We’ve compiled a list of Mac keyboard shortcuts that are worth remembering for beginners and newbies. These are some of the basics, but they can also help you learn and find Mac OS keyboard shortcuts faster.
The Mac has several different keys than Windows
⌘ (Command/Cmd), ⌥ “Option”, ⌃ “Ctrl”, ⇧ “Shift”, etc.
The most distinctive is the Mac keyboard’s proprietary Key ⌘, which is called the “Command” Key (abbreviated to Cmd and ⌘ to Apple Key) and is similar to the ⊞ Win Key in Windows. If you invoke a normal keyboard, the Win key is equal to the ⌘ key by default.
ALT, CTRL, SHIFT, and so on are all available on the Mac, although they are sometimes referred to as “symbols,” or abbreviations, on certain software interfaces and on web pages. See the table below.
| Windows and Mac keys | |
|---|---|
| ` ⊞ Win ` | The ‘⌘’ symbol denotes and is called the Command key |
| `ALT` | The ‘⌥’ symbol is called the Option key |
| `SHIFT` | Registering the ‘⇧’ symbol |
| `CTRL` | The ‘⌃’ symbol is called Control or Ctrl |
We can read a lot of Mac shortcuts if we just figure out what these symbols are. ⌘ + ⌥ + D means Command + Option + D. Below, we share some common macOS shortcuts that can make your daily routine easier and more efficient.
The best Mac keyboard shortcuts to remember:
Disable/exit Command + Q
This shortcut is similar to Alt+F4 on Windows and can immediately exit the currently running application. This shortcut is useful because on macOS, clicking the red X button on the software interface simply closes its “window” without actually exiting the software, which still runs in the background. If you want to actually exit the software, pressing Cmd + Q to close the software is the fastest way.
Copy and paste Command + C/V
Command + C can copy and then paste content or files with Command + V, which is familiar and doesn’t need much explanation.
Cut content Command + X/V
You can cut text content, but this shortcut cannot cut files
Cut/move files Command + Option + V
There is no “cut” operation on the Mac file right-click menu. Using Cmd+C and then Cmd+V can only “copy” the file. You can use Cmd+C and Command + Option + V to “move the file”. After the file is copied to the new location, the file in the original path will be deleted, which is equivalent to cutting in Windows.
Paste plain text/Clear text style format Command + Option + Shift + V
When we use Office or copy paragraphs of text in the browser, we tend to take them with us. And when we need to paste, these formats are sometimes annoying. Using Command + Option + Shift + V instead of Cmd + V, you can paste the contents of the clipboard into “plain text” format, which removes all style formatting.
Mac Screen capture Command + Shift + 5
Many people want to download third-party screenshots whenever they need to take screenshots or record screenshots. In fact, macOS already has a pretty good built-in screenshots and recording function, which can be called up by pressing Command + Shift + 5. It can support full-screen screenshots, area screenshots, window screenshots, full-screen recording, area recording, the function is very comprehensive. Best of all, it’s installation-free, download-free, and comes with every Mac! It is the best partner for light office users!
In general, you should just remember Command + Shift + 5 because it has a visual toolbar (like the one above) for different modes of operation. But if you take screenshots frequently, then you can also take a closer look at the system screenshots feature, because it also has a lot of “*** operation” oh.
For more details, macOS comes with screenshot shortcuts:
- (The following uses + to indicate simultaneous pressing and – to indicate step by step pressing)
- Cmd+Shift+3: full screen screenshot; Capture the entire screen and save the screenshot to the desktop folder.
- Cmd+Shift+4: area screenshot; Change the mouse cursor into a small cross with coordinates, and drag and drop to capture a specific area to save the screenshot to the desktop folder.
- Cmd+Shift+4 – Click the space bar – Mouse click the specified window: Screenshot of the application window; After the small cross cursor appears, press the space bar on the specified window to turn the mouse cursor into a camera. When the mouse moves, click to capture the specified window and save the screenshot to the desktop folder.
- Cmd+Shift+4 – Hold down the space bar and drag the mouse. After selecting an area, hold down the space bar and drag the mouse to move the area. Release the button and save the screenshot to the desktop folder.
- Cmd+Shift+4 – Hold Shift – move mouse up/down/left/right: Area screenshot; After selecting a range, hold down Shift and move the mouse up and down/left and right to fix the width/height of the range and change the height/width. Release the button and save the screenshot to the desktop folder.
