Open App Fast: Keyboard Shortcuts on PC & Mac

Opening applications swiftly enhances productivity, an objective championed by power users across operating systems. Microsoft Windows, a dominant OS, offers built-in utilities like Run, enabling users to specify the application name. The Spotlight search feature on macOS, developed by Apple Inc., provides a similar capability with keyboard shortcuts for immediate access. Understanding how to open an app on computer using keyboard can significantly reduce the time spent navigating menus and searching through icons, particularly for those who prioritize efficiency.

The Need for Speed: Optimizing Application Launching for Peak Productivity

In today’s relentlessly fast-paced digital landscape, the ability to swiftly launch and navigate applications is no longer a mere convenience—it’s a critical determinant of productivity and overall efficiency. Every second spent waiting for an application to load, or fumbling through menus to locate a frequently used program, represents a tangible loss of valuable time. These seemingly insignificant delays accumulate, leading to substantial reductions in output and increased frustration.

The Productivity Drain: Quantifying the Cost of Delay

Consider the cumulative impact of even minor delays. If a user spends just five seconds longer than necessary launching an application multiple times throughout the day, the total wasted time quickly adds up. This compounded inefficiency can translate to hours lost per week, per employee, and can drastically impede organizational productivity.

This lost time isn’t just about the direct waiting period, but also the disruption to focus and mental flow that it causes. Each interruption, no matter how brief, requires a period of readjustment, further eroding overall efficiency.

Scope: Windows, macOS, and Beyond

This discussion focuses primarily on strategies applicable to Windows and macOS environments. The methods presented offer effective and versatile solutions to improve app launch speeds and are compatible with a wide variety of software.

While specific tools and commands may differ between operating systems, the underlying principles of efficient navigation and streamlined launching remain consistent.

Unlocking Efficiency: A Multi-Faceted Approach

We will explore various techniques to expedite application launching. These methods range from mastering built-in operating system tools to harnessing the power of third-party launchers and the command-line interface (CLI).

We will also delve into the importance of keyboard shortcuts, task automation, and web browser enhancements to create a comprehensive ecosystem for efficient application access.

The Ultimate Goal: Efficiency and Reduced Wasted Time

The ultimate objective is to equip users with the knowledge and tools to minimize wasted time and maximize productivity. By implementing the strategies discussed, individuals and organizations can significantly streamline their workflows and achieve a higher level of operational efficiency.

This is about reclaiming control over your digital workspace and optimizing it for speed and ease of use. By transforming a daily point of friction into a seamless process, you unlock the potential for greater focus, reduced stress, and ultimately, enhanced productivity.

Harnessing Built-In Operating System Tools

Before delving into third-party solutions, it’s crucial to recognize the often-overlooked power embedded within the operating systems themselves. Both Windows and macOS offer a suite of native tools designed for efficient application launching and navigation. Mastering these tools provides a solid foundation for streamlining your workflow. This section explores these built-in functionalities, providing practical instructions and examples to unlock their full potential.

Windows: Native Efficiency

Windows, with its long history and widespread use, provides several baked-in features designed to expedite application access. From the ubiquitous search bar to more arcane command-line options, understanding these tools can significantly enhance your productivity.

Windows Search: Indexing and Precision

Windows Search, activated by pressing the Windows key or clicking the search icon, is often the first port of call for launching applications. Its effectiveness hinges on the indexing service, which catalogs files and applications for rapid retrieval.

Ensuring that your frequently used applications are properly indexed is paramount.

To optimize search performance, access the Indexing Options in the Control Panel and verify that the locations containing your applications are included.

Beyond simple application names, Windows Search supports a limited set of search operators. Experiment with these for more precise results.

Run Dialog: Command-Line Simplicity

The Run dialog (Windows Key + R) provides a direct gateway to executing commands and launching applications using their executable names. This method bypasses the need to navigate through menus or file directories.

For common applications like Notepad ("notepad") or Calculator ("calc"), the Run dialog offers an unparalleled level of speed.

It’s also useful for executing system utilities like "msconfig" (System Configuration) or "regedit" (Registry Editor). Learning these commands can be a significant time-saver.

File Explorer Navigation: Beyond the Mouse

File Explorer, while often navigated with a mouse, offers numerous keyboard shortcuts and features that dramatically accelerate file and application access.

