3 Shortcuts to Quickly Open Favorite Folders in Mac OS X

You keep your files organized into folders in a way that makes sense to you. Accessing these folders can sometimes be less then convenient when you have lots of applications and folders open on your screen. Here a three shortcuts that'll let you quickly open folders you commonly access with a single click (or two).

Places Sidebar
In Mac OS X, when you open a new folder window, you'll see a sidebar at the left of the window that displays three lists (sometimes four), "Devices", "Places" and "Search For". (And, if you're on a shared networks, a "Shared" list.)

You can add your favorite folders to the Places list. Just drag the folder into the list. Now, when you want to quickly get to that folder, open a new Finder window (or, find one that's already open) and click the folder in the Places list.

Mac OS X Dock
You can drag a folder into the right portion of the Dock. Because you have access to the Dock anytime, no matter what application you're in, you can click to open the folder instantly.

Recent Folders Menu
While not as convenient, you can open a folder you've recently opened. Click on the Desktop. Then, select a folder from the Recent Folders list in the Go menu.

As you can see in the snapshot, the Go menu also gives you a shortcut to many other common folders in Mac OS X, such as your Home, iDisk, Applications and Utilities folders.

Switch to Other Applications Fast with Command-Tab

If you are composing an email message and need to switch to another application to grab a piece of information, you don't have to reach for your mouse to do it.

Instead, press Command-Tab. A bar showing icons of the currently open applications is displayed. Continue holding down the Command key and type tab again (and again) to select the application you wish to switch to. Let go of the Command key and the selected application, along with all its windows, will be brought to the front.

By itself, this keyboard shortcut is quite useful. But wait, there's more.

While the application icon bar is displayed and you continue to hold down the Command key, type these keys to perform other useful operations:

• Tab (or the Right Arrow Key) – select the next application in the icon bar
• Left Arrow Key – select the previous application icon
• 'H' – Hide the selected application
• 'Q' – quit the selected application

There you go - quick ways to switch to and manage running applications in Mac OS X! All without having to move your hands from the keyboard.