Apple - Is there a keyboard shortcut to bring up Finder?
It's actually easy. On Yosemite, just press option ⌥+command ⌘+spacebar. That will open a new Smart Finder window. You then can navigate from there. It works on a system level no matter what application you're running.
No need for scripts or complicated setups.
Turn this option on in System Preferences > keyboard > shortcuts > spotlight > "show finder search window" in recent versions. This can be mapped to other keys too, but it can cause conflicts in other apps that might be using your desired shortcut.
- Open Automator and choose the service template.
- Change the input type from selected text to no input.
- Add a Launch Application action and drop Finder on the pop-up button from /System/Library/CoreServices/. (The dialog for choosing an application does not allow selecting Finder.)
- Save the service and give it a shortcut in System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Services.
The service only opens a new window if there is no existing Finder window. To open a new window every time, add a Get Specified Finder Items action, drop the folder you want to open on the list, and then add a Reveal Finder Items action.
Automator is included in OS X: http://support.apple.com/kb/PH14303 (Mavericks), http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11360 (Mountain Lion), etc.
Background: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automator_(software)
Further reading if you're interested in doing more with Automator: http://www.macosxautomation.com/automator/
By default, no, there's no keyboard shortcut to activate Finder.
Keyboard Maestro can do this though:
