How to Customize Keyboard Shortcuts on Mac

Keyboard shortcuts can greatly enhance your productivity on a Mac by allowing you to perform tasks quickly without relying on a mouse or trackpad. While macOS comes with a predefined set of keyboard shortcuts, you can also customize them to suit your preferences. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of customizing keyboard shortcuts on your Mac.

Step 1: Accessing Keyboard Preferences

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select "System Preferences" from the drop-down menu.
3. In the System Preferences window, click on "Keyboard".

Step 2: Navigating to the Shortcuts Tab

1. In the Keyboard preferences window, click on the "Shortcuts" tab located at the top of the window.
2. Here, you will find a list of system actions and their associated keyboard shortcuts.

Step 3: Modifying Existing Keyboard Shortcuts

1. To modify an existing keyboard shortcut, select the action for which you want to change the shortcut from the list on the left.
2. On the right-hand side, you will see the current keyboard shortcut assigned to the selected action.
3. To change the shortcut, double-click on the current shortcut or click on it and press the new keys or combination of keys you want to assign.
4. Once you have entered the new shortcut, it will be automatically assigned and saved.

Step 4: Adding New Keyboard Shortcuts

1. To add a new custom keyboard shortcut, click on the "+" button located beneath the list of actions on the left side.
2. In the pop-up window, enter a Menu Title for the action you want to assign a shortcut to. This should match the exact name of the menu command you want to associate the shortcut with.
3. After entering the menu title, click on the Keyboard Shortcut field.
4. Press the keys or combination of keys that you wish to use as the new shortcut for the selected action.
5. Once you have entered the shortcut, click on the "Add" button to save it.

Step 5: Organizing Keyboard Shortcuts

1. To ensure your customized keyboard shortcuts are easily manageable, you can create your own categories or groups.
2. Click on the "+" button located at the bottom left of the Keyboard Shortcuts preferences window and select "Add Group".
3. Give the group a meaningful name by double-clicking on the "Untitled" text and entering a new name.
4. Drag and drop existing or custom shortcuts into the newly created group to categorize them.

Step 6: Restoring Default Keyboard Shortcuts

1. If you wish to revert any customized shortcuts back to their default settings, open the Keyboard Shortcuts preferences window.
2. Select the action or group containing the shortcut you want to restore.
3. Right-click on the shortcut and choose "Restore Default Shortcut" from the contextual menu.
4. The shortcut will be reset to its original default setting.

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to customize keyboard shortcuts on your Mac. This customization allows you to personalize your workflow and enhance efficiency. Explore different options and shortcuts to tailor your keyboard experience to your specific needs.