Using the address bar to directly type paths, leveraging quick access folders, and mastering keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+N (new window), Ctrl+W (close window), and Alt+Up Arrow (navigate up one level) can significantly improve efficiency.

Keyboard Shortcuts: The Foundation of Efficiency

Windows offers a rich ecosystem of keyboard shortcuts for both system-wide actions and application-specific commands.

Learning the essential shortcuts, such as Alt+Tab (switch between windows), Windows Key + D (show desktop), and Ctrl+Shift+Esc (open Task Manager), is fundamental for efficient multitasking. Explore application-specific shortcuts within the "Help" menu of each application to discover further time-saving commands.

macOS: Elegance and Speed

macOS, known for its user-friendly interface, also provides powerful built-in tools for application launching and navigation. These tools emphasize both speed and seamless integration with the operating system.

Spotlight: Intelligent Search and More

Spotlight (Command + Space) is the cornerstone of application launching and information retrieval in macOS. It indexes files, applications, contacts, and even web results, providing a unified search experience.

Spotlight learns from your usage patterns, prioritizing frequently used applications in its search results.

To refine Spotlight’s behavior, access the Spotlight preferences in System Preferences and customize the search categories and privacy settings. Use operators like "kind:application" to filter search results to only show applications.

Finder Navigation: Mastering File Management

Finder, the macOS file manager, offers several features designed to streamline file and application access. Column View, with its hierarchical display, provides a clear and efficient way to navigate the file system.

Leveraging Finder’s sidebar to create shortcuts to frequently accessed folders is crucial for rapid navigation.

Keyboard shortcuts like Command+Shift+G (Go to Folder) allows you to quickly enter file paths. The "Recents" section keeps track of recently accessed files and applications. Tagging files and folders with colors streamlines organization and retrieval.

Keyboard Shortcuts: A Symphony of Efficiency

macOS shares Windows’ emphasis on keyboard shortcuts. Mastering these shortcuts unlocks a new level of efficiency.

Essential shortcuts include Command+Tab (switch between applications), Command+H (hide window), Command+Q (quit application), and Command+Space (Spotlight). Applications often offer customizable keyboard shortcuts within their preferences. Exploring and customizing these to match your workflow can dramatically boost your productivity.

Supercharge Your Workflow with Application Launchers

Harnessing Built-In Operating System Tools
Before delving into third-party solutions, it’s crucial to recognize the often-overlooked power embedded within the operating systems themselves. Both Windows and macOS offer a suite of native tools designed for efficient application launching and navigation. Mastering these tools provides a solid foundation…

While operating systems provide basic launching capabilities, dedicated application launchers elevate workflow efficiency to new heights. These utilities offer a compelling alternative for users seeking a more streamlined and customizable experience. They significantly outpace standard OS tools through advanced features like fuzzy search, custom commands, and workflow automation.

The Advantages of Third-Party Launchers

Why opt for a third-party launcher? The answer lies in the trifecta of speed, customization, and automation.

• Speed: Launchers employ intelligent indexing and fuzzy search algorithms, allowing you to locate and launch applications with minimal keystrokes. This rapid access saves precious seconds throughout the day, which accumulate into significant time savings.

• Customization: Unlike the rigid structures of built-in tools, launchers offer extensive customization options. Tailor the interface to your liking, create custom themes, and assign unique keyboard shortcuts to frequently used applications.

• Automation: This is where launchers truly shine. Many offer powerful scripting and workflow automation capabilities. Automate repetitive tasks, trigger system commands, and even control other applications directly from the launcher.

macOS Launchers: A Deep Dive

macOS boasts a selection of robust application launchers, each with its own distinct strengths. Two prominent contenders are Alfred and LaunchBar.

Alfred: The Workflow Powerhouse

Alfred is more than just an application launcher; it’s a comprehensive productivity tool. While its core function is lightning-fast application launching via fuzzy search, Alfred’s true power lies in its Workflows feature.

Workflows allow you to automate complex tasks by chaining together a series of actions. For example, you can create a workflow to:

• Search a specific website directly from Alfred.
• Convert units or currencies.
• Control music playback in iTunes or Spotify.
• Execute system commands such as emptying the trash or restarting the computer.

