Customizing and Creating Your Own Shortcuts

When I first started using keyboard shortcuts, I thought they were just a set of predefined commands that I had to memorize. But as I got more comfortable, I realized something incredible—I could actually customize them to fit my needs!

At first, I ignored this feature, thinking the default shortcuts were enough. But soon, I started feeling the need for more efficiency. Some shortcuts were awkward to press, while others didn’t exist for the actions I frequently used. That’s when I started exploring custom keyboard shortcuts, and trust me, it was a game-changer.

In this article, I’ll share how I learned to customize shortcuts, create my own, and make my workflow faster, smoother, and more productive.

Why Customize Keyboard Shortcuts?

When you work on something regularly—whether it’s coding, writing, editing, designing, or even gaming—there are always a few tasks you perform over and over again. If there’s no shortcut for those actions (or if the default one is uncomfortable), you either waste time using the mouse or go through multiple steps just to perform a simple task.

Here’s why customizing shortcuts changed the way I work:

• Speed – My most-used commands became instantly accessible.

• Comfort – No more awkward key combinations. I placed shortcuts where my fingers naturally rested.

• Efficiency – I could focus on my work rather than hunting for options in menus.

• Personalization – My shortcuts were tailored to the way I worked, not based on a generic setup.

How I Started Customizing Shortcuts

At first, I had no idea how to change shortcuts. But once I figured it out, it became really easy. Different operating systems and software have their own ways of customizing shortcuts, so let’s go through them one by one.

Customizing Shortcuts in Windows

Windows has a lot of built-in shortcuts, but it also lets you assign your own for launching applications or performing specific tasks. Here’s how I set up custom shortcuts in Windows:

1. Creating Shortcuts for Applications

I frequently open apps like Chrome, VS Code, and Photoshop, so I assigned them shortcuts:

• Step 1: Right-click on the desktop shortcut of the app.

• Step 2: Select Properties.

• Step 3: In the Shortcut Key field, press the keys you want (e.g., Cntrl + Alt + C for Chrome).

• Step 4: Click OK, and it’s done!

Now, I just press my custom key combination instead of searching for the app.

2. Customizing Windows Shortcuts Using PowerToys

Microsoft’s PowerToys is a hidden gem. It allows deep customization of keyboard shortcuts. Here’s how I used it:

• Download and install Microsoft PowerToys.

• Open Keyboard Manager and click on Remap a Shortcut.

• Select the key combination I wanted to change.

• Assign a new shortcut that made sense for me.

For example, I remapped Caps Lock to act as an extra Cntrl key, making it easier to use shortcuts with one hand.

Customizing Shortcuts in macOS

Mac users are lucky because macOS has one of the most flexible shortcut customization systems. I personally love using custom shortcuts on my MacBook.

Here’s how I set them up:

1. Changing System Shortcuts

• Open System Settings → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts.

• Here, I could modify existing shortcuts or add my own.

• I changed some awkward shortcuts (like Cntrl + Space for Spotlight Search) to something easier for me.

2. Creating Custom App Shortcuts

For apps like Safari, Notes, or Photoshop, I needed shortcuts for specific menu items.

• Open System Settings → Keyboard → App Shortcuts.

• Click + to add a new shortcut.

• Select the application and enter the exact menu command (like “Save As” or “New Tab”).

• Assign my custom key combination.

Now, even if an app didn’t have a shortcut for an action, I could create one!

Customizing Shortcuts in Software & IDEs

For those who use software like VS Code, Photoshop, or Excel, customizing shortcuts can make a huge difference.

1. VS Code (For Developers & Coders)

As a developer, I spend hours in Visual Studio Code (VS Code), so optimizing shortcuts was a must.

• Step 1: Open VS Code and go to File → Preferences → Keyboard Shortcuts.

• Step 2: Search for the command I wanted to change (like "Duplicate Line").

• Step 3: Click on it and press my desired key combination.

Some shortcuts I changed:

• Cntrl + D → Duplicate Line (instead of the default, which I found awkward).

• Cntrl + Alt + Arrow Up/Down → Move Line Up/Down (felt more natural for me).

2. Adobe Photoshop (For Designers)

Photoshop has tons of shortcuts, but not all of them fit my workflow. Here’s how I changed them:

• Open Edit → Keyboard Shortcuts.

• Navigate to the action I wanted to change (like "Export As").

• Assign a custom shortcut.

Now, exporting images was as easy as pressing Cntrl + Shift + E instead of going through multiple menus.

3. Microsoft Excel (For Office Work)

In Excel, I needed quick access to formatting and inserting rows/columns. So, I customized these shortcuts:

• Cntrl + Shift + I → Insert Row

• Cntrl + Shift + D → Delete Row

• Cntrl + Shift + A → Auto-fit Column Width

This made my workflow way faster.

Creating Your Own Shortcuts with Third-Party Tools

Sometimes, built-in customization isn’t enough. That’s when I explored third-party tools like:

1. AutoHotkey (For Windows Users)

AutoHotkey (AHK) is a powerful scripting tool that lets you create custom shortcuts for almost anything. Here’s a simple example:

ahk

CopyEdit

!n::Run, Notepad

This script makes Alt + N open Notepad instantly! I used it to automate tasks like opening folders, typing frequently used text, and even controlling media playback.

2. BetterTouchTool (For macOS Users)

For Mac users, BetterTouchTool is an amazing utility that lets you:

• Assign shortcuts to gestures.

• Create custom keyboard combinations.

• Automate repetitive tasks.

I used it to map a three-finger tap on my trackpad to Cntrl + Tab, making switching tabs in Chrome super smooth.

Tips for Creating the Best Shortcuts

Through trial and error, I’ve learned a few golden rules for creating efficient shortcuts:

1. Keep it intuitive – Use key combinations that make sense to you.

2. Avoid conflicts – Don’t overwrite important system shortcuts.

3. Use modifier keys wisely – Cntrl, Alt, and Shift help create unique combos.

4. Test before finalizing – Make sure the shortcut feels comfortable to use.