A Mac power user setup: windows, keys and automation
The settings, shortcuts and tools power users rely on to drive a Mac from the keyboard, with a window layout that keeps up.
Power users share one goal: never reach for the mouse to get somewhere. Here is the stack of settings and tools that gets you there.
Keyboard
- Turn on Keyboard navigation in System Settings, Keyboard.
- Set Key repeat to fast and Delay until repeat to short.
- A hyper key for your own shortcuts; see hyper key setup.
Getting to things
- A launcher (Spotlight, Raycast or Alfred) for apps, files and commands.
- ⌘ Tab and ⌘ ` for switching, ⌃ ↓ for an app's windows.
Arranging windows
This is where most time leaks. A window manager driven by keys closes the gap. ClutterFreeMac puts every move on ⌃ ⌥: arrows to move focus, ⇧ to move the window, R and F for widths, 1 to 9 to jump, with H J K L as an option. See keyboard only window management.
Automation
- Shortcuts app for multi step actions.
- Saved window layouts, opened by link from a launcher or a script.
- See automating window layouts.
Questions
How do I use a Mac without the mouse?
Turn on Keyboard navigation, use a launcher for apps and files, and a window manager with keyboard shortcuts for moving between windows.
Read next
- Guide
Managing Mac windows without touching the mouse
Switch, move, resize and arrange windows on a Mac from the keyboard alone. The built in shortcuts, the gaps, and a full keyboard layer for windows.
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Every Mac keyboard shortcut for managing windows
Switch, hide, minimise, tile and find windows on a Mac without the mouse. The built in shortcuts, in one table, plus the ones a window manager adds.
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Hot Corners on a Mac: how to set them and what to use them for
Push the pointer into a corner of the screen to show the desktop, open Mission Control or lock the Mac. How to set them up without triggering them by accident.
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