How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Mac Apps

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Press and hold ⌘ Command.

   In order to set a keyboard shortcut to open an app, you'll need to create a new Service in Automator. , Doing so will bring up Spotlight search.,,, It's at the top left corner of the menu bar.,, It looks like a cog.,, They're the drop-down menus at the top of the window.,,, It's at the top left of the Service window.
   
   The list of available actions should be displayed in a scroll bar underneath the search window.,, A drop-down menu will appear under the newly added "Launch Application" action.,,, It's at the top left of the menu bar.,, This is what you'll use to assign the keyboard shortcut, so make it something memorable!,, It's at the top left corner of the menu bar.,,,, It's on the menu on the left pane of the Shortcuts window., The list of services is located on the right side of the window.,,, Make sure that you enter a unique shortcut, meaning that the keyboard combination is not already designated to perform another task. ,,, Your newly assigned shortcut will open the app!
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   Step 2: Press Space once.

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   Step 3: Type in "Automator."

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   Step 4: Press ↵ Enter.

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   Step 5: With the Automator app selected

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   Step 6: click File.

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   Step 7: Click New.

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   Step 8: Click the "Service" icon.

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   Step 9: Click Choose.

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    Step 10: Navigate to the service input settings.

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    Step 11: Click the "Service receives selected" drop-down menu.

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    Step 12: Click no input.

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    Step 13: Click Actions.

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    Step 14: Use the scroll bar to find "Launch Application."

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    Step 15: Click and drag "Launch Application" to the right side.

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    Step 16: Click the drop-down menu.

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    Step 17: Click on an app.

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    Step 18: Click File.

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    Step 19: Click Save.

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    Step 20: Type in a name for your service.

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    Step 21: Click Save.

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    Step 22: Click the Apple icon.

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    Step 23: Click System Preferences.

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    Step 24: Click the "Keyboard" icon.

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    Step 25: Click Shortcuts.

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    Step 26: Click Services.

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    Step 27: Scroll to find your newly created service.

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    Step 28: Click on your service to select it.

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    Step 29: Click Add Shortcut.

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    Step 30: Type in your custom keyboard shortcut.

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    Step 31: Click the red "x" button.

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    Step 32: Click on your desktop.

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    Step 33: Enter your new keyboard shortcut.

Detailed Guide

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