For many years, Apple has offered a feature in macOS that allows users to create desktop aliases or shortcuts, a convenient way to access files, applications, disk volumes, and folders directly from the desktop. This functionality is particularly useful for quickly accessing frequently used items. Here's an in-depth explanation of how to utilize this feature directly from the macOS Dock.
Within the macOS environment, Apple has consistently provided the capability to generate desktop aliases for a variety of elements. This includes not only applications but also files, disk volumes, and folders. This is achieved through a simple yet effective combination of mouse and keyboard commands.
The process involves using the Mac keyboard and specifically holding down the Command-Option keys. While these keys are held down, you click and drag the desired item from its original location to another part of the desktop. By doing so, you are not moving the item but creating an alias, which is essentially a shortcut or link to the original item. This alias can then be placed conveniently for quick access.
This technique of creating aliases is akin to an alternative method found within the macOS system. This alternative involves selecting the desired items directly from the macOS desktop, followed by navigating to the Finder's menu bar and selecting File->Make Alias. Both methods ultimately achieve the same goal of creating a handy shortcut, but the Command-Option drag method offers a more immediate and perhaps more intuitive approach for users who prefer using mouse gestures and keyboard shortcuts.
