Discover how to customize keyboard shortcuts in Mac Mail: default shortcuts, customization steps, and more.
We all get tens, if not hundreds, of emails every day. Sometimes, navigating your email app can be time-consuming, especially if you’re clicking around trying to find the right buttons. If you’re using Apple Mail as your main email client, you can use its default keyboard shortcuts to speed through your inbox.
However, some users may find the default shortcuts uncomfortable or inconvenient to use and may want to customize them to better suit their workflow.
In this article, we’ll show you how you can customize Apple Mail keyboard shortcuts to help you streamline your email management tasks.
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The answer is it does. Apple Mail comes with a set of default keyboard shortcuts you can use to navigate the mail app faster. Keyboard shortcuts within Apple Mail are simply key combinations that allow you to perform various actions or commands without using the mouse or trackpad.
They streamline your workflow by enabling quick access to frequently used features, such as composing a new email, replying to messages, archiving, deleting, or moving emails, among others.
If you’re happy with Apple Mail’s default keyboard shortcuts, you can leave them as is. Many users consider it easier to use the default shortcuts without changing them. If you’re already used to Apple’s ecosystem, you may prefer to stay with the default settings.
Plus, sticking with the default shortcuts can simplify troubleshooting and seeking help from support resources, as the default configurations are widely recognized and documented. If you change them and don’t remember what you changed them to, it can create chaos and confusion.
However, sometimes, it may be more beneficial for you to customize Apple Mail’s keyboard shortcuts to your preferences.
Here’s why changing Mac Mail shortcuts may be convenient for you:
Here are some of the default keyboard shortcuts in Apple Mail:
Wondering how you can change Apple Mail’s keyboard shortcuts? It’s actually pretty simple and can be done in just a few simple steps.
That’s it! In just 8 simple steps, you can add a new keyboard shortcut. If you want to override an existing keyboard shortcut rather than add a new one, you still need to go through the same exact process, as there is no direct way of changing a default shortcut.
Customizing keyboard shortcuts in Mac Mail can significantly enhance your productivity.
However, occasionally, you may encounter issues where these custom shortcuts don’t behave as expected. One common scenario is when upgrading to a new macOS version, such as Big Sur, which might alter or reset your custom Mail keyboard shortcuts without warning.
Here are some things you can do to troubleshoot any issues you encounter with Apple Mail keyboard shortcuts:
Although using and customizing the Apple Mail keyboard shortcut is a straightforward process, there are some things you should keep in mind when changing your shortcuts. Here are some practical tips and tricks to effectively customize your Mac Mail shortcuts.
If you’re new to customizing keyboard shortcuts on Apple Mail, start with simple changes. For example, you could begin by changing the shortcut for sending an email or deleting a message. This will help you get comfortable with the customization process.
Plus, starting simple allows you to evaluate whether the new shortcuts you’ve created are aligned with your preferences. If not, you can change them bit by bit rather than everything at once, which could make using your mail app confusing.
macOS comes with a set of system-wide keyboard shortcuts that perform various functions, such as taking screenshots, opening Spotlight search, or navigating between applications. Be cautious not to override or conflict with these shortcuts, as they are essential for system functionality.
What’s more, take into account the keyboard shortcuts you’re already using in other apps on your Mac. For instance, if you use Command+S for saving in one app, assign it to the same action in Apple Mail. This way, you won’t get confused.
Using consistent key combinations for similar actions can significantly enhance the usability and memorability of your custom shortcuts in Apple Mail. When you create a pattern where related tasks share similar shortcut keys, it becomes easier for your muscle memory to recall and execute these actions efficiently.
For example, if you use “Command + S” to save a draft, using “Command + D” to delete a message creates a logical association between the keyboard shortcuts and their functions. This not only helps you remember your custom shortcuts faster but also makes it less likely that you will forget or confuse them.
When you create new keyboard shortcuts in Apple Mail, it can be easy to forget what shortcut you assigned to specific actions. So, until you get used to your new shortcuts, it’s a good idea to create a keyboard shortcut cheat sheet.
You can keep it in your Notes app or print it out and keep it near your computer so you have it handy whenever you need to check a shortcut.
Once you’ve set up your custom shortcuts the way you wanted, it’s a good idea to check in on them every now and then. As you get more used to how you work and what shortcuts you use the most, your needs might shift a bit.
This way, you can make sure they’re still helping you navigate your inbox efficiently. If something’s not quite right or if you’ve discovered a new way of working, you can easily tweak your shortcuts to keep things running smoothly.
If you share your Apple Mail account with family members or use Mac Mail at work, consider sharing your custom shortcuts with your coworkers or other Mac users. This way, you can create a more streamlined experience for everyone who uses the computer and avoid confusion in case they try using old shortcuts that don’t work anymore.
For those who want to take customization to the next level, there are software options that offer more advanced features. These tools allow you to create complex shortcuts involving multiple keys or even gestures.
If you use your email a lot, keyboard shortcuts can be a great way to reduce the time you need to perform all the email-related tasks. If you’re using Apple Mail as your main email client, you can use the default keyboard shortcuts that come with the app on your Mac.
However, to make your experience smoother, you may need to customize the Apple Mail keyboard shortcuts to match your workflows and preferences. You can do that in just a few simple steps we outlined in this article. With the right shortcuts, you can turn Mac Mail into a powerful tool tailored just for you.
❓Does Apple Mail have keyboard shortcuts?
Yes! Apple Mail comes with a default set of keyboard shortcuts you can use when navigating the mail app.
❓What is the keyboard shortcut to move email in Apple Mail?
The keyboard shortcut to move an email in Apple Mail depends on where you want to move the message. For instance, if you want to move an email to the junk folder, you can do so by using the Shift-Command-J keyboard shortcut.
❓Can I customize Apple Mail’s default keyboard shortcuts?
Yes, you can! Customizing Apple Mail’s shortcuts is actually pretty simple, and you can do it in just a few steps. In this article, we’ve outlined detailed instructions on how to change Apple Mail keyboard shortcuts to match your preferences.
