Quick Guide to OS X shortcuts, Part I

[David]

Here is the first of a series of Guides which are intended to accelerate your workflow when navigating OS X. Although they are not Logic specific, any Logic user will benefit from knowing how to navigate without a mouse in OS X and quickly find your way through the Finder, your Applications, Folders and Files.

For this Part I, we'll learn how to use shortcuts to work on the Desktop. Click on the desktop to make the Finder active.

Hide all other applications: Option-Command-H
Select a file or folder located on the Desktop: Type in the first few letters of the name
Select an adjacent file or folder: Up, Down, Left and Right arrows
Toggle Selected Document Name Edit: Return / Enter
Get Info: Command-I
Get Info in floating window: Command-Option-I
Trash the selected file or folder: Command-Delete
Force-empty the trash: Option-Command-Shift-Delete
Open a selected folder or file: Command-Down Arrow
Launch a selected application: Command-Down Arrow
Create a new empty folder: Command-Shift-N

So next time you want to clean up your Desktop, I want to see you selecting files, opening them or viewing their info window to verify what they are, rename them, decide which to trash, trash them, and empty your trash all without even thinking of touching your mouse. Actually, you want to have fun? Unplug your mouse and see how much you can achieve, and how much faster you can manage your files and folders!

OK you can go ahead and plug your mouse back in. But keep those shortcuts in mind. Today, I saved you a few hours of your life and a lot of strain on your arm and wrist. Being lazy has its rewards!

In Part II we'll take this concept a little further and learn how to navigate a Finder Window. Meanwhile, keep up the good music.

[rikki rivett]

really nice, David! thank you!

actually, using just the mouse all the time is the quickest way to get yourself some quite bad muscular tensions which can become chronic.

And, key commands are in fact MUCH faster when you know them.

RR

[cloublast]

get info in floating window is just great. didn´t know this one.
thnx

[squidsquad]

Command down arrow to open a file, or launch an application is my new favourite key command.

How about some more?

I quite like control-option-command 8 if you want to freak someone out while their back is to their Mac!!

[camillo jr]

Yes, very handy if you want to change a bunch of permisions on files w/o having to keep reopening the get info window. Or checking on file sizes on several files.

[briandelizza]

I found this thread very helpful, then a couple days ago i stumbled upon this badboy right here. http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=75459 . Its things like this that make me love my mac...

[David]

If you liked this one make sure you check out the navigation tricks in Part II !!

[Music Spirit]

great stuff David - i am key commands addict and you taught me a good few new ones. Thanks for your time

best

M S

[David]

Great! My name is David and I am a key command addict as well and OS X key commands to navigate the Finder can really boost your workflow!

[samjones]

Nice! I am a beginner myself! This thread really helped. Thank You!

[Adam D]

Seems the key command list above is just a bunch of HTML. Is it just my computer that sees it that way? OSx sgoertcuts 2 looks good to me, but I can't see this one.

[Eriksimon]

Seems the key command list above is just a bunch of HTML. Is it just my computer that sees it that way? OSx sgoertcuts 2 looks good to me, but I can't see this one.

It's not you, I get the same here. I think this is HTML that the new layout somehow doesn't "recognize" anymore... should be easily fixable though...

Or, wait, aha! ...it is over six years old. The HTML has simply gone off...

[David]

Seems the key command list above is just a bunch of HTML. Is it just my computer that sees it that way? OSx sgoertcuts 2 looks good to me, but I can't see this one.

Thank you for bringing this up to my attention Adam. The new forum does not allow HTML in posts for security reasons. I have cleaned up the original post.

[Adam D]

My pleasure. Thanks for putting it up. It's something I think I'd like to get into (using key commands) and I figured it would be a good place to start.

[David]

Definitely a good place to start. Key commands can really improve your workflow like crazy - and make you look cool in front of your clients.

[Adam D]

Yup. My client is me, and I'm totally unimpressed. Know where I can get more info on this subject? I like your little exercise based tutorials. How 'bout another? I'll trade you some violin tracks if/when you need 'em.

[David]

Thanks for offering violin tracks! I might take you up on that!!

I understand you've already looked at the Part II linked at the end of the article, correct? I'd have to make a part III! Meanwhile you could look at this: http://www.apple.com/support/pages/shortcuts/

[Adam D]

Yeah, I found the apple link already. But I liked your approach.

As for the violin tracks.... seriously, yeah. You give a lot and I'd be happy help you out if you ever need something fiddled.