Navigating OS X dialogs with the keyboard

Question

I am a keyboardist and using the mouse is slow and distracting. For the following dialog - which is just an example since there are others similar to it - how would one choose a non-default button using the keyboard?

enter image description here

I have tried arrow keys, tab, various letters .. none do anything to move the selected button.

Does Apple dislike keyboardists?

The answer in How can I switch dialog buttons using the keyboard seems to perfectly fit your problem. — John K, Jun 02 '15 at 13:41
@MateuszSzlosek Yes, I realize now that the link you provide perfectly answers javadba's question. The question you link to applies to OS X 10.7 "Lion", though, good to know OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" can be configured the same way. — jaume, Jun 02 '15 at 13:59

jaume · Accepted Answer · 2015-06-02T14:04:04.970

1

OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" (and older versions at least back to OS X 10.7 "Lion") lets you use the Tab key to navigate between buttons (and other items) on the screen. To configure it select "All controls" in System Preferences>Keyboard>Shortcuts as shown below:

enter image description here

When the desired button has focus, press the Space bar to select it. (Don't press Enter, as it will select the default button.)

edited Jun 02 '15 at 14:04

answered Jun 02 '15 at 13:49

jaume

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Navigating OS X dialogs with the keyboard

1 Answers1