Beyond Workflows, Alfred offers:

• Clipboard History: Easily access and paste previously copied text or images.
• System Commands: Execute common system tasks with a simple command.
• File Navigation: Quickly browse and open files within the Finder.

Alfred’s versatility makes it a cornerstone of many macOS power users’ workflows.

LaunchBar: The Intelligent Assistant

LaunchBar is another formidable application launcher for macOS. It distinguishes itself through its adaptive intelligence and focus on context-aware actions.

LaunchBar learns your usage patterns and prioritizes the applications and files you access most frequently. This ensures that your desired item is always at your fingertips.

Key features of LaunchBar include:

• Instant Send: Send files or data to various applications or services with a single action.
• Context-Aware Actions: LaunchBar intelligently suggests actions based on the selected item.
• Abbreviation Search: Launch applications using abbreviations or partial names.

LaunchBar excels at seamlessly integrating with macOS, providing a natural and intuitive way to interact with your system.

Windows Alternatives

While Alfred and LaunchBar are macOS staples, Windows users have access to equally compelling alternatives. Options include Wox, PowerToys Run, and Listary. These launchers offer similar features such as fuzzy search, custom themes, and plugin support, empowering Windows users to optimize their workflows.

Web Browsers: More Than Just Browsing

Harnessing Built-In Operating System Tools
Before delving into third-party solutions, it’s crucial to recognize the often-overlooked power embedded within the operating systems themselves. Both Windows and macOS offer a suite of native tools designed for efficient application launching and navigation. But what about when your "applications" live primarily online? The modern web browser, often relegated to the task of simple browsing, presents a surprisingly potent platform for launching web applications and managing online resources with remarkable efficiency.

The Browser as an Application Launcher

In an era dominated by Software as a Service (SaaS), many of our most critical tools—email clients, project management dashboards, CRM systems, and more—reside within web browsers. Treating these web applications as mere websites is a significant underutilization of resources.

By strategically leveraging browser features, we can streamline access to these online tools and drastically improve workflow efficiency.

Creating Web Application Shortcuts

One of the simplest yet most effective techniques is creating dedicated shortcuts for web applications directly on your desktop or taskbar. Most modern browsers offer this functionality natively.

This eliminates the need to first open the browser and then navigate to the desired web application.

Instead, a single click on the shortcut launches the application directly, mimicking the behavior of a traditional desktop application.

This seamless integration can save precious seconds each time you access a frequently used web tool, adding up to significant time savings over the course of a day or week.

Browser Extensions: Enhancing Application Launching

Beyond simple shortcuts, browser extensions offer a wealth of opportunities to enhance application launching and workflow efficiency.

Numerous extensions are specifically designed to provide quick access to frequently used websites or web applications, often through customizable toolbars or context menus.

These extensions can also offer advanced features like:

• Contextual Launching: Launching specific web applications based on the content of the current web page.

• Workflow Integration: Connecting different web applications to automate tasks and streamline workflows.

• Notification Management: Providing real-time notifications from web applications, ensuring you never miss important updates.

Choosing the right extensions can transform your browser into a powerful application launching platform, tailored to your specific needs and workflows.

Harnessing the Power of Browser Profiles

Many users still use one generic browser instance for everything from work to personal and social activity. Browser profiles allow you to create separate, sandboxed environments within the same browser.

This is a critical tool for maximizing efficiency.

Each profile has its own settings, extensions, cookies, and browsing history, enabling you to segregate your online activities and maintain a clutter-free environment.

For instance, you could create a dedicated profile for work-related web applications. This ensures that only the relevant extensions are enabled, minimizing distractions and optimizing performance.

• Organized Workspaces: Keep work and personal web apps separate.

• Focused Environments: Tailor extensions and settings to specific tasks.

• Improved Performance: Reduce browser clutter and optimize resource usage.

By strategically using browser profiles, you can create focused and efficient workspaces for different categories of web applications, further streamlining your workflow and maximizing productivity.

In summary, don’t overlook the potential of your web browser as a powerful application launching platform. By leveraging shortcuts, extensions, and profiles, you can transform your browsing experience into a streamlined and efficient workflow, unlocking new levels of productivity in the digital age.