- Cmd+Shift+4 – Hold Shift and Option: Area screenshots; After selecting a range, hold down the Shift and Option keys to freely switch the height and width based on the previous shortcut key function, release the key and save the screenshot to the desktop folder.
- Cmd+Shift+4 – Press and hold Option: After selecting an area, hold down the Option key to scale the area. Release the key and save the screenshot to the desktop folder.
- PS: The above shortcut keys together with holding down the Control key can save the screenshot file to the clipboard for pasting calls.
Quickly switch between applying Command + Tab
Mac users often switch between different Windows, such as editing a document in Office and looking up information in a browser. You can use the Command + Tab shortcut keys to quickly switch applications forward. To reverse the switch, use Cmd + Shift +Tab.
Switch Command + ‘between multiple Windows in the same APP
Many programs support multiple Windows, such as Chrome, Edge, Office, or PhotoShop, etc., which often open a large number of Windows, using the mouse to switch can be annoying, and using Cmd+Tab to switch between different programs. At this point, you can press Command + ‘(the symbol to the left of the number 1), which allows you to switch between only the Windows that belong to the current APP, such as switching back and forth only in Chrome’s Web window.
Forced exit Command + Option + Esc
It’s not uncommon for software to be unresponsive on a Mac, but it happens! When you encounter software that is stuck, unresponsive, or unable to exit in the normal way, you can press this key combination to call the “Forced Exit window” to force the closure of the specified application. You can also press Shift + Command + Option + Esc to force out of the current application.
Minimize the window Command + M
Press to minimize the most current window to the program dock. To minimize all Windows of the front-most App, press Option + Command + M.
Hide the current window Command + H
This function can quickly hide the current software window, it is faster than minimization, does not occupy the docking space, especially commonly placed in the docking program, using the hidden function is more convenient and efficient.
Quickly show or hide docking Command + Option + D
The docking dock is a Mac feature that allows quick startup by placing some commonly used software ICONS. But on the smaller MacBook, it blocks out some content when viewing long Web pages and documents. Use this shortcut to quickly hide the docking dock and use all screen real estate to display your content, which will help you focus on your work.
Delete file Command + Del
In addition to copying and moving, deleting files is also the most common operation. Once you have selected a file, you can quickly move it to the wastebasket by pressing Command + Del.
Push the selected disk or volume Command + E
Whether you insert a USB stick, a removable hard drive, a CD-ROM, or a.dmg image opened when you install an application on macOS, it will be loaded into the Finder as a “disk/folder.” When you’re done with them, you can quickly “push” them by pressing Command + E.
Open the software preferences Command +,
Most macOS software provides a “preferences” option, which allows you to configure and adjust the software. Using the Command + key, you can quickly bring up this preference window, which is very convenient for most software.
Quickly insert Emoji Control + Command + space
Nowadays, Emoji characters are very popular, and you can insert some emojis to add atmosphere when chatting or taking notes, such as 🐶 🐽 🍟 😱 doctor infectivity. On the Mac, press Control + Command + space to call out the window where the Emoji is inserted.
Lock the screen immediately Control Command Q
At work, school, or some public place, locking the screen when you need to step away is a great way to prevent people from looking at your computer, or children from messing with it.
Mac supports custom keyboard shortcuts
In addition to the hotkeys mentioned above, on the Mac, you can create or modify your own keyboard shortcuts for menu commands in any APP (including Access) to make them easier to use and remember.
Go to in the upper left corner of the screen and choose System Preferences. Press Keyboard and then Shortcut keys. From here, you can customize a shortcut for various Mac system functions or for a specific APP. Use this feature well and you can easily become a “keyboard fanatic” efficiency expert oh.
For more Mac system keyboard shortcuts, see
These are just a few of the common hotkeys that you should remember. Most of them are used a lot, and you should remember that they can be used more efficiently in many cases.
