How to Create Application Keyboard Shortcuts

If you prefer using your computer keyboard over your mouse, or you simply love shortcuts, keyboard shortcuts are the way to go. Chances are you already know a handful of shortcuts. Ctrl+C to copy something, Ctrl+V to paste it, or even the old standby Ctrl+Alt+Del to get to your login screen or reboot a frozen computer. If you love keyboard shortcuts you will love this tip that allows you to make your own shortcut for almost any application.

Things You'll Need

• Computer using Microsoft Windows
• Keyboard

Instructions

1. Create a desktop shortcut to the application for which you want to make a keyboard shortcut. To do this, right click on the program or application, point to "Send To" and click on "Desktop." You will now have a little shortcut icon of the application on your desktop.

2. Right click the shortcut and click on "Properties." The properties window for that application will open.

3. Click the "Shortcut" tab. Look for the "Shortcut Key" field, probably in the mid-area of the box. If there is already a keyboard shortcut assigned to this application it will show there.

4. Click inside of the "Shortcut Key" field to place your cursor there. If you want to replace an existing shortcut, delete it.

5. Type in a key to use in your keyboard shortcut combination. All shortcuts will begin Ctrl+Alt. So if, for example, you enter the letter q, your keyboard shortcut will be Ctrl+Alt+q for this application.

6. Click "Apply" and "OK." Next time you want to open this application, just use your shortcut.

Tips & Warnings

• You cannot use ESC, ENTER, TAB, SPACEBAR, PRINT SCREEN, SHIFT, or BACKSPACE keys as part of your shortcut.

• If you use a shortcut that is assigned to something else, it will no longer work for the past application.

Resources

• eHow article "How to Create a Desktop Shortcut to Your Most Recent Word Document"