Mastering the Command Line Interface (CLI)

Web browsers offer convenience, and third-party launchers add customization, but for sheer power and control, nothing rivals the command-line interface (CLI). Often perceived as daunting, the CLI is, in reality, a potent tool for launching applications directly, bypassing graphical interfaces and streamlining the process. This section demystifies the CLI, providing a practical guide to launching applications using commands, with examples for both Windows and macOS, and touching upon the vast potential of scripting automated launches.

The Power of the Command Line

The CLI offers precision and control unmatched by GUI-based methods. Instead of clicking through menus, you issue direct commands, resulting in faster and more efficient application launches. For those comfortable with text-based interaction, the CLI can become the preferred method for managing applications.

Furthermore, the CLI’s scripting capabilities unlock sophisticated automation possibilities.

Accessing the Terminal

The first step is to access the CLI itself.

• Windows: The primary CLI is the Command Prompt, accessible by searching for "cmd" in the Start Menu or by typing "cmd" in the Run dialog (Windows Key + R). PowerShell is a more advanced alternative, offering more powerful scripting capabilities.

• macOS/Linux: The Terminal application, found in the /Applications/Utilities/ folder, provides the CLI interface.

After opening the CLI, you’ll be presented with a prompt, indicating that the system is ready to receive commands.

Navigating the File System

Before launching an application, you often need to navigate to the directory containing its executable file. The cd (change directory) command is your primary tool for this.

• cd <directory

  _name>: Moves you into the specified directory.

• cd ..: Moves you up one level in the directory structure.

• cd /: Takes you to the root directory.

• Windows Specific: Drive changes (C:, D:, E:, etc.) Windows requires the user to specify a drive before entering a particular drive.

For example, to navigate to the "Applications" folder on macOS, you would type cd /Applications/.

On Windows, navigating from drive C to D, you would type D:.

Knowing the current directory can be checked with pwd (print working directory) for macOS/Linux, and cd for Windows.

Launching Applications Directly

Once you’re in the correct directory, launching the application is straightforward.

• Windows: Use the start command followed by the application’s executable name. For example, to launch Notepad, type start notepad.

  If Notepad++ is installed, typing start notepad++.exe would start Notepad++ .

• macOS/Linux: Use the open command followed by the application’s path or name. For example, to launch TextEdit, type open /Applications/TextEdit.app.

  Alternatively, if the application’s executable is in the current directory, you can launch it by typing ./<executable_name>.

Scripting Application Launches

The real power of the CLI lies in its ability to be scripted. Scripts allow you to automate repetitive tasks, including application launches.

• Batch Files (Windows): Create a text file with a .bat extension containing a series of commands. For example, a batch file to launch Notepad and then Chrome could contain the following lines:

  @echo off
start notepad
start chrome

• Shell Scripts (macOS/Linux): Create a text file with a .sh extension containing a series of commands. Make the script executable using chmod +x <script_name.sh>. A simple script to launch TextEdit and Safari could contain:

  #!/bin/bash
open /Applications/TextEdit.app
open /Applications/Safari.app

By double-clicking or executing these scripts from the CLI, you can launch multiple applications with a single action.

Advantages and Considerations

The CLI offers significant advantages in speed, precision, and automation. However, it requires a basic understanding of commands and file system navigation. While initially daunting, the learning curve is manageable, and the rewards in efficiency are substantial. Embracing the CLI unlocks a new level of control over your computing environment.

Productivity Power-Ups: Keyboard Navigation and Shortcuts

Web browsers offer convenience, and third-party launchers add customization, but even these improvements can be augmented with more direct control. This is where keyboard navigation and shortcuts come into play.

Mastering keyboard shortcuts transcends mere memorization; it’s about developing a new relationship with your computer, one where efficiency and speed become second nature. Keyboard navigation is the backbone of this relationship. Understanding how to move around within applications and between them, without ever reaching for the mouse, can dramatically reduce wasted time.

The Foundation: Keyboard Navigation Essentials

Keyboard navigation forms the bedrock of efficient computer use. While the mouse offers a visual and intuitive method of interaction, it demands constant hand movement, breaking the flow of thought and work. In contrast, keyboard navigation keeps your hands on the keys, ready to execute commands with minimal delay.

Arrow keys are often the first port of call. They offer granular control within documents, spreadsheets, and text fields.

The Tab key facilitates movement between interface elements. This is particularly useful in forms, dialog boxes, and web pages.

Home and End keys offer swift movement to the beginning or end of a line, while Page Up and Page Down keys allow rapid scrolling through lengthy documents or web pages.

