How to Edit Finder Shortcuts on macOS

As a long-time Mac user, I often customize the Finder’s context menu and Services to suit my workflow better. Since it’s a royal pain in the ass to find all the services, here’s a guide to managing these shortcuts effectively.

This guide is for macOS 15.4.1 (24E263) Sequoia.

Understanding Finder Services

Finder Services are handy when you right-click on files or folders or go to the “Services” submenu, but can also clutter your context menu with options you never use.

Here’s a screenshot to help you understand what I’m talking about:

Finder Services Options

Managing Services Through System Settings

The first way to manage Services is through System Settings:

  1. Open System Settings
  2. Navigate to: General -> Login Items & Extensions -> Extensions
  3. Here you can toggle services on and off by checking/unchecking them.

This works well for most built-in services, but some third-party services might not appear here.

Finder Services Extensions

The Hidden Keyboard Shortcuts Panel

For more granular control, including third-party services:

  1. Open System Settings
  2. Go to Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts.
  3. Click “Services” in the left sidebar.
  4. Here you’ll find a complete list of all services, including third-party ones.
  5. Uncheck any services you want to hide.
Keyboard Shortcuts

Advanced Management

For services that persist despite the above methods, you can try these approaches:

Manual Removal

  1. Open Finder
  2. Press Cmd+Shift+G
  3. Enter ~/Library/Services/
  4. Delete any unwanted .workflow files.

Some services might be installed in other locations:

  • /Library/Services/ - System-wide services
  • ~/Library/Application Support/<APP NAME>/ - App-specific services

App-Specific Settings

Some apps install their services in their directories. For example:

  1. Services Location:

    • Primary location: ~/Library/Services/
    • System-wide location: /Library/Services/
    • App-specific location: ~/Library/Application Support/<APP NAME>/

  2. Finding Services:

    • Look for .workflow files in the above locations.
    • Services are typically named <APP NAME> <ACTION>.workflow

  3. App Preferences:

    • Open the app in question.
    • Look for Services or Extensions in the app’s preferences.
    • Some apps have specific settings for managing their services.

Remember:

  • Deleting service files requires a restart of the app that provided the service.
  • System-wide service changes might require a system restart.
  • Some services might reappear after app updates.

Creating Custom Services

If you want to create your services:

Using Automator

  1. Open Automator
  2. Choose “Quick Action” (formerly called Service)
  3. Configure it to receive files or folders in Finder.
  4. Add your desired actions.
  5. Save with a meaningful name.

Using Shortcuts (Alternative Method)

  1. Open the Shortcuts app.
  2. Create a new shortcut.
  3. Add actions for your desired workflow.
  4. Save the shortcut
  5. Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Services.
  6. Find your shortcut in the list and enable it.

Pro Tips

  • Use the search bar in System Settings to quickly find Services-related settings.
  • Some services require a restart to take effect.
  • Consider using third-party tools like OnyX for advanced service management.
  • Keep your Services menu clean by regularly reviewing and removing unused services.

A well-organized Services menu can significantly improve your workflow efficiency. Don’t be afraid to customize it while reducing the epic pain in the ass of finding them.