Mac