However, the macOS comes with a lot of shortcuts!! If you’re interested, read on for a more comprehensive list of Mac keyboard shortcuts to find out what you need to do.
| Cut, copy, paste and other common shortcuts | |
|---|---|
| `Command` + `X` | Cut the selection and copy it to the clipboard |
| `Command` + `C` | Copies the selection to the clipboard. The same applies to files in Access |
| `Command` + `V` | Paste the contents of the clipboard into the current document or App. The same applies to files in Access |
| `Command` + `Z` | Undo the previous command. You can then reverse the undo Command by pressing Shift + Command + Z to redo. In some apps, you can undo and redo multiple commands |
| `Command` + `A` | Selection of various |
| `Command` + `F` | Find an item in your document or open the Find window |
| `Command` + `G` | Find again: Find the next location where the previously found item appears. To find the last location that appeared, press Shift + Command + G |
| `Command` + `H` | Hide the front-most App window. To see the uppermost App but hide all other apps, press Option + Command + H |
| `Command` + `M` | Minimize the front-most window to the dock. To minimize all Windows of the front-most App, press Option + Command + M |
| `Command` + `O` | Opens the options, or opens a dialog box to select the file to open |
| `Command` + `P` | Print the current document |
| `Command` + `S` | Save current document |
| `Command` + `T` | Open a new TAB |
| `Command` + `W` | Close the front-most window. To close all Windows of your App, press Option + Command + W |
| `Option` + `Command` + `Esc` | Forcing App exit |
| ‘Command’ + ‘space’ | Displays or hides the Focus search bar. To perform a Focus search from the Access window, press Command + Option + space. |
| ‘Control’ + ‘Command’ + ‘space’ | Displays a character inspector from which you can select emoticons and other symbols |
| `Control` + `Command` + `F` | Use the App in full screen (if supported) |
| ‘Space bar’ | Use a quick view to preview the options |
| `Command` + `Tab` | Switch to the next most recently used App in the open App |
| `Shift` + `Command` + `5` | In macOS Mojave or later, take a screenshot or record a screen. You can also use Shift + Command + 3 or Shift + Command + 4 to take screenshots. |
| `Shift` + `Command` + `N` | Create a new folder in Access |
| Command + ‘, ‘(comma) | Open the preferences of the most recent App |
Finder and macOS shortcuts
| Access and system shortcut keys | |
|---|---|
| `Command` + `D` | Copy the selected file |
| `Command` + `E` | Push out the selected disk or volume |
| `Command` + `F` | Start a focus search in the Visit window |
| `Command` + `I` | Displays the Show Introduction window for the selected file |
| `Command` + `R` | (1) If an alias is selected in Access, the original file corresponding to the selected alias is displayed. (2) Refresh or reload the page in some App (such as Calendar or Safari). (3) In the “Software Update” preference Settings, check again for software updates |
| `Shift` + `Command` + `C` | The Computer window is displayed |
| `Shift` + `Command` + `D` | Open the Desktop folder |
| `Shift` + `Command` + `F` | The Recently Used window opens, showing all the files that you have recently viewed or changed |
| `Shift` + `Command` + `G` | The Go to Folders window opens |
| `Shift` + `Command` + `H` | Open the personal folder of the current macOS user account |
| `Shift` + `Command` + `I` | Open the iCloud cloud disk |
| `Shift` + `Command` + `K` | The Network window is displayed |
| `Option` + `Command` + `L` | Open the Downloads folder |
| `Shift` + `Command` + `N` | New Folder |
| `Shift` + `Command` + `O` | Open the Documents folder |
| `Shift` + `Command` + `P` | The preview panel is displayed or hidden in the Access window |
| `Shift` + `Command` + `R` | Open the Airdrop window |
| `Shift` + `Command` + `T` | Displays or hides the tabs in the Access window |
| `Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Command` + `T` | Add the selected Access project to the Dock (OS X Mavericks or later) |
| `Shift` + `Command` + `U` | Open the Utilities folder |
| `Option` + `Command` + `D` | Show or hide dock |
| `Control` + `Command` + `T` | Add the options to the sidebar (OS X Mavericks or later) |
| `Option` + `Command` + `P` | Hides or displays the path bar in the Access window |
| `Option` + `Command` + `S` | Hides or displays the sidebar in the Access window |
| ‘Command’ + ‘/’ (slash) | Hides or displays the status bar in the Access window |
| `Command` + `J` | Display the Display option |
