Tutorial: Create your own keyboard shortcuts in Mac OS X

Is there a process in your favourite application that you use over and over? Creating a custom keyboard command for it is easier than you think…

We think it’s really important that everyone who uses a computer does so in order to enhance their lives. You probably already subscribe to this philosophy because you are a Mac user. There is little point in using a computer if it’s going to frustrate, annoy or cost you time compared with a manual task. So, we fully understand how annoying it is when certain tasks that need to be done in any piece of software don’t have a keyboard shortcut. We also understand that software makers can’t shortcut everything, but sometimes what they omit is shocking. Nevertheless there is a way you can add your own, and in Snow Leopard the process has become much more organised and a hell of a lot easier. It means that you can create specific keyboard shortcuts for any task that you repeat so you can save yourself some valuable time.

1: Open it up

Open System Preferences either from your Dock, Apple menu or Applications folder, and then click on the Keyboard option in the Hardware section.

2: Quick click

Click on the Keyboard shortcuts tab at the top of the newly loaded Keyboard Preference pane. This takes you to the screen with all the time-saving power.

3: Double check, edit, add new

You can now see all of the shortcuts by application. Click on Application shortcuts and then use the plus button at the bottom of the window to add a new shortcut.

4: Drop down, type in

Use the drop-down menu to select the application you wish to make the shortcut for and then type the command you wish to shorten. Enter the shortcut you’d like to use and click Add.