How do you make a desktop shortcut for a file or folder?

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Hey guys,

Just need to take a file from a folder and have a shortcut to it on the desktop. I tried to move it to the desktop, but it moves the entire thing. I just need a shortcut. Any ideas?

Also, is there a keyboard shortcut to opening up the finder? I recall there was some way to set a default key command for certain programs to open. In fact, I think they're still at default, but it was a combinatino key so I'm not usre what they are.

Thanks!

--Sean
 
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Personally I haven't figured this out either, my solution was to drag the item to the left nav bar under "places" and it makes a shortcut there... just a temporary suggestion
 
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Hey guys,

Just need to take a file from a folder and have a shortcut to it on the desktop. I tried to move it to the desktop, but it moves the entire thing. I just need a shortcut. Any ideas?

Right click on item. Select "Make Alias". Drag alias to desktop.

Can't help you with the second part of your question.
 
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Hold option key while dragging to copy to desktop, or create alias by right clicking.
Command N to open finder window, but you have to be in finder menu, as if you're in browser menu, it will open a new browser window.
Command O will give you a full screen finder window.
 
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You can click Alt Tab to go to finder menu and then Command N which will open the window.
I find it easier just to go to finder in dock though :)
 
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You can also hold the Option and Command keys while dragging a file to the desktop to create an alias.
 
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Good advice remltr and nabl.
 
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Darkestritual, nabl, 6string, remltr, lp81: All of you thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate.

--Sean
 

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