Unfortunately, with the new macOS version Sequoia, Apple prevents the use of keyboard shortcuts that are made exclusively with the Option key ⌥ or the Shift key ⇧. Unfortunately, as a developer, I have no influence whatsoever on this new restriction.

A workaround is to make combinations with the Command key ⌘. For example, ⌘⌥1 or ⌘⇧1. Combinations with the Control key ⌃ continue to work without restrictions.

I am working on a new version that both informs users to this restriction from Apple and prevents the entry of keyboard shortcuts that no longer work with macOS Sequoia.

With HotKey You can define keyboard shortcuts to launch Applications or to open folders in Finder. Another way is to open the Apps by selecting them from the Status-Menu in Your Mac’s menu bar.

HotKey is a completely free and ad-free macOS app. Now in new version 1.5 in the App Store . Now compatible with Big Sur and runs natively on the new Apple Silicon Macs with M1 processor.