Provided is a method and system for defining shortcuts that can be used across multiple different software tools. In one example, the method may include detecting a key press, via a keyboard, associated with a command, identifying an application-independent shortcut corresponding to the key press, translating the application-independent shortcut into an application-specific shortcut for performing the command within the application, based on a translation database, and transmitting the application-specific shortcut to the application in response to the detected key press.