The ten best shortcuts to save time on Mac and PC

In our digital world where efficiency is paramount, mastering keyboard shortcuts has become an essential asset for any computer user. Whether you’re on a Mac or PC, these key combinations can dramatically speed up your workflow and save you precious minutes every day. Some ideas…

Let’s start with an often overlooked but very useful shortcut: quick search. On Mac, use Cmd + Space to open Spotlight, while on PC, Windows key + S launches system search. These shortcuts will allow you to instantly find files, applications or even perform simple calculations without leaving your keyboard.

Navigation and window management

This function is basic, but worth repeating. Juggling between different applications is commonplace in our daily work. On Mac, use Cmd + Tab to quickly switch between open applications, while on PC, Alt + Tab performs the same function. To close a window or tab without leaving the application, Cmd + W (Mac) or Ctrl + W (PC) are your best allies.

If you want to focus on a single task, the shortcut Cmd + Option + H on Mac hides all windows except the active application. On Windows, Windows + Home minimizes all windows except the active one.

Screenshot and Productivity

Screenshots have become an essential communication tool. On Mac, use Cmd+Shift+3 to capture the entire screen, or Cmd+Shift+4 to select a specific area. On Windows, the Print key. Screen captures the entire screen, while Windows + Shift + S opens the screenshot tool for flexibility.

To quickly access the desktop, use F11 on Mac or Windows + D on PC. This shortcut will allow you to instantly view all your files and folders on the desktop.

File and text management

To quickly create a new document or window, Cmd + N (Mac) or Ctrl + N (PC) are your go-to shortcuts. When it comes to saving your work, don’t waste time navigating menus: Cmd + S (Mac) or Ctrl + S (PC) will instantly save your changes.

Finally, for Mac users, the Cmd + Space shortcut opens Spotlight, a powerful built-in search tool. On Windows, Windows key + S launches system search. These shortcuts will allow you to quickly find files, applications or even perform simple calculations without leaving your keyboard.

To quickly rename a file or folder, select it and press Return (Mac) or F2 (Windows). This shortcut will save you time when organizing your documents.

Web browsing and search

In your browser, use Cmd + L (Mac) or Ctrl + L (Windows) to instantly jump to the address bar. This shortcut is especially useful for performing quick searches or navigating to a new site.

To reopen a tab that was closed by mistake, use Cmd+Shift+T on Mac or Ctrl+Shift+T on Windows. This combination can save you from a frustrating situation and save you research time.

By mastering these ten essential shortcuts, you’ll dramatically optimize your productivity, whether you’re on a Mac or PC. Do not hesitate to practice them regularly so that they become reflexes. Your efficiency at work will be even better, leaving you more time to concentrate on the truly important tasks.

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In brief again on Mac

• ⌘+Shift+5: Open Advanced Screenshot Tool
• ⌘ + Option + D: show or hide the Dock
• ⌘ + Option + Esc: force close an application
• ⌘+Shift+.: show or hide hidden files in Finder
• ⌘ + Option + M: minimize all windows of an application
• ⌘ + Shift + F: search in all files
• ⌘ + Option + L: open Downloads folder
• ⌘ + Shift + G: go to a specific folder in Finder
• ⌘ + Option + T: show or hide the toolbar in an application
• Ctrl + ⌘ + F: toggle full screen mode

And in short for Windows

• Windows + I: open Windows Settings
• Windows +V: Access clipboard history
• Windows + Dot (.): open the emoji and symbol keyboard
• Ctrl + Shift + Esc: open Task Manager
• Windows + Left/Right Arrow: dock the active window to the left or right of the screen
• Windows + Tab: Open Task View
• Windows + Shift +S: open screenshot tool
• Alt + F4: fermer l’application active
• Windows + X: Open Quick Link Menu