Open command palette
Global
A universal keyboard entry point that gets used constantly.
With MacKeys
⌘ + P
Without MacKeys
Ctrl + P
High frequency
Media Creation shortcut guide
Adobe After Effects shortcuts for Mac-native people on Windows
Adobe After Effects belongs in the MacKeys directory because it is used in keyboard-first workflows where small translation differences can slow people down. The page focuses on the shortcuts that are most worth preserving across Windows and macOS.
With MacKeys
Command-first shortcuts stay readable and familiar.
The goal is not to make Figma different. It is to remove the modifier translation layer so common actions still feel like the Mac workflow your hands already know.
Without MacKeys
The work is the same, but the keyboard language keeps shifting.
Native Windows shortcuts usually ask for `Ctrl` and `Alt` translations. In dense design sessions, that adds up as hesitation, extra reach, and slower recovery when you are moving quickly.
Shortcut rows
8
Workflow actions covered on this page.
Translated shortcuts
8
Rows where MacKeys removes the Windows modifier translation.
High-gain actions
2
5 of these are high-frequency shortcuts.
Workflow sections
Jump to the part of Figma where shortcut translation matters most.
Timeline
Timeline shortcuts
Timeline shortcuts used frequently in Adobe After Effects.
Search
Workspace
A repeated action that benefits from consistent modifier patterns.
With MacKeys
⌘ + F
Without MacKeys
Ctrl + F
High frequency
Composition
Composition shortcuts
Composition shortcuts used frequently in Adobe After Effects.
Toggle sidebar
Workspace
A common visibility toggle in many keyboard-heavy apps.
With MacKeys
⌘ + B
Without MacKeys
Ctrl + B
Medium frequency
Duplicate
Selection
A frequent action in most workflows where speed matters.
With MacKeys
⌘ + D
Without MacKeys
Ctrl + D
High frequency
Layers
Layers shortcuts
Layers shortcuts used frequently in Adobe After Effects.
New item
Workspace
A straightforward creation shortcut that many users repeat daily.
With MacKeys
⌘ + N
Without MacKeys
Ctrl + N
High frequency
Find next
Search
Useful when working through long documents, chats, or code.
With MacKeys
⌘ + G
Without MacKeys
Ctrl + G
Medium frequency
Preview
Preview shortcuts
Preview shortcuts used frequently in Adobe After Effects.
Open settings
App
A simple but frequent app-level access pattern.
With MacKeys
⌘ + ,
Without MacKeys
Ctrl + ,
Medium frequency
New tab
Tabs
A core browser-and-editor shortcut that users expect immediately.
With MacKeys
⌘ + T
Without MacKeys
Ctrl + T
High frequency
Reading the gain labels
A shortcut gets a higher estimated gain when it combines three things: frequent use, more awkward native Windows modifiers, and a higher likelihood of breaking Mac muscle memory in the middle of focused work.
High gain
Medium gain
Low gain
Why this matters in Adobe After Effects
Adobe After Effects rewards fast repetition. Duplicate, group, frame, zoom, and property-copy actions are not isolated commands. They are part of the rhythm. The closer that rhythm stays to Mac muscle memory, the less time gets lost to tiny modifier decisions.
FAQ
Why is Adobe After Effects included? +
Because it runs on both macOS and Windows and supports a workflow where keyboard speed matters.