Overview:

Keyboard shortcuts are a powerful way to speed up your workflow on a Mac. With just a few key combinations, you can perform many actions without needing a mouse or trackpad. This guide highlights the most commonly used shortcuts and explains how to use them.

Source: Adapted from Apple Support Article HT201236

How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts

To use a shortcut, press and hold one or more modifier keys, then press the final key in the combination. For example, to copy text using Command-C, press and hold Command (⌘), then press C, and release both keys.

Modifier Key Symbols on Mac:

  • Command (Cmd): ⌘

  • Shift: ⇧

  • Option (Alt): ⌥

  • Control (Ctrl): ⌃

  • Caps Lock: ⇪

  • Function (Fn)

Essential Mac Shortcuts

Editing and File Management

  • Command-X: Cut

  • Command-C: Copy

  • Command-V: Paste

  • Command-Z / Shift-Command-Z: Undo / Redo

  • Command-A: Select All

  • Command-F / Command-G / Shift-Command-G: Find / Find Next / Find Previous

Window and App Management

  • Command-H / Option-Command-H: Hide app / Hide others

  • Command-M / Option-Command-M: Minimize window(s)

  • Command-W / Option-Command-W: Close window(s)

  • Option-Command-Esc: Force Quit an app

  • Command-Tab: Switch between open apps

  • Control-Command-F: Enter full screen

File and Finder Functions

  • Command-O: Open

  • Command-S: Save

  • Command-P: Print

  • Command-T: New tab

  • Shift-Command-N: New folder in Finder

  • Space bar: Quick Look for selected item

System and Utilities

  • Command–Space bar / Command–Option–Space bar: Spotlight search

  • Control–Command–Space bar: Emoji and symbol viewer

  • Shift-Command-5: Screenshot or screen recording (macOS Mojave and later)

  • Command–Comma (,): Open app preferences

These shortcuts can significantly improve your productivity on a Mac. Practice using a few at a time until they become second nature.