Both Windows and macOS support custom keyboard shortcuts for efficiency. 1. In Windows, you can set the program or file to start the shortcut by right-clicking the desktop shortcut; 2. In macOS, you can set the shortcut keys for specific application menu commands in keyboard shortcuts set by the system; 3. Use AutoHotkey (Windows) or Karabiner-Elements (macOS) to achieve more complex shortcut customization; 4. When setting, avoid conflicts with common shortcut keys and test their effectiveness to ensure normal use.

Both Windows and macOS allow you to customize keyboard shortcuts to improve productivity. If you often use certain functions, applications or operations, setting your own shortcut keys can save a lot of time. Here are some specific methods to help you create custom keyboard shortcuts in different systems.

1. Create shortcut keys in Windows (for programs and files)

You can set shortcuts for desktop shortcuts, programs, and even specific files:

• Right-click the shortcut on the desktop → "Properties" → find the "Shortcut Keys" bar under the "Shortcuts" tab.
• Click the input box and press the key combination you want to set (such as Ctrl Alt E) → OK to save.

Note: This shortcut key is only valid under the current user account and can only trigger startup when the target program is not running.

If you want a global shortcut key (which can be triggered no matter what you are currently doing), you can use third-party tools such as AutoHotkey to achieve more complex functions.

2. Set custom shortcut keys on macOS (by system setting)

macOS provides a relatively flexible way to customize shortcut keys, especially support for menu commands:

• Open System Settings → Go to Keyboard → Click the Shortcut Keys tab.
• Click the " ” button in the lower left corner:
  • Application: Select the application you want to set shortcut keys
  • Menu title: Enter the name of the menu item you want to trigger (must match exactly)
  • Shortcut keys: Press the key combination you want to use

For example, you can set a shortcut for the Reload this page menu item in Safari Browser.

3. Use automation tools to set more flexible shortcut keys

If the system comes with the settings are not enough, you can use some automation tools to expand the functions:

Recommended AutoHotkey on Windows:

• After installation, you can write simple scripts, such as:

   ^!e::Run "C:\Program Files\Notepad .exe"

  This means pressing Ctrl Alt E to start Notepad.

Karabiner-Elements available on macOS:

• It supports key remapping, complex modification, etc., which is suitable for users who want to deeply customize keyboard behavior.

Although these tools require a little learning cost, they are very flexible and suitable for those with special needs.

4. Pay attention to avoid conflicts and misoperation

The following points should be paid attention to when setting shortcut keys:

• Try not to overwrite common shortcut keys of the system or software itself (such as Ctrl C/Cmd C)
• There may be shortcut key conflicts between different applications, especially when used across platforms
• If a shortcut key does not work, first check whether it is occupied by other programs

It is recommended to manually test it every time you set it up to make sure it works properly in the expected scenario.

Basically that's it. Depending on your operating system and usage habits, select the appropriate method to set custom shortcuts, and the efficiency improvement will be obvious.

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