Keyboard workflow
A faster way to jump between your most-used Mac apps
The fastest app switch is often the one that does not ask you to look at a list. Put your daily apps on shortcuts and use recency only when it helps.
Quick answer
A faster Mac app switching workflow uses fixed shortcuts for known apps, Quick Switch for recent apps, App Peeking for temporary checks, and per-app input methods when typing context matters.
The four-layer workflow
Layer 1: fixed apps
Assign stable shortcuts to your everyday apps so the same key always reaches the same destination.
Layer 2: recent apps
Use Quick Switch when your next target is genuinely based on recent order.
Layer 3: app actions
Use App Peeking, Smart Cycle, Long Press to Quit, and input methods to reduce follow-up commands.
Layer 4: local settings
Keep the workflow on-device without account setup or analytics.
Example daily map
| Shortcut slot | App role | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Browser | Most frequent lookup and web workflow. |
| 2 | Editor | Main work surface. |
| 3 | Terminal | Common companion to coding and operations. |
| 4 | Chat | Useful with App Peeking for brief checks. |
Why this feels faster
Fixed shortcuts reduce choice. You do not need to remember which app was last used or count through a moving switcher. The shortcut becomes part of the app's identity.
Can I still use recent-app switching?
Yes. Lyra includes Quick Switch for recent-app switching with a held modifier and 1-9 or a-z keys.
Does this require cloud sync?
No. Lyra persists settings locally.