⌥⌃

Change the shortcut: Option, Control-Option or Control

Your shortcuts are a modifier plus a number. Option is the default, Control-Option and Control are there too, and you can switch at any time.

Download FavSlots on the Mac App Store

On the Mac App Store · macOS 14 or later · No permissions needed

The active shortcut is always shown under “Favorites”.

Change your modifier

  1. Open Settings.

    Click the grid icon in the menu bar and choose Settings…, or press ⌘, in FavSlots.

  2. Choose a modifier.

    Under Shortcut, choose Option, Control-Option or Control. FavSlots notes any characters your keyboard would lose.

  3. Try it.

    Press your new shortcut. Everything else, from the overlay to the menu, follows.

Which one to choose

  • Option (⌥) is the easiest to reach, and the default where it costs you nothing.
  • Control-Option (⌃⌥) types no characters on any keyboard layout.
  • Control (⌃) may collide with “Switch to Desktop” shortcuts; FavSlots tells you if so.
  • Command alone isn’t offered: ⌘1–9 switches tabs in almost every app.

Keyboard shortcuts

⌥1–9
Option
⌃⌥1–9
Control-Option
⌃1–9
Control

Free or unlocked?

Choosing and arranging your favorites, and every setting, is free. No purchase needed.

Questions and answers

Why did FavSlots choose Control-Option for me?

Because on one of your keyboard layouts, Option + a number types a character you’d otherwise lose. FavSlots tells you which one and lets you choose Option anyway with one click.

Why doesn’t Option work on macOS 15.0 or 15.1?

Those two releases refused Option-only shortcuts for App Store apps. FavSlots switches to Control-Option on its own and explains why. macOS 15.2 and later work normally.

Will my favorites change if I change the modifier?

No. Only the modifier changes; every app stays in its slot.

⌥1–9

How to open apps with a keyboard shortcut on Mac

Give your favorite apps a keyboard shortcut each, and open them from anywhere. Read the guide ⌥123

Switch apps on your Mac with Option + number

Switch between your apps with ⌥1 to ⌥9, and what happens in every case. Read the guide ⌥

See your favorite apps: hold ⌥

Hold ⌥ for a moment to see your favorites, numbered, right above the Dock. Read the guide ⌘←→

Choose and arrange your nine favorite apps

Choose your nine apps, drag them into place and drop new ones in from Finder. Read the guide ⌃⌥1

FavSlots on British, German, French and other keyboards

On British, German, French and many other layouts, Option + number types characters. Here’s what FavSlots does. Read the guide

Nine apps. Nine keys. Zero friction.

Your favorites. One key away.

Download FavSlots on the Mac App Store