How Do I Lock My Mac with a Simple Shortcut?

Note: Here is a very popular blog post I wrote on adding a Lock Shortcut to your screen. Enjoy!

When you are working and you have to step away from your desk, wouldn’t it be nice if you could lock your laptop with a simple shortcut instead of closing the lid of your computer? Let’s show you how to do this.

Launch Automator from the Applications folder.

Select New Document and Service.

Select Utilities as shown below.

Double Click Run Shell Script.

At the top of the screen change the following: Services receives ‘no input.’

Copy and Paste the following contents:

/System/Library/CoreServices/"Menu Extras"/User.menu/Contents/Resources/CGSession -suspend

Click File | Save and use the title “Lock my Screen.” It is now safe to exit Automator. Next, Launch System Preferences from the Apple Dock. Choose Keyboard as shown below.

Next, select Shortcuts.

Select App Shortcuts and choose the ‘+’ sign.

Enter the following:

Menu Title: “Lock My Screen.”

Keyboard Shortcut: SHIFT + Command + L or whatever shortcut you want.

Click Add and Bingo, you have a new shortcut. Test it out and tell your friends.