200+ Essential Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

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200+ Essential Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts and productivity are intertwined. By removing extra steps, shortcuts accelerate task completion, eliminating tedium. Initially, adapting to shortcuts requires familiarization, but once mastered, tasks become effortless. Explore the plethora of essential Mac keyboard shortcuts to enhance multitasking efficiency on macOS.

Top Mac Keyboard Shortcuts for Enhanced Productivity

  • Command or Cmd (⌘)
  • Shift (⇧)
  • Option (⌥)
  • Control (⌃)
  • Caps Lock (⇪)
  • Fn

An option to customize keyboard shortcuts is available too, detailed later in this article. Now, armed with the essentials, let’s dive into the list.

Handy Mac Keyboard Shortcuts to Try

  1. Command+C: Copy text.
  2. Command+V: Paste text.
  3. Command+X: Cut text.
  4. Command+Z: Undo a command.
  5. Command+A: Select all items.
  6. Command+S: Save item(s).
  7. Command+F: Search a web page in Safari (or another web browser).
  8. Command+Spacebar: View the Spotlight search.
  9. Command+Delete: Move selected item to Trash.
  10. Command+N: Open a new Finder window.
  11. Command+W: Close a browser window.
  12. Command+`: Switch to another Safari or app window.
  13. Command-P: Print a web page.
  14. Control+Command+Power button: Restart the Mac.
  15. Control+F2+Left or Right Arrow: Menu hopping.
  16. Control+Command+Q: Lock the screen.
  17. Shift+Command+Delete: Empty the trash.
  18. Shift+Command+R: Open the AirDrop window.
  19. Shift+Command+5: Capture a screenshot or make a screen recording (macOS Mojave or later).
  20. Shift+Command+Q: Log out of macOS user account after confirmation.
  21. Shift+Command+I: Launch iCloud Drive.
  22. Option+Command+F5: Display Accessibility options.
  23. Option+Command+plus sign: Zoom in.
  24. Option+Command+minus sign: Zoom out.
  25. Option+Command+L: Access the Downloads folder.
  26. Option+Command+D: Show/hide the Dock.
  27. Option+Command+Power button or Option+Command+Media Eject: Quickly put your Mac to sleep.
  28. Option+Shift+F11/F12: Adjust volume levels in small increments.
  29. Option+Shift+F1/F2: Adjust brightness levels in small increments.
  30. Press the arrow keys: To scroll in any direction.

Note:

  • To access Apple Music shortcuts: Open the Music app and choose the Help menu, then click on Keyboard shortcuts.
  • To find other macOS shortcuts: Go to the Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts.

