How to Use Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

Master essential Mac keyboard shortcuts to navigate macOS faster. Learn Command key combinations for copying, switching apps, and system controls.

1. Learn the primary modifier keys. Identify the Command key (⌘) next to the spacebar—this replaces Ctrl on Windows. The Option key (⌥) sits next to Command. Control (⌃) appears in the bottom-left corner. Shift (⇧) spans the left side of the keyboard.
2. Master basic text operations. Press Command+C to copy selected text or files. Use Command+V to paste. Command+X cuts selected items. Command+A selects all content in the current window or document.
3. Navigate between applications. Hold Command and tap Tab to cycle through open applications. Release both keys when you reach your desired app. Add Shift to cycle backward through the list.
4. Control windows and spaces. Press Command+W to close the current window. Command+M minimizes windows to the Dock. Command+H hides the current application. Mission Control opens with F3 or Control+Up Arrow to view all open windows and spaces.
5. Use Finder shortcuts. Open new Finder windows with Command+N. Command+T creates new tabs within Finder. Press Command+Shift+G to go directly to a folder path. Command+Delete moves selected files to Trash.
6. Access system functions quickly. Command+Space opens Spotlight search for finding files and launching applications. Command+Shift+4 captures screenshot selections. Volume controls respond to F10 (mute), F11 (decrease), and F12 (increase).
7. Customize shortcuts in System Preferences. Open System Preferences and click Keyboard, then Shortcuts. Select categories from the left sidebar to view and modify existing shortcuts. Click the shortcut field and press your desired key combination to change it.