Keyboard Shortcuts Every Mac User Should Know

In today’s fast-paced world, saving seconds on every task can make a big difference. If you’re a Mac user, learning essential keyboard shortcuts will allow you to work more efficiently and without interruptions. These small tricks optimize your workflow, making you faster and more organized.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the most useful shortcuts every Mac user should know.

Basic Shortcuts to Simplify Your Day-to-Day

1. Command (⌘) + C: Copy

   Copies selected text, images, or files.

2. Command (⌘) + V: Paste

   Pastes copied content in the selected location.

3. Command (⌘) + X: Cut

   Similar to copy, but removes the content from the original location.

4. Command (⌘) + Z: Undo

   Reverses the last action.

5. Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + Z: Redo

   Restores the action you just undid.

6. Command (⌘) + A: Select All

   Highlights all content in a document, folder, or window.

Shortcuts for Navigating Between Applications

Command (⌘) + Tab: Switch Between Applications

• Opens a menu to quickly jump between open apps.

Command (⌘) + H: Hide Active Window

• Minimizes the app in use.

Command (⌘) + Q: Quit Application

• Exits the active application.

Control (^) + Up Arrow: Mission Control

• View all open windows and virtual desktops.

Control (^) + Left/Right Arrow: Switch Between Virtual Desktops

• Perfect for users working with multiple spaces.

Productivity Shortcuts

Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + 4: Custom Screenshot

• Select a specific portion of the screen to capture.

Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + 5: Advanced Screenshot Options

• Opens a menu with tools to record the screen or take captures.

Command (⌘) + Space: Spotlight

• Opens the search bar to find files, apps, or information on your Mac.

Command (⌘) + N: New Window

• Creates a new window in Finder or most applications.

Command (⌘) + W: Close Window

• Closes the active window without quitting the app.

  
  

Shortcuts for Writing and Editing

Option (⌥) + Left/Right Arrow: Move Between Words

Navigate word by word instead of letter by letter.

Shift (⇧) + Arrow: Select Text

• Highlights text line by line or character by character.

Command (⌘) + Up/Down Arrow: Go to Start or End of Document

• Perfect for quickly scrolling through long texts.

Control (^) + D: Delete Next Character

• Removes the character after the cursor.

Command (⌘) + K: Add Link

• Used in apps like Pages to insert hyperlinks.

Shortcuts for File Management

Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + N: New Folder

• Creates a folder in the current location.

Command (⌘) + Delete: Move to Trash

• Sends selected files to the trash.

Command (⌘) + I: Get Info

• Opens the properties window of a file or folder.

Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + T: Show Toolbar

• Toggles the toolbar in Finder on or off.

Command (⌘) + D: Duplicate

• Creates a copy of the selected file or folder.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Shortcuts

• Daily Practice: Learn one or two shortcuts at a time and integrate them into your routine.

• Explore Combinations: Experiment with Option, Shift, and Control to discover more useful combos.

• Create Your Own Shortcuts: Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts to customize your own.

Become a Mac Expert

Mastering these shortcuts won’t just make your life easier—it will also boost your confidence when interacting with your Mac. Do you have a favorite shortcut? Share it in the comments and help other users become more productive.

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