Learning to effectively use these keys is the first step towards keyboard mastery.

Leveraging Built-in and Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

The true power of the keyboard lies in shortcuts: combinations of keys that execute specific commands. Most applications come with a set of built-in shortcuts. These are essential tools.

They unlock features and commands that might otherwise require multiple clicks and menu navigations.

Investing time in learning these application-specific shortcuts can significantly boost productivity. Familiarize yourself with the common shortcuts for actions like:

• Copying (Ctrl+C or Cmd+C).
• Pasting (Ctrl+V or Cmd+V).
• Saving (Ctrl+S or Cmd+S).
• Opening files (Ctrl+O or Cmd+O).

These are the building blocks of a faster workflow.

Discovering Hidden Shortcuts

Applications often hide a wealth of less-known shortcuts. Explore the application’s help menu or documentation to uncover these hidden gems.

Many applications also offer shortcut overlays that can be accessed by holding down modifier keys like Ctrl, Shift, Alt or Cmd. This can be a handy way to discover new shortcuts.

Configuring Application-Specific Shortcuts

The ultimate level of keyboard mastery involves customizing shortcuts to perfectly match your workflow. Most operating systems and applications provide mechanisms for remapping or creating new shortcuts. This allows you to tailor the keyboard to your specific needs and preferences.

Customization Benefits

Customization can be particularly beneficial for:

• Assigning shortcuts to frequently used commands that lack them by default.
• Remapping existing shortcuts that feel awkward or inefficient.
• Creating consistent shortcuts across different applications for common tasks.

Windows Shortcut Customization

Windows allows you to customize keyboard shortcuts for application shortcuts on the desktop or in the Start Menu.

Right-click the shortcut, select "Properties," and then go to the "Shortcut" tab.

You will find a "Shortcut key" field where you can assign a custom key combination.

macOS Shortcut Customization

macOS offers a more system-wide approach to shortcut customization. Go to "System Preferences," then "Keyboard," and finally, "Shortcuts."

Here, you can customize shortcuts for various system functions and application-specific commands. You can even add new shortcuts for menu items that don’t have them.

Practical Tips for Customization

• Choose shortcuts that are easy to remember and execute.
• Avoid conflicting with existing system-wide shortcuts.
• Document your custom shortcuts for future reference.
• Be consistent across different applications whenever possible.

By taking the time to customize keyboard shortcuts, you can create a personalized and highly efficient workflow that drastically reduces the time spent navigating menus and executing commands.

Productivity Power-Ups: Keyboard Navigation and Shortcuts
Web browsers offer convenience, and third-party launchers add customization, but even these improvements can be augmented with more direct control. This is where keyboard navigation and shortcuts come into play.

Mastering keyboard shortcuts transcends mere memorization; it’s about developing muscle memory for frequent actions. However, even the most meticulously crafted shortcut system can benefit from the power of complete task automation. Automation tools offer a way to offload repetitive tasks, including application launching, to software, freeing up your mental energy for more complex endeavors.

Understanding the Power of Task Automation

Task automation involves using software to perform repetitive tasks with minimal human intervention. This can range from simple actions like launching an application with a specific keyboard shortcut to complex workflows that involve multiple steps.

The benefits of task automation are numerous:

• Increased Efficiency: Tasks are completed faster and more consistently.
• Reduced Errors: Automated processes are less prone to human error.
• Improved Focus: You can concentrate on more important tasks without being distracted by routine actions.

By automating application launching and related tasks, you can significantly streamline your workflow and boost your overall productivity.

AutoHotkey: A Windows Automation Powerhouse

For Windows users, AutoHotkey stands out as a powerful and versatile automation tool. This free and open-source scripting language allows you to create custom scripts that automate almost any task, including launching applications, manipulating windows, and automating keyboard and mouse actions.

Launching Applications with AutoHotkey

AutoHotkey allows you to launch applications with specific keyboard shortcuts, making it even faster than using a launcher or the Run dialog. Here’s a simple example script that launches Notepad when you press Ctrl + Alt + N:

^!n:: ; Ctrl + Alt + N
Run, notepad.exe
return

This script is easy to understand:

• ^!n:: defines the hotkey combination Ctrl + Alt + N.
• Run, notepad.exe executes the notepad.exe program.
• return signifies the end of the script.

