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How to open an app on a Mac with the keyboard

Press Command + Space to open Spotlight, type the first few letters of the app, and press Return.

How to do it

  1. Press Command + Space.

  2. Type the first few letters of the app or file.

  3. Press Return to open the top hit, or arrow down if the top hit is wrong.

It also does arithmetic. Type 18*1.2 and the answer is the top row.

If Command + Space does nothing, another app has taken the shortcut. Check System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Spotlight.

Questions people ask

What if Command + Space doesn't open Spotlight?

Another app has probably taken the shortcut. Check System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Spotlight.

Can Spotlight do maths?

Yes. Type something like 18*1.2 and the answer is the top row. It converts units and currencies too.

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