In a previous post we looked at Automator and how it can help us to automate tasks (such as a copy-and-paste installation).
A very short while ago, we also looked at how to create a todo system, based on color labels in Finder.
Today we will use these concepts and expand them using Butler, so we will create a file dispatcher for Finder, looking something like this:
Exposé is great to quickly find open applications or a specific window inside an application. We introduced you to Exposé in this post.
Today let’s explore how we can control Exposé only by using the keyboard.
Previously we looked at how we can find menu items only by their name with the help of the search feature of the Help menu item, available in every application.
Today we will find out how we can use a feature of Butler to imitate us, pressing keys on the keyboard. Doing so, will allow us to open menu items that you can’t create a shortcut for, using the built-in methods of creating keyboard shortcuts, described in this post.
In programs with a lot of functions in the menus (e.g. Adobe Photoshop) the menus can get pretty big. Even though you know what you’re looking for it can be quite a task to actually find what you’re looking for.
Well… no more thanks to a new feature of Leopard.
Opening a file in Finder is pretty simple…if you know, how to do it. Especially switchers try to use the enter/return key. But this will only let you rename the file, instead of opening it.
While in Finder, press either command-down arrow or command-O. Both keyboard shortcuts work equally well, use the one that is more comfortable to you.
Command-down arrow will also open folders, so you can drill down a folder structure, using this keyboard shortcut. Command-up arrow will let you go to the parent directory of the current file or folder.
Take a look at this post, to review the special keys on your Mac keyboard.
As you have more and more windows open, the screen can get quite busy and it will become difficult to focus on one thing.
Find out how to get things out of the way, as you move away from an application.
In recent posts we talked about QuickLook, which allows you to instantly preview a file, without having to open it in an application.
However, there are file types, that can’t be previewed with the standard installation of Leopard.
Let’s find out how to add more plugins, so we can preview more file types (eg. compressed .zip files, flash video or even folders).
We already looked at Butler as an application and bookmark launcher. We also used it to create a multi item clipboard.
Today the exploration of Butler goes on. We will learn how to use its Hot Corner feature to remote control iTunes with the mouse.
Stacks are a great feature for stuff you need to access quickly. They also help to reduce the clutter on your Desktop, putting downloaded files into a neat Download folder.
Today we will look at some keyboard magic to enhance your Stacks experience.