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How to Customize and Assign Hotkeys in Google Chrome Browser

Google Chrome allows users to customize keyboard shortcuts to optimize browsing efficiency. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to customize and assign hotkeys in Google Chrome browser for Windows, Mac, and Linux devices.

Why Customize Hotkeys in Chrome

  • Saves time – Instead of clicking through menus and tabs, you can use hotkeys to quickly access different Chrome features.
  • Improves productivity – Keeping your hands on the keyboard allows for faster navigation without disrupting your workflow.
  • Boosts efficiency – With practice, using hotkeys becomes second nature, allowing you to breeze through tasks.
  • Reduces repetitive stress – Minimizing mouse use decreases risk of hand and wrist injuries.

How to View Default Chrome Shortcuts

Before customizing hotkeys, view default shortcuts to avoid conflicts:

Windows/Linux

  1. Open Chrome menu > Settings
  2. Click Keyboard shortcuts in left sidebar
  3. Review list of shortcuts

Mac

  1. Open Chrome menu > Settings
  2. Click Keyboard in left sidebar
  3. Click Shortcuts tab
  4. Review list of shortcuts

Customizing Shortcuts in Chrome Settings

You can customize a limited number of hotkeys directly in Chrome’s settings.

  1. Open Settings > Keyboard shortcuts
  2. Hover over a shortcut > Click Edit
  3. Press new key combination
  4. Click Done

To remove a shortcut:

  1. Hover over shortcut
  2. Click Remove

Using Extensions to Customize Hotkeys

For advanced customization options, use extensions like Shortkeys or AutoControl Shortcut Manager.

These allow you to:

  • Assign hotkeys to Chrome actions lacking default shortcuts
  • Override existing hotkeys
  • Create sequences of multiple hotkeys
  • Set context-specific shortcuts that only apply to certain sites

Best Practices When Customizing Shortcuts

  • Avoid overriding default system or browser shortcuts
  • Use intuitive letter/number combinations
  • Be consistent across devices/operating systems
  • Print out a hotkey cheat sheet for quick reference

Sample Custom Shortcuts in Chrome

Here are some useful custom shortcuts you could set up:

  • Refresh page: Ctrl/Cmd + R
  • Open new incognito window: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + N
  • Bookmarks manager: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + B
  • Task manager: Ctrl + Shift + Esc
  • Zoom in/out: Ctrl + Plus/Minus

Creating Shortcuts to Websites

You can create desktop shortcuts to quickly access favorite Chrome web pages:

Windows

  1. Open site in Chrome
  2. Right click tab > Create shortcut
  3. Select location to save shortcut

Mac

  1. Open site in Chrome
  2. Click File menu > Create Desktop Shortcut
  3. Select location to save shortcut

When clicked, the shortcut will open the site in a new Chrome window.

Conclusion

Customizing hotkeys helps you navigate Chrome faster while keeping hands on the keyboard. Follow the instructions above to override defaults, use extensions for advanced customization, and even create desktop shortcuts to favorite sites. With practice, these hotkeys will become second nature, allowing you to breeze through Chrome more efficiently.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

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