Leader Key
Nested keyboard shortcut sequences
Leader Key Cheatsheet
Core Concepts
Leader Key brings Vim-style leader key sequences to macOS.
How It Works
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Press leader key | Activates key listening mode |
| 2. Type sequence | e.g., “f” for Finder |
| 3. Action fires | App launches or action runs |
| Timeout | Auto-cancels after delay |
Configuration
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Leader key | The activation key |
| Timeout | ms before auto-cancel |
| Chords | Multi-key sequences |
| Actions | Open app, run script, shortcut |
Action Types
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Open application | Launch or focus app |
| Run shortcut | Execute macOS Shortcut |
| Shell command | Run terminal command |
| URL scheme | Open URL or deep link |
| Keyboard shortcut | Simulate key press |
Leader Key Shortcuts
General
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Configured leader key | Activate leader key mode |
| Esc | Cancel leader key sequence |
| ? | Show available keys |
| ⌘, | Preferences |
Key Sequences (Examples)
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Leader → F | Open Finder |
| Leader → T | Open Terminal |
| Leader → B | Open Browser |
| Leader → C | Open Calendar |
| Leader → M | Open Mail |
| Leader → S → S | System Settings |
| Leader → W → 1 | Window to left half |
| Leader → W → 2 | Window to right half |