Custom keyboard shortcuts on Mac OS X

UPDATE: There finally is a better solution. Introducing CustomShortcuts.

On Mac OS X it is easy to set custom keyboard shortcuts for just about any menu item. Still this great feature is often overlooked.

• Don’t like one of the default keyboard shortcuts in HoudahSpot?
• Find yourself using the same HoudahGeo menu item over and over again?
• Do you want to switch the Mail.app From: account without having to reach for the mouse?

Learn how to set up custom keyboard shortcuts for menu items in any Mac OS X application.

1. Open System Preferences > Keyboard
2. Select the Shortcuts tab. Select App Shortcuts in the list on the left
3. Press the plus / add button below the list on the right

A sheet will drop down from the window:

4. Select the application where you want the shortcut to apply
5. Enter the exact menu title. Watch for special characters, typos, etc.
6. Click the keyboard short field and the press the key combination you want to use
7. Click the Add button.

You should be able to use it right away. Some applications however need to be relaunched to activate new shortcuts.