hotkeys

Window Zooming in OS X does not magnify a window's contents, but rather resizes the window to fit its contents. While this is the most common use of this button, the function is application-specific and may do anything from changing the overall window appearance such as switching to the mini player in iTunes to doing absolutely nothing at all.

Invoking the zoom function is done by clicking the green button to the right of the close and minimize buttons, but it can also be accessed from the Window menu that most OS X applications have. Unlike the Close and … Read more

Spaces is a virtual desktop implementation by Apple that allows you to organize content in up to 16 separate desktop "workspace" environments to prevent window and application clutter. When active you can invoke Spaces by pressing an assigned hotkey, or by moving your mouse to an assigned hot-corner of the display.

When this happens the available spaces will show on the display and you can move your content or the spaces themselves around to organize your workflow. While convenient, there may be times when Spaces will capture keyboard input for use with moving between spaces, but then not … Read more

SizzlingKeys is a free background app that lets you control iTunes playback with hot keys, even when you're in another application.

SizzlingKeys lets you program nine global hot keys: play/pause, previous and next track, volume up and down, show/hide iTunes, show playlists, search, mute, and the ingenious "Almost Mute," with a customizable Almost-Mute level. The app also lets you assign hot keys for rating tracks, and it will display an optional, temporary floating window (with the track info and art). You can also set SizzlingKeys to automatically launch iTunes when you press your play/pause … Read more

Keyboard shortcuts for various commands are exceptionally useful for speeding up your workflow, and many applications have some set of custom keyboard shortcuts (beyond those reserved for system functions), that can be used for common functions. Though these are convenient, many times applications will have frequently used functions that do not have an associated keyboard shortcut.

MacFixIt reader "Richard" recently wrote in asking about the options for setting custom keyboard shortcuts:

Program menus list keystroke combinations (presumably the most popular) for some functions; for the others you must position the cursor on it and click. Using Pages (4.… Read more

TypeIt4Me is a text-expansion and autocorrection utility, an app that can save you tons of time (and wrist strain) by automatically expanding frequently used words, phrases, and even images with just a few quick keystrokes.

Users have several good apps to choose from in this category, and TypeIt4Me is one of the best and longest-lived (with a successful track record that stretches past two decades). As with similar apps, you just type in a few letters to access your "clippings"--or you can even choose an abbreviation from TypeIt4Me in the menubar. You can set abbreviations to work … Read more

TextExpander is a popular and reasonably priced autotype/autocorrect program--a productivity-enhancing piece of software designed to save you time and keystrokes by automatically typing out frequently used words and phrases (such as signatures and greetings) and instantly correcting your typos. TextExpander's nearly invisible interface is simple: you type a short, user-specified abbreviation, and the app expands the abbreviation into a longer "snippet," whether a word, a phrase, or even an image or an entire e-mail. (You can even prompt TextExpander to execute a chunk of AppleScript.) You can customize your snippets and manage them in groups, and … Read more

QuicKeys is a long-lived automation utility designed to save you time by letting you convert tedious, repetitive tasks--everything from opening apps to copying files to typing your e-mail address--into quick, painless one-step shortcuts. Although there are numerous options for macro programs on the Mac (including cheaper and even free ones, like OS X's built-in Automator), QuicKeys strikes a good balance of providing an intuitive, visual interface with a veritable programming language that can handle the most complex tasks and workflows.

You can use a wide variety of triggers, with customizable "scopes" (for shortcuts that work in a … Read more

Like LaunchBar, Fruitmenu, and Default Folder, this popular and well-tested shareware GUI-enhancer has become an indispensable addition to OS X for many users. DragThing exists to make getting to things on your Mac--files, folders, apps, disks, URLs, and windows--quick and easy. Inveterate interface tweakers love DragThing because you can create multiple docks (like the OS X Dock) that can be almost infinitely configured to suit your specific situation. Plus, you can save snippets, define tons of hot keys, and perform quite a few neat OS tricks (like putting a Trash back on your desktop).

If you don't like bells … Read more

CaptureXT Screen Capture allows users to take standard screenshots, but also provides tools to customize them. With a large collection of options and high usability, this program really excels.

The program's interface was incredibly simple thanks to a nice layout and excellently labeled commands. In addition, the program's initial screen is a three-step instruction on operation, and there is a nice Help file for bigger questions. The program begins offering users a little something extra right from the get-go. By clicking on the Capture button, users are given options for standard items like full-screen, windows, or a rectangular … Read more