Keyboard shortcut to close dialog windows

Question

Level 1

126 points

Keyboard shortcut to close dialog windows

For dialog windows, is there a keyboard shortcut equivalent to command-w?

Is there a way to create such an equivalent in 'system prefs'> 'keyboard shortcuts'?

Using the cursor to click on the little red dot is an irritant and seems unnecessary; however, I can't find a way around the problem.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.6), Al 15" 1.25 MHz

Posted on Dec 31, 2008 6:54 AM

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Answer 1

James Wilson7 Author

Level 1

126 points

Dec 31, 2008 1:32 PM in response to Mulder

OK, you're right about dialog windows. What I was complaining about are the special windows that contain 'help' and 'spell check' and similar functions. They won't close until you mouse over and click on the little red button. That's what I'd like a keyboard shortcut for.

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Answer 2

Network 23

Level 6

12,351 points

Dec 31, 2008 6:35 PM in response to baltwo

baltwo wrote:
Do note that CMD+period will execute the CANCEL button in any window or dialog box that has a CANCEL button.

In a lot of apps you can shortcut the buttons with just one key.
Press Return for the OK button, and press Esc for the Cancel button.

The floating windows are less consistent. While Command-W seems to work for Apple help, in non-Apple programs this shortcut may often end up closing the document window.

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Answer 3

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Dec 31, 2008 5:14 PM in response to James Wilson7

CMD+W closes most Help windows. I don't do spell checking, so I can't comment on those. Do note that CMD+period will execute the CANCEL button in any window or dialog box that has a CANCEL button.

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Answer 4

Mulder

Level 6

8,990 points

Dec 31, 2008 7:07 AM in response to James Wilson7

Dialog boxes have no red close button; they have a Cancel or Okay (or Done) button, one of which is blue and that is the active button. So if you click on the blue button or press Enter or Return, that is the action that is chosen. Thus, there is no keyboard shortcut for them, nor can there be.

Mulder

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Answer 5

Mulder

Level 6

8,990 points

Dec 31, 2008 2:25 PM in response to James Wilson7

Unfortunately, I've yet to find or see any way to do what you seek, so I don't believe it can be done at this time.

Mulder

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