Introduction
Creating shortcuts is an excellent way of saving time and increasing productivity as it allows quick access to essential files and programs on a desktop. However, many users struggle with this simple procedure, leading to wasted time that could have been used more productively. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to create shortcuts on a desktop and offers tips for customizing them.
Step-by-Step Guide
The first step in creating a shortcut is to navigate to the file or program. Once there, right-click on the chosen file or program and select “Create Shortcut” from the menu that appears. Then drag the new shortcut to the desktop. Alternatively, select the file or program and press Ctrl+C. Then go to the desktop and right-click, selecting “New Shortcut” from the popup menu. Paste into the box and select “Next.” Finally, choose a unique name and select “Finish.”
If there are specific files that a user needs frequent access to, they can group those files together to create a folder. Right-click on the desktop, select “New Folder,” and give it a unique name. Then drag all the necessary files to the folder. When all the desired files have been added to the folder, the user can create a shortcut by right-clicking on the folder and selecting “Create Shortcut.”
Shortcut Creator Tools
There are many available tools that can be used for creating shortcuts on a desktop. Some of these tools are free, while others come at a cost. For instance, RocketDock is a free tool that can be used to create shortcuts to files, folders, and applications on a dock-like interface. Alternatively, Fences can be used to organize desktop shortcuts into categories, helping to keep it tidy and easier to navigate.
For users who prefer paid tools, ObjectDock is an excellent choice. ObjectDock is powerful software that allows a user to create a dock-style launcher on their desktop. Additionally, it provides customization options for customizing icons, fonts, and more.
Creating Custom Shortcuts
Creating custom shortcuts allows a user to save time by not having to navigate the entire file structure to locate a specific file or folder. To create custom shortcuts, users need to have a basic understanding of the file structure on their desktop. For instance, if a user wants to create a custom shortcut for a program’s executable file, they need to go to its installation folder and locate the .exe file of the desired program.
Once found, right-click on it and select “Create Shortcut.” Then drag it to the desktop. The user can then rename the shortcut and customize its icon by right-clicking the icon and selecting “Properties.”
Mac vs. Windows
Creating shortcuts on Windows
Creating shortcuts on Windows follows the same procedure as creating shortcuts on Mac. However, for Windows 10 users, there are additional options for creating shortcuts that require less effort. The first option is to use the Start menu by going to the app’s name, right-clicking and selecting “More,” then selecting “Pin to taskbar.” Alternatively, right-click the file or program and select “Pin to Start” instead of “Create Shortcut.”
Creating shortcuts on Mac
The process of creating shortcuts on Mac is relatively straightforward. First, select the file or program to create a shortcut. Next, press and hold down the “Control” key on your keyboard, then click and select “Make Alias” or “Create Alias” from the dropdown menu that appears. The user can then drag the alias file to the desktop or desired location.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are a faster way of executing a command or opening an application. Windows offers default keyboard shortcuts that are pre-assigned to some actions, and users can modify or create new keyboard shortcuts by going to the “Settings” and selecting “Keyboard Shortcuts.”
On Mac, keyboard shortcuts can be created by going to “System Preferences,” selecting “Keyboard,” and then selecting “Shortcuts.” Users can customize an existing shortcut by selecting “Edit” or create a custom shortcut by clicking the “+” sign.
Some useful keyboard shortcuts on Windows for increasing productivity include Ctrl+ C to copy, Ctrl+ V to paste, Ctrl+ X to cut, and Ctrl+ Z to undo. On Mac, popular shortcuts include Command+ C to copy, Command + V to paste, Command+ Z to undo, and Command+ Shift+ 3, taking a screenshot of the entire screen.
Conclusion
Creating shortcuts on a desktop is a simple process that increases productivity and saves time. This article has provided a thorough guide on creating shortcuts, including tips and tools for a customized desktop experience. By following the step-by-step guide in this article, users can create desktop shortcuts that will help them optimize their workflow, allowing them to work more efficiently.