This seemingly simple script can drastically cut down the time it takes to open a text editor.

Beyond Basic Launches: Advanced AutoHotkey Scripting

AutoHotkey’s capabilities extend far beyond basic application launches. It can be used to automate complex workflows, manipulate window positions and sizes, and even interact with web pages.

For instance, you could create a script that automatically opens your email client, web browser, and calendar application every morning with a single keystroke.

The level of customization is virtually limitless, allowing you to tailor AutoHotkey to your specific needs and workflows. This flexibility makes AutoHotkey a must-have tool for power users seeking to optimize their Windows experience.

Automation Beyond Windows: Keyboard Maestro and Alternatives

While AutoHotkey is a Windows-centric solution, macOS users are not without options. Keyboard Maestro is a popular and robust automation tool for macOS, offering a graphical interface for creating complex macros and workflows.

Like AutoHotkey, Keyboard Maestro allows you to trigger actions with keyboard shortcuts, timers, or other events. However, Keyboard Maestro is a paid software with a steeper learning curve.

Beyond AutoHotkey and Keyboard Maestro, other automation tools exist, often geared towards specific tasks like web automation or data processing. Exploring these tools based on individual requirements is often worthwhile.

Advanced Techniques: Combining Methods for Optimal Efficiency

Productivity Power-Ups: Keyboard Navigation and Shortcuts
Web browsers offer convenience, and third-party launchers add customization, but even these improvements can be augmented with more direct control. This is where keyboard navigation and shortcuts come into play.
Mastering keyboard shortcuts transcends mere memorization; it’s about developing a deeper understanding of how you interact with your system. From here, it is about how you can blend these different approaches to create something that is more than the sum of its parts.

The true power user understands that no single method reigns supreme. The real magic happens when you strategically combine different techniques to craft a personalized, hyper-efficient application launching system. Think of it as building your own productivity super-weapon, tailored to your specific needs and workflow.

The Synergy of Methods

Why limit yourself to one approach when you can leverage the strengths of many? For instance, consider this: use a lightning-fast application launcher like Alfred or LaunchBar for frequently accessed programs, but rely on strategically assigned keyboard shortcuts for system-level actions or applications that require quick, repeated access.

This approach mitigates the potential drawbacks of relying too heavily on any single tool. Application launchers excel at finding and launching, but shortcuts shine when it comes to instantaneous, reflexive actions.

Tailoring to Your Workflow

The key to unlocking true efficiency lies in customization. Analyze your daily workflow. What applications do you use most often? What tasks do you perform repeatedly? Once you have identified these patterns, you can begin to tailor your application launching methods to match.

For example, a software developer might create custom workflows within Alfred to quickly open their IDE, launch a specific project, and even run common build commands—all with a single keystroke.

Similarly, a writer could assign keyboard shortcuts to open their preferred text editor, access their cloud storage folder, and initiate a backup script.

The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination (and perhaps your operating system’s scripting capabilities).

Real-World Examples

Let’s explore a few concrete examples of combining methods:

• The "Hybrid Launcher": Use a launcher for infrequently used apps, but create specific, memorable keyboard shortcuts for your top three most-used applications. This reduces cognitive load for common tasks.

• The "Web App Accelerator": Leverage browser shortcuts for web applications, but integrate them with your system-wide launcher for seamless access alongside native applications.

• The "Command-Line Power User": Use the command line for specific development tasks (e.g., git commands, server management), but rely on a launcher for everything else. This prevents over-reliance on the CLI when a GUI tool is more appropriate.

Continuous Optimization and Experimentation

The pursuit of optimal efficiency is not a one-time task, but an ongoing process. As your workflow evolves and new tools become available, you should continuously re-evaluate your application launching methods.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of techniques. Try new launchers, explore keyboard shortcut customization options, and even delve into scripting to automate repetitive tasks. The more you experiment, the closer you will get to creating a system that truly empowers your productivity.

Ultimately, the goal is to create an application launching system that feels intuitive, seamless, and perfectly aligned with your individual needs. Embrace the power of customization, and watch your productivity soar.

So, there you have it! Ditching the mouse for launching apps can seriously speed up your workflow. Give these keyboard shortcuts a try, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you master how to open an app on computer using keyboard. Happy shortcutting!