Is it possible to switch (or Remap) command+W key with command+H in MacOS?

Question

I've searched around SE and see a lot of similar questions but not this exact question:

Basically, looking for a way to swap cmd+W and cmd+H either in the OS/System Preferences or with an app. I use both all the time but find it's just easier to hide rather than close apps so as to not have to (re)maximize closed apps.

I'm aware of the differences between the two and prefer to use a single left hand key combo (cmd+w) to hide rather than having to move my right hand (cmd+h)to hide.

Welcome to the world of Apple, where they tell you how you like to work. — Mateus Ribeiro, Apr 27 '22 at 17:13
But hiding/unhiding will give you more trouble than just command+tab away. You are not cleaning the memory, so what is the point? — Mateus Ribeiro, Apr 27 '22 at 17:15
It's a cognitive load thing. If I'm working in an app, I want to just focus on that app and hide other apps in the desktop view. With cmd+W as close, I end up closing apps much more frequently (than hiding) so when I command+tab to a different app after closing I have to re-open/maximize the app. This requires and extra click (or cmd+option) whereas if they were just hidden they automatically reappear. — jpatrick, Apr 27 '22 at 17:57
Just use Spaces. One app per Space. Key commands can swap between Spaces just like Cmd/Tab [except you don't have to keep pressing until you find the one you want, you can go straight there.] See https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/179376/what-is-an-efficient-way-for-developers-power-users-to-use-osx-window-manageme and https://superuser.com/questions/1187532/macos-sierra-full-screen-multi-desktop-with-menu-bar — Tetsujin, Apr 27 '22 at 18:10
Thanks @Tetsujn. I've tried to use Spaces in the past but the transition animation is just too jarring and - as pointed out in those threads - sometimes forget where apps are. — jpatrick, Apr 27 '22 at 21:21

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 27 '22 at 18:14

1

There are a number of tools you could use to do this, but a popular and free option is Karabiner Elements, which remaps the keys on your keyboard anyway you want using simple or very complex rulesets.

Once installed (brew install karabiner-elements), create a new "Simple Modification," which will allow you to directly change one key for another. In your case, make sure it's only while the ⌘ key is active.

answered Apr 27 '22 at 18:14

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406

Sure, this is the 'right answer' but really it's just allowing the OP to dig a bigger hole to have to climb out of. – Tetsujin Apr 27 '22 at 18:31
@undefined "make sure it's only while the ⌘ key is active" thanks for the pointer! This makes it sound easy to do in Karabiner Elements but it's not clear how to do in Simple modification. – jpatrick Apr 27 '22 at 19:11

Is it possible to switch (or Remap) command+W key with command+H in MacOS?

1 Answers1