by C.K. MacLeod
I’m trying to use my mouse less and my keyboard more. Why? Keyboard shortcuts can
- reduce repetitive strain injury from too much mousing
- help you to complete writing and editing tasks more efficiently
Save Time
Hilary Powers, in her excellent book, Making Word 2010 Work for You, has pointed out that it often takes less time to execute a keyboard shortcut than it takes for your hand to wander to your mouse, click through a menu in a word processing program or in Windows Explorer, and wander back to the keyboard. She has a point. Why leave the keyboard, if you don’t have to?
Create Your Own Shortcuts
In this post, I’ll describe the steps for creating your own keyboard shortcut for the Windows Snipping Tool—a handy application for taking screenshots while writing and blogging.
It’s a multi-step process to find the Snipping Tool with Windows Explorer. Instead, I’ve assigned the Snipping Tool the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + K so that I can open it in seconds.
Quick Steps
- Find the Snipping Tool application in Windows Explorer by going to the Start menu and keying in “Snipping.” The Snipping Tool should show up in the Start menu.
- Right-click on the application name (Snipping Tool) and click on Properties.
- Next to Shortcut key: insert the key combinations you want to use to open that application. I’ve used Ctrl + Alt + K because the that key combination isn’t already being used for another action* and because the K reminds me of a pair of scissors left open on a table.
- Click Okay, and try your your new shortcut.
Once you integrate them into your workflow, keyboard shortcuts can save you time. What other writing-related applications could you assign a keyboard shortcut to?
*Note: Some key combinations are already assigned functions in Windows 7. Windows will let you know if you choose a combination that’s already taken.
Image by James Bowe
This was exactly what I was looking for! Very helpful. Thank you!!
You’re welcome, Madeleine. Glad to help!
Unlike in window 7 where the window+S can help clip the screen, what should I do if I want to assign a hotkey for new snip?
Good point.
If you’re using Windows 10, creating keyboard shortcuts (also called hot keys) is a different process than doing so in Windows 7 or Windows 8. Avram Piltch’s article How to Create Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 10 may be helpful if you’re running Windows 10. Best of luck!
Good point. If you’re using Windows 10, the process will be different. Avram Piltch’s article How to Create a Keyboard Shortcut in Windows 10 may be of some help. Best of luck!
really good work and saving much time, thanks a much.
You’re welcome! Glad to help.
Thank you so much! Very, very helpful and very simple.
You’re quite welcome!