Top Finder and System Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac

  1. Command+E : To eject a selected disk or volume.
  2. Command+I : To display the “Get Info” window for a file.
  3. Command+R: Display the original file for a selected alias in Finder. In apps like Calendar or Safari, this shortcut can also refresh or reload the page. In Software Update preferences, it allows you to check for software updates again.
  4. Command+D: Duplicate selected files.
  5. Command+Slash (/): Hide/show the status bar in Finder windows.
  6. Command+J: Display View options.
  7. Command+K: Open the “Connect to Server” window.
  8. Command+Y: Use Quick Look to preview selected files.
  9. Command+T: Show/hide the tab bar when a single tab is open in a Finder window.
  10. Command+1: View items in Finder window as icons.
  11. Command+2: View items in Finder window as list.
  12. Command+3: View items in Finder window in columns.
  13. Command+4: View items in Finder window in gallery.
  14. Command+Left Bracket ([): Go to previous folder.
  15. Command+Right Bracket (]): Go to next folder.
  16. Command+Up Arrow: Open folder containing current folder.
  17. Command+Down Arrow: Open selected item.
  18. Command+Control+Up Arrow: Open folder containing current folder in new window.
  19. Command+Brightness Down: Enable/disable video mirroring when an external display is connected.
  20. Command+Click a window title: View folders containing the current folder. Click the Go menu in the Finder menu bar for macOS shortcuts to open commonly used folders like Applications, Documents, Downloads, Utilities, and iCloud Drive.
  21. Command+Mission Control: Show desktop.
  22. Command key while double-clicking: Open a folder in a separate tab or window.
  23. Command key while dragging to another volume: Move the dragged item to the other volume instead of copying it.
  24. Shift+Command+H: Open the Home folder of the current user account.
  25. Shift+Command+K: Open the Network window.
  26. Shift+Command+N: Create a new folder.
  27. Shift+Command+O: Open the Documents folder.
  28. Shift+Command+P: Show/hide the Preview pane in Finder windows.
  29. Shift+Command+C: Open the Computer window.
  30. Shift+Command+D: Open the desktop folder.
  31. Shift+Command+F: Open the Recents window.
  32. Shift+Command+G: Open a Go to Folder window.
  33. Shift+Command+T: Show/hide the tab bar in Finder windows.
  34. Shift+Command+U: Open the Utilities folder.
  35. Control+Down Arrow: Show all windows of the front app.
  36. Control+Command+T: Add selected item to sidebar (supports OS X Mavericks or later).
  37. Control+Command+A: Make alias of selected item.
  38. Control+Brightness Up or Control+Brightness Down: Change brightness of supported external display.
  39. Control+Shift+Command+T: Add selected Finder item to Dock (supports OS X Mavericks or later).
  40. Option+Brightness Up: Open displays preferences. Works with Brightness key.
  41. Option+Command+P: Hide/show path bar in Finder windows.
  42. Option+Command+S: Hide/show Sidebar in Finder windows.
  43. Option+Command+N: Create a new Smart Folder.
  44. Option+Command+Delete: Delete a file or folder.
  45. Option+Command+T: Show/hide the toolbar when a single tab is open in the current Finder window.
  46. Option+Command+V: Move files in the Clipboard from their original location to the current location.
  47. Option+Command+Y: View a Quick Look slideshow of the selected files.
  48. Option+Shift+Command+Delete: Empty the Trash without confirmation dialog.
  49. Option+Shift+Brightness Up or Down: Adjust display brightness in smaller steps. You can add the Control key to this shortcut to adjust your supported external display as well.
  50. Option key while dragging: Copy the dragged item.
  51. Option+Command while dragging: Make an alias of the dragged item.
  52. Option+Click a disclosure triangle: Open all folders within the selected folder, works only in the list view.
  53. Option+Mission Control: Bring up Mission Control preferences.
  54. Option+Volume Up: Bring up Sound preferences. This shortcut works with any of the volume keys.
  55. Option+Keyboard Brightness Up: Access Keyboard preferences using this shortcut with either Keyboard Brightness key.
  56. Option+Shift+Keyboard Brightness Up or Down: Adjust keyboard brightness in smaller steps.
  57. Option+Shift+Volume Up or Down: Adjust sound volume in smaller steps.
  58. Option key while double-clicking: Open the item in a separate window and close the original window.
  59. Right Arrow: Open the selected folder, specifically in list view.
  60. Left Arrow: Close the selected folder, specifically in list view.

Top Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac

  1. Command+F5 or Fn+Command-F5: Toggle VoiceOver.
  2. Control+Option+F8 or Fn+Control+Option+F8: Open VoiceOver Utility.
  3. Control+Option+Command+Comma (,): Reduce contrast.
  4. Control+Option+Command+Full stop (.): Increase contrast.
  5. Control+Option+Command+8: Invert colors.
  6. Option+Command+8: Toggle zoom.
  7. macOS allows adding the Accessibility Shortcuts icon to the menu bar and Control Center. Control VoiceOver, Zoom, Invert Colors, and more effortlessly with this feature.
  8. Go to System Preferences -> Dock & Menu Bar -> Accessibility Shortcuts and check Show in Menu Bar/Control Center.

Top Spotlight Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac

  1. Command: Display the path of a result (e.g., a file) on your Mac.
  2. Command+Down Arrow: Move to the first result in the next category.
  3. Command+Up Arrow: Move to the first result in the previous category.

Optimize Your Mac Experience with Safari Keyboard Shortcuts

  1. Command+R or Command+Double-click: View a file in an app or the Finder.
  2. Option+Command+Space bar: Open a Finder window with the search field selected.
  3. Return key: Open a result.
  4. Tab key: Show the preview area.
  5. Down Arrow: Move to the next result.
  6. Up Arrow: Move to the previous result.

Note: Discover more Spotlight tips and tricks in our dedicated guide!

Master Safari Navigation with These Keyboard Shortcuts

  1. Command+L: Select the Smart Search field.
  2. Command+Up Arrow: Navigate to the top-left corner of a page.
  3. Command+Down Arrow: Navigate to the bottom-left corner.
  4. Control+Command+2: Show or Hide the Reading List sidebar.
  5. Control+Click the page summary in the sidebar and select Remove Item: Remove a page.
  6. Option+Click a linked file: Download the linked file.
  7. Option+Click the New Folder button: Create a folder containing selected bookmarks and folders in bookmarks view.
  8. Shift+Command+D: Add the current page.
  9. Shift+Command+R: Open Reader.
  10. Shift+Click a linked page: Add the linked page.
  11. Shift+Command+T: Reopen the last closed window.

