How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight

To open Spotlight using the default keyboard shortcut, press the command key (⌘) and tap the space bar. You can also click on the magnifying glass in the menu bar or set your own, custom keyboard shortcut using the 'Keyboard' settings u...
Method 1 of 2:

Using the Default Keyboard Shortcut

  1. How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 1How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 1
    Press and hold .
  2. How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 2How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 2
    Tap Space. This opens Spotlight in the center of your screen.
    1. You can also click on the magnifying glass icon on the menu bar in the upper-right corner of the screen to open Spotlight.
Method 2 of 2:

Setting a Custom Keyboard Shortcut

  1. How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 3How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 3
    Click on the Apple menu. It's the black, apple-shaped icon in the upper-left of your screen.
  2. How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 4How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 4
    Click on System Preferences.
  3. How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 5How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 5
    Click on Keyboard. It's in the center of the preferences window.
  4. How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 6How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 6
    Click on Shortcuts.
  5. How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 7How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 7
    Click on Spotlight. It's in the left pane of the dialog box.
  6. How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 8How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 8
    Click on Show Spotlight Search. It's in the right pane of the dialog box. When you click on the text, it will highlight in blue.
  7. How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 9How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 9
    Click on ⌘Space. It will highlight in lighter blue.
  8. How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 10How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open Spotlight Picture 10
    Type the key combination for your custom shortcut. You have now set a keyboard shortcut for Spotlight.
    1. Return to this dialog box and click on Restore Defaults if you'd like to return the shortcuts to their default settings.
5 ★ | 1 Vote