⌥

See your favorite apps: hold ⌥

Nine numbers are easy to learn, and while you’re learning them, FavSlots reminds you. Hold the modifier for a moment and your favorites appear, each with its number.

Download FavSlots on the Mac App Store

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

Hold ⌥: your favorites appear. Press 2 and Mail lifts.

Use the overlay

  1. Hold the modifier.

    Hold ⌥ on its own for about half a second. The overlay comes into focus above the Dock.

  2. Press a number.

    The chosen card lifts and the app comes forward while the others step back.

  3. Let go.

    The overlay fades away. Turn it off or change its size in Settings.

Designed to stay out of the way

  • A quick ⌥1 never shows it.
  • It stays hidden while you type with ⌥, click or drag, or while a menu is open.
  • It never takes focus and disappears the moment you let go.
  • Choose Compact, Default or Large, with or without app names.

Keyboard shortcuts

⌥
Hold to show the overlay
⌥1–9
Choose a favorite
⌘,
Settings: size, appearance, app names

Free or unlocked?

The shortcuts and the overlay are turned on by Unlock FavSlots, a one-time purchase with no subscription. You can set everything up first.

Questions and answers

Which display does the overlay appear on?

The display with the active window, otherwise the one with the pointer. It sits bottom-centre, above the Dock.

Can I turn it off?

Yes, in Settings › General. Your shortcuts keep working.

Does it work with Reduce Motion and Reduce Transparency?

Yes. With Reduce Motion it simply fades in; with Reduce Transparency it becomes opaque.

⌥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 ⌘←→

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 ⌥⌃

Change the shortcut: Option, Control-Option or Control

Option, Control-Option or Control: which to use, and how to change it. 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