CheatSheet for Mac

Summary

CheatSheet is a free utility for macOS that displays the keyboard shortcuts available in the active app when you hold down a modifier key. Instead of memorizing dozens of key combinations, you can reveal a neatly organized overlay that lists commands by category. The program is lightweight and designed to speed up routine tasks by putting shortcuts within easy reach.

Getting started

• Download and install the tiny app (the installer is just over 1 MB).
• Press and hold the Command key for about two seconds to bring up the overlay.
• Either type the shortcut or click an item in the panel to trigger the action.

Key features

CheatSheet provides:

• A categorized, on‑screen listing of shortcuts tailored to the frontmost application.
• The ability to execute shortcuts by clicking entries in the display as an alternative to typing the keys.
• Compatibility with a wide range of software, from productivity suites to many games, so you can use consistent controls across different programs.

Limitations and compatibility

• The utility does not work with every application. Some programs don’t surface their shortcuts in a standard way, resulting in an empty list when the overlay is summoned.
• There is no centralized, official registry of supported apps, so you may need to test individual programs to confirm compatibility.
• Because it relies on app-provided shortcut metadata, behavior can vary between titles and versions.

Recommendation

CheatSheet is a practical, no-cost tool that can noticeably improve efficiency by making app shortcuts instantly available. While it’s not a silver bullet and requires occasional compatibility checks, its simplicity and small footprint make it a valuable addition for anyone looking to rely less on the mouse and move faster with keyboard commands.