| `Command` + `K` | The Connect Server window is displayed |
| `Command` + `L` | Make a stand-in for the selection |
| `Command` + `N` | Open a new Visit window |
| `Option` + `Command` + `N` | Creating a Smart Folder |
| `Command` + `T` | Shows or hides a TAB bar with a single TAB open in the current Access window |
| `Option` + `Command` + `T` | Shows or hides toolbars with a single TAB open in the current Access window |
| `Option` + `Command` + `V` | Move: Moves a file in the clipboard from its original location to its current location |
| `Command` + `Y` | Preview the selected file using Quick View |
| `Option` + `Command` + `Y` | Shows a quick view slide show of the selected file |
| `Command` + `1` | Icon displays items in the Access window |
| `Command` + `2` | Displays items in the Access window in a list |
| `Command` + `3` | Displays items in the Access window in a column |
| `Command` + `4` | Displays items in the Visit window in gallery style |
| ‘Command’ + ‘[‘ (left parenthesis) | Go to the previous folder |
| ‘Command’ + ‘] ‘(close parentheses) | Go to the next folder |
| ‘Command’ + ‘↑’ (up arrow) | Type the folder containing the current folder |
| ‘Command’ + ‘Control’ + ‘↑’ | In a new window, type the folder containing the current folder |
| ‘Command’ + ‘↓’ (down arrow) | Open all options |
| ‘→’ (right arrow) | Open the selected folder. This shortcut only works in the list view |
| ‘←’ (left arrow) | Close the selected folder. This shortcut only works in the list view |
| `Command` + `Delete` | Move the option to the wastebasket |
| `Shift` + `Command` + `Delete` | Empty the wastepaper basket |
| `Option` + `Shift` + `Command` + `Delete` | Empty the wastepaper basket without displaying a confirmation dialog box |
| ‘Command’ + ‘increases the brightness’ | Turn on or off the target display mode |
| ‘Command’ + ‘reduces brightness’ | Turn video mirroring on or off when your Mac is connected to multiple monitors |
| ‘Option’ + ‘Increases brightness’ | Open monitor preferences. This shortcut can be used with any brightness key |
| ‘Control’ + ‘increases the brightness’ or ‘Control’ + ‘decreases the brightness’ | Change the brightness of the external monitor if the monitor supports it |
| ‘Option’ + ‘Shift’ + ‘up brightness’ or ‘Option’ + ‘Shift’ + ‘down brightness’ | Adjust the brightness of the monitor with a smaller stride. If your monitor supports it, you can add the Control key to this shortcut to make adjustments on your external monitor |
| ‘Option’ + ‘scheduling center’ | The preference Settings of Scheduling Center are displayed |
| ‘Command’ + ‘dispatch center’ | According to the desktop |
| ‘Control’ + ‘↓’ (down arrow) | Display all the Windows of the uppermost App |
| ‘Option’ + ‘turn up the volume’ | Turn on the Sound preferences. This shortcut can be used with any volume key |
| ‘Option’ + ‘Shift’ + ‘up’ or ‘Option’ + ‘Shift’ + ‘down’ | Adjust the volume with a small stride |
| ‘Option’ + ‘Keyboard brightness’ | Open keyboard preferences. This shortcut can be used with any keyboard brightness key |
| ‘Option’ + ‘Shift’ + ‘keyboard up brightness’ or ‘Option’ + ‘Shift’ + ‘keyboard down brightness’ | Adjust keyboard brightness with smaller steps |
| Even the ` Option ` keys | Open the project in a separate window, then close the original window |
| Even the ` Command ` keys | Open folders in separate tabs or Windows |
| Hold down the ‘Command’ key and drag to another volume | Move the dragged item to another folder instead of copying it |
| Drag by holding down the ‘Option’ key | Copy dragged items. The pointer changes when you drag an item |
| Hold ‘Option’ + ‘Command’ while dragging | Make doubles for items that are dragged. The pointer changes when you drag an item |
| Hold down the ‘Option’ key and press the open and close triangle | Opens all folders within the selected folder. This shortcut only works in the list view |
| Hold down the ‘Command’ key and click on the window title | View the folder that contains the current folder |
Shortcut keys can help us complete some complex operations faster in many scenarios, and skillful use can greatly improve the efficiency of computer use. So, whether it’s Windows or macOS, we should remember some of the most commonly used commands. While this article is just a basic primer, the truth is that many people who have been using Apple Macs for years don’t realize that there are so many useful keyboard shortcuts on the Mac. However, even the “keyboard party” expert, it is not all possible to remember these combinations, so the need of the students, please bookmark this article at any time in the future refer to it.