Four Apple Shortcuts You Should be Using All the Time

Shortcuts save time. And, if you’re like me and spend most of your day in front of your computer, then all those extra seconds it takes to do some tasks can easily add up to minutes that, over the months, equate to literal HOURS wasted. After watching some of my friends interact with their Macs recently, I decided to share three of the simple time savers that can be easily implemented and will, in the end, save you hours! If you aren’t using these, you’re wasting time.

NOTE: Lion launched today and I’m not sure how these shortcuts and their mileage will be impacted. Likely the new multitouch gestures, mission control, and launchpad will change things a bit, but I feel that I’ll still rely pretty heavily on these.

1. Command + Tab = Quickly Switch Applications

This shortcut will allow you to quickly navigate between all open applications. While holding the Command button, each time you hit Tab you will bump to the next application. Once you release Command, it will bring the highlighted application to the forefront. You can also use your mouse while this window is open to click on the application you want to use.

2. f3 (maybe f9) = Show All Open Windows

If you have a lot of windows open, this quickly show you all of them. Then, simply click on the one you want to work with.

3. Command + f3 = Show Your Desktop

No screenshot here. This shortcut just moves all your windows off the screen so you can grab a file off your desktop. If you manually minimize windows to get to your desktop, you’re wasting MASSIVE time!

4. Command + Spacebar = Quickly Find Files

“Where is that file?” Hit Command + Spacebar and start typing. Your mac will try and find relevant matches to the keywaords you type. Then, simply click on the file and boom!

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