Efficient Mac Startup Keyboard Shortcuts

  1. Shift+Command+H: Home screen.
  2. Shift+Spacebar: Scroll up.
  3. Tab: Highlight next field or pop-up menu on a webpage. Note: Use Tab to highlight buttons and controls if “Use keyboard navigation to move focus between controls” is enabled in Shortcuts pane (System Preferences -> Keyboard pane).
  4. Esc: Close Reader (can also restore current webpage address).
  5. Option + Arrow Key: Scroll in larger increments.
  6. Space Bar: Scroll down.

Top Mac Startup Keyboard Shortcuts

  1. Command (⌘)+R: Start from the built-in macOS Recovery system. Alternatively, use Option+Command+R or Shift+Option+Command+R for macOS Recovery over the Internet.
  2. Command+S: Start your Mac in single-user mode (password required if using a firmware password). Note disabled in macOS Mojave or later.
  3. Command+V: Start in verbose mode (disabled with a firmware password).
  4. Option (⌥) or Alt: Bring up the Startup Manager to choose other startup disks or volumes.
  5. Option+Command+P+R: Reset NVRAM or PRAM, useful for addressing common Mac issues. Not applicable to M1 Macs (M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max).
  6. Shift (⇧): Boot your Mac in safe mode. Inoperable with a firmware password.
  7. D: Start your device with Apple Diagnostics. Option+D initiates this utility over the Internet. Disabled with a firmware password.
  8. N: Boot your macOS device from a NetBoot server, provided your Mac supports network startup volumes. Option+N selects the default boot image on the server. Disabled with a firmware password.

Optimal Document Shortcuts for Mac Users

  1. T: Start up in target disk mode (disabled with a firmware password).
  2. Eject (⏏) or F12 or Mouse button or Trackpad button: Remove removable media like optical discs (inactive with a firmware password).

Top Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac Documents

  1. Control+A: Go to the start of a line or paragraph.
  2. Control+E: Go to the end of a line or paragraph.
  3. Control+F: Move one character forward.
  4. Control+B: Move one character backward.
  5. Control+L: Center the cursor or selection.
  6. Control+P: Move up a line.
  7. Control+N: Move down a line.
  8. Control+O: Insert a new line after the insertion point.
  9. Control+T: Swap the character behind the insertion point with the character in front.
  10. Control+K: Delete the text between the insertion point and the end.
  11. Control+H: Delete the character to the left of the insertion point.
  12. Control+D: Delete the character to the right of the insertion point.
  13. Control+Command+D: Show or hide the definition of the selected word.

Shift+Up Arrow: Extends text selection to the nearest character at the same horizontal location on the line above.

Shift+Down Arrow: Extends text selection to the nearest character at the same horizontal location on the line below.

Shift+Left Arrow: Extends text selection one character to the left.

Shift+Right Arrow: Extends text selection one character to the right.

Shift+Command+Colon (:): Shows the Spelling and Grammar window.

Shift+Command+Up Arrow: Selects the text between the insertion point and the beginning of the document.

Shift+Command+Down Arrow: Chooses the text between the insertion point and the end of the document.

  • Shift+Command+Left Arrow: Selects text between the insertion point and the beginning of the current line.
  • Shift+Command+Right Arrow: Chooses text between the insertion point and the end of the current line.
  • Shift+Command+Vertical bar (|): Centers alignment.
  • Shift+Command+P: Shows a window for selecting document settings.
  • Shift+Command+S: Shows the Save As dialog or duplicates the current document.
  • Shift+Command+Minus sign (-): Decreases the size of the selected item.
  • Shift+Command+Plus sign (+): Increases the size of the selected item. Note that Command–Equal sign (=) also performs the same function.
  • Shift+Command+Question mark (?): Open the Help menu.
  • Command+Semicolon (;): Find misspelled words.
  • Command+Up Arrow: Move insertion point to the beginning of the document.
  • Command+Down Arrow: Move insertion point to the end of the document.
  • Command+Left Arrow: Move insertion point to the beginning of the line.
  • Command+Right Arrow: Move insertion point to the end of the line.
  • Command+Left Curly Bracket (<): Left align.
  • Command+Right Curly Bracket (>): Right align.
  • Command+B: Bold selected text or disable it.

    • Command+I: To italicize the selected text or disable it.

    Command+K: To add a web link.

    Command+U: To underline the selected text or disable it.

