Most of the work on a Mac involves using a mouse or trackpad to move a cursor and click on various things. But what happens if someone’s mouse suddenly dies on them. It would seem to most users that using the Mac without a mouse is a complicated task. But keeping one’s hands on the keyboard can be more efficient. Since the fingers are nearly always on the keyboard, controlling the Mac in that manner might increase one’s efficiency.
The following hacks about using Mac without a mouse are simple. They are primarily about using keyboard shortcuts. However, grasping some of them will help one control their Mac without reaching for the mouse and assist them in getting their work done faster.
Full Keyboard Access
While one is on the Keyboard Shortcuts tab, it is good to enable Full Keyboard Access. With this, one can use the Tab key to toggle between dialog box controls. Thus, as one navigates Web pages, forms, and dialog boxes on their Mac, they can use the Tab key to rapidly switch between each field, instead of clicking the mouse in one after the other. And one can use the Tab key to switch the focus between different buttons as well.
Setting navigation keyboard shortcuts
Mac offers options to let users control its interface from the keyboard. To get started with this, one needs to check System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts to see which shortcuts are set.
By default, many of these shortcuts use the Control key. On many Mac keyboards, one needs to press the Fn key at the bottom left of the keyboard to use the function keys (F1, F2, etc.), so these shortcuts may require that one presses three keys. If a person wants to modify any, they need to click on the keyboard shortcut and press a new one.
Create keyboard shortcuts
One can always customize the often-used keyboard combinations according to their preference. For instance, if there is a particular menu command that one uses frequently, it either lacks a corresponding keyboard shortcut or does not have the shortcut assigned. In that case, they can always customize the critical combination according to their preference.
All one needs to do is, launch the System Preferences tab, visit the Keyboard preference pane, select on the Keyboard Shortcuts , and then choose Application Shortcuts. After that, click on the Plus button, select the Application they that you want to add as a shortcut, input the menu command, and then choose the right key combination.
Quickly locate menu items and keyboard shortcuts.
CheatSheet for Mac is a simple app for Mac users. It is an essential tool for anyone who prefers using keyboard shortcuts. It displays keyboard shortcuts of the Application that are open at any time. One should download the app and follow the instructions given to allow CheatSheet to control the Mac. Next, whenever one holds the Command key for a couple of seconds, a window will pop up, listing shortcuts for the current app. It is beneficial for remembering keyboard shortcuts and is an excellent time-saver. It also requires less mouse work.
Memorize Common Application Shortcuts
Mac supports countless systemwide shortcut combinations that are common to most applications. Therefore, one should learn combinations as these can accelerate the most common tasks.
Following is a list of some well-known systemwide application shortcuts.
Once users become accustomed to these shortcuts, they might prefer using them instead of the mouse to scroll through a text document. Some of the most useful shortcuts are as below.
If your apple Mouse is not working correctly then Another Third-Party USB or Bluetooth Mouse is also compatible with all Macs – Mac mini, iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air.
Quick Notes
- Fn + Q [Quickly open New note or Existing Note in Mac Notes app]. here’s a full guide on how to use or change Quick notes Shortcuts on Mac.
Cursor Movement
- Cmd (Command) + Up – top of the document.
- Cmd + Left – the start of a line.
- Cmd + Right – end of a line.
- Option + Up — start of a paragraph.
- Option + Left – the start of a word.
- Shift + Arrow keys – text selection.
Copying and Pasting
- Cmd + C – to copy selection.
- Cmd + V – to paste selection.
- Cmd + X – to cut it.
- Cmd + A – to select all.
Change Text Style
- Cmd + U – underlines selected text.
- Cmd + B – bolds the selected text.
- Cmd + I – italicize the text.
Other Useful Shortcuts
The following list of shortcuts is systemwide, and they work in most applications, though there are some variations.
- Cmd +, – to access app preferences.
- Cmd + O – to open a file.
- Cmd + W – close a tab or window.
- Cmd + N – to open a new window
- Cmd + S – saves a file.
- Cmd + P – to print a file.
Navigating one’s Mac with the keyboard takes some getting used to. But as one gets acquainted with it, the improvement in their computing speed will be undeniable.
