## 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:

## 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.

## 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.

## 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.

[OnyX]: https://www.titanium-software.fr/en/onyx.html