortcuts that can help you streamline your daily tasks.