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Write a ReviewKeyboard Shortcut Reference
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Modifier + 1 – 9 | Focus or launch the Nth app in your Dock. If the app has multiple windows, a switcher overlay appears — keep pressing the number to cycle through windows, then release the modifier to confirm. |
| Modifier + Shift + 1 – 9 | Open a new window of the Nth Dock app. If the app is not running, it is launched. |
Frequently Asked Questions
LaunchKey isn't responding to my shortcuts. What do I do?
LaunchKey requires Accessibility permission to register global keyboard shortcuts and manage windows. Follow these steps:
- Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility.
- Make sure LaunchKey is listed and its toggle is on.
- If it's not listed, quit LaunchKey, re-open it, and it will prompt you to grant permission.
- After granting permission, you may need to quit and relaunch LaunchKey.
Which modifier keys can I use?
Click the LaunchKey icon in the menu bar and use the Shortcut Modifier picker to choose from:
- Option ⌥
- Control ⌃
- Control ⌃ + Option ⌥
Pick a modifier that doesn't conflict with your existing shortcuts. Control ⌃ + Option ⌥ is the safest choice on most setups.
What does "Skip Finder as App #1" mean?
macOS always has Finder running but doesn't list it in the Dock preferences file. By default, LaunchKey prepends Finder as position #1, pushing all your pinned Dock apps to positions 2–9.
Enable Skip Finder as App #1 if you want position #1 to map to the first app you've pinned to your Dock instead.
How does the window switcher overlay work?
When you press a shortcut for an app that has more than one open window, a floating overlay appears showing all windows. Keep pressing the same number key to cycle through them. When you release the modifier key, the highlighted window is brought to the front.
Modifier + Shift + Number didn't open a new window. Why?
LaunchKey opens new windows by triggering the app's New Window menu item via the Accessibility API. A small number of apps don't expose a standard "New Window" menu item — in those cases the shortcut may have no effect. If you encounter this, please send us an email with the app name.
My shortcut conflicts with another app. How do I resolve it?
Switch to a different modifier in the Shortcut Modifier picker inside the menu bar popover. Control ⌃ + Option ⌥ is typically the least-used combination on macOS.
Does LaunchKey work with apps in Launchpad that aren't pinned to the Dock?
No. LaunchKey maps shortcuts to the apps that are pinned (persistent) in your Dock, in the order they appear. Apps that are not pinned are not accessible via shortcuts.
Does LaunchKey collect any data?
No. LaunchKey makes no network requests and collects no personal data. It stores only two small preferences locally on your device (your chosen modifier key and the Skip Finder setting). See the full Privacy Policy.
How do I completely uninstall LaunchKey?
- Quit LaunchKey from the menu bar (Quit LaunchKey).
- Delete the app from your Applications folder.
- Optionally, remove stored preferences by running the following in Terminal:
defaults delete ioannismarios.LaunchKey - Remove the Accessibility permission in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility.
What macOS version does LaunchKey require?
LaunchKey requires macOS 13 Ventura or later.