    Command+T: To show/hide the Fonts window.

    Command+D: To choose the Desktop folder from within an Open dialog or Save dialog.

    Option+Delete: To delete the word to the left of the insertion point.

    Option+Left Arrow: To quickly move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word.

    Option+Right Arrow: To move the insertion point to the end of the next word.

    • Option+Shift+Up Arrow: Extend text selection to the beginning of the current paragraph. It also extends to the beginning of the following paragraph if pressed again.
    • Option+Shift+Down Arrow: Extend text selection to the end of the current paragraph. It also extends to the end of the following paragraph if pressed again.
    • Option+Shift+Left Arrow: Extend text selection to the beginning of the current word. It also extends to the beginning of the following word if pressed again.
    • Option+Shift+Right Arrow: Extend text selection to the end of the current word. It also extends to the end of the following word if pressed again.
    • Option+Command+F: Navigate swiftly to the search field.
    • Option+Command+T: Toggle toolbar visibility in the app.
    • Option+Command+C: Copy formatting settings to the Clipboard.
    • Option+Command+V: Paste copied style to the selected item.
    • Option+Command+I: Toggle the inspector window.
    • Option+Shift+Command+V: Apply surrounding content style to pasted item.
    • Fn-Delete: Forward delete on keyboards lacking the key (or use Control-D).
    • Fn+Up Arrow: Scroll up one page.
    • Fn+Down Arrow: Scroll down one page.
    • Fn+Left Arrow: Scroll to the beginning of a document.
    • Fn+Right Arrow: Scroll to the end of a document.

    More Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

    1. Command+W: Close the front window. To close all windows of the app, press Option-Command-W.
    2. Command+Tab: Switch to the next most recently used app among currently open apps.
    3. Command+Comma (,): Open preferences for the front app.
    4. Option+Command+Esc: Force quit an app.
    5. Option+Shift-Command+Q: Immediately log out of your macOS user account without asking for confirmation.
    6. Control+Command+Space bar: Display the Character Viewer for selecting emoji and symbols.
    7. Control+Command+F: Use a supported app in full screen.
    8. Control+Shift+Power button or Control+Shift+Media Eject: Put displays to sleep.
    9. Control+Power button or Control+Media Eject: Show a dialog with options like restart, sleep, or shut down.
    10. Control+Command+Media Eject: Quit all apps and restart your Mac. Note that if you have open documents with unsaved changes, macOS will prompt you to save them.

    Custom Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac

    1. Control+Option+Command+Power button or Control+Option+Command+Media Eject: Quit all apps and shut down your Mac. macOS prompts to save unsaved changes.
    2. Space bar: Use Quick Look to preview the selected item.

    Set Up Custom Keyboard Shortcuts on Mac

    • Access System Preferences via your Mac’s Settings. Then, navigate to Keyboard and select Shortcuts.
    • Choose App Shortcuts on the left, and click the Add button (+).
    • Click the Application menu and select a specific app or All Applications.

    Not all apps support keyboard shortcuts. If an app isn’t listed, click “Other” and locate it using the Open dialogue. Additionally, to set a shortcut for a menu command in multiple apps, select “All Applications.”

    • Type the menu command exactly as it appears in the app in the Menu Title field. For example, for the “Export as PDF” command, type “File->Export as PDF.”
    • In the Keyboard Shortcut field, press the desired key combination (e.g., Control, Option, and Z keys simultaneously), then click “Add” to create the shortcut.

    Optimizing macOS Keyboard Shortcuts for Enhanced Productivity

    • macOS enables the creation of keyboard shortcuts solely for existing menu commands.
    • Note that creating keyboard shortcuts for general tasks, such as app launching, is prohibited on your Mac.
    • If a custom keyboard shortcut duplicates an existing command or app on your Mac, the new shortcut will be ineffective.
    • To modify a shortcut, simply select it, adjust the key combination, and confirm the change.
      To delete a custom shortcut, select it and then click the Delete (minus) button.

    Enhance Your Productivity with Top macOS Keyboard Shortcuts

    With a plethora of time-saving Mac shortcuts now at your disposal, maximizing their efficiency becomes paramount for expediting your workflow. While mastering these shortcuts requires dedicated time and practice, once integrated seamlessly into your routine, they’ll significantly accelerate your productivity.

    It’s worth noting that these keyboard shortcuts are compatible with Macs running macOS 12 Monterey, macOS Big Sur, macOS Catalina, and earlier versions including OS X Mavericks.

    We invite you to share in the comments section below which shortcuts prove most beneficial for your workflow.

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