What a shortcut is and why you'd want one
A shortcut is a small file that points to another file, folder, website, or program on your device. When you click or tap it, your device opens whatever it points to — without you having to navigate through folders or type a web address. Shortcuts save time when you use the same files, folders, or websites repeatedly.
The most common shortcuts are desktop icons that launch programs, folder shortcuts that skip you past nested directories, and browser bookmarks that open websites. You can create them for almost anything: a specific document you edit daily, a folder buried three levels deep, a video you watch often, or a website you visit every morning.
Each device type — Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android — creates shortcuts differently, but the principle is the same: you're making a quick path to something you use often.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows, right-click a file or folder, select "Send to," then "Desktop (create shortcut)" to make a desktop icon.
- On Mac, hold Command and Option while dragging a file or folder to the desktop to create an alias (Mac's version of a shortcut).
- On iPhone, use the Shortcuts app to create custom shortcuts that open apps, websites, or run multiple actions with one tap.
- On Android, long-press an app icon on your home screen, select "Create shortcut," and place it where you want quick access.
- Browser bookmarks work as shortcuts to websites on all devices and sync across your devices if you use the same browser account.
Creating shortcuts on Windows
The easiest way to create a Windows shortcut is to right-click the file or folder you want quick access to. A menu appears. Look for "Send to" and hover over it — a submenu opens. Click "Desktop (create shortcut)." Windows creates a shortcut icon on your desktop that points to the original file or folder. The original stays where it was; the shortcut is just a pointer.
If you want a shortcut in a specific folder instead of the desktop, you can drag and drop instead. Hold Shift and Ctrl while dragging a file or folder to the location where you want the shortcut. Windows creates the shortcut there rather than moving the original.
You can also create a shortcut to a program. Right-click the program's icon (usually in Start Menu or Program Files), select "Send to," then "Desktop (create shortcut)." Now you have a quick way to launch that program without opening the Start Menu.
Creating shortcuts on Mac
Mac calls shortcuts aliases, and they work the same way — they point to a file or folder without moving the original. To create an alias, find the file or folder you want, then hold down Command and Option while dragging it to your desktop (or to a folder). Mac creates an alias with a small arrow icon on it.
Alternatively, right-click the file or folder, select "Make Alias," and Mac creates an alias in the same location. You can then move it wherever you want.
For programs, you can create aliases the same way. Drag the app from Applications while holding Command and Option, and drop it on your desktop or in a folder. Now you have a quick way to launch it from anywhere.
Creating shortcuts on iPhone
iPhone uses the Shortcuts app to create shortcuts. Open the Shortcuts app (it comes pre-installed on most iPhones), tap the plus icon to create a new shortcut, then tap "Add Action." Search for what you want the shortcut to do — open an app, open a website, send a message, play music, or run multiple actions in sequence.
For example, to create a shortcut that opens a website, search for "Open URL," tap it, paste the web address, then tap "Done." Name your shortcut and tap "Save." Now it appears on your home screen as an icon. Tap it anytime to open that website instantly.
You can also create shortcuts that run multiple actions. For instance, a "Morning" shortcut could open your calendar, check the weather, and play your favorite playlist — all with one tap. The Shortcuts app lets you chain actions together, though it takes a bit of trial and error to get complex ones working.
Creating shortcuts on Android
Android shortcuts are simpler than iPhone shortcuts. Long-press an app icon on your home screen. A menu appears. Select "Create shortcut" or "Add shortcut" (the exact wording varies by phone). Android creates a shortcut icon on your home screen that opens that app.
You can also create shortcuts to specific actions within an app. For example, some phones let you create a shortcut that opens your camera in video mode, or opens Gmail with a new message ready to compose. Long-press the app, look for "App shortcuts" or "Shortcuts," and select the action you want.
If you want to move the shortcut to a different home screen or folder, long-press it and drag it to the new location. You can delete it the same way — long-press and select "Remove."
Creating browser bookmarks as shortcuts to websites
Browser bookmarks are shortcuts to websites that work on every device. In Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, visit the website you want to bookmark, then press Ctrl+D (Windows) or Command+D (Mac). A small dialog box appears asking where to save the bookmark. Choose your bookmarks bar or a folder, then click "Save." Now that website appears as an icon or text link in your bookmarks bar — click it anytime to open the site instantly.
On mobile, the process is similar. In Chrome or Safari on your phone, tap the menu icon (three dots or lines), then "Bookmark" or "Add bookmark." Choose where to save it, then tap "Save." The bookmark appears in your bookmarks menu.
If you use the same browser account on multiple devices — for example, the same Google account in Chrome on your phone and computer — your bookmarks sync automatically. You see the same bookmarks everywhere.
Organizing and managing your shortcuts
As you create more shortcuts, your desktop or home screen can get crowded. On Windows, you can create folders on your desktop to group related shortcuts. Right-click the desktop, select "New," then "Folder," and name it. Drag shortcuts into the folder to organize them.
On Mac, you can create folders the same way — right-click the desktop, select "New Folder," name it, and drag aliases into it. On iPhone, you can organize Shortcuts app shortcuts into folders within the app itself. Tap "Edit," then drag shortcuts onto each other to create a folder.
On Android, you can move shortcuts between home screens and into folders (if your phone supports them). Long-press a shortcut and drag it to organize. You can also delete shortcuts you no longer use — long-press and select "Remove."
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I delete a shortcut?
Deleting a shortcut does nothing to the original file or folder — it only removes the pointer. The actual file stays where it was. You can safely delete shortcuts without losing anything.
Can I create a shortcut to a specific document or spreadsheet?
Yes. Right-click the document (on Windows) or Command-Option-drag it (on Mac) to create a shortcut. When you click the shortcut, the document opens in whatever program is set to open it by default.
Can I rename a shortcut?
Yes. Right-click the shortcut and select "Rename" (Windows) or click it once and press Enter (Mac). Type the new name and press Enter. On mobile, the process varies by device — usually you long-press and select "Rename" or edit the name in the app's settings.
Do shortcuts take up much storage space?
No. Shortcuts are tiny files that only contain a path to the original. They use almost no storage space, so you can create as many as you want without worrying about running out of room.
Can I create a shortcut to a folder on a network drive or cloud storage?
Yes. If the folder is mounted or accessible on your device, you can create a shortcut to it the same way you would a local folder. The shortcut points to the network or cloud location, so you can access it quickly without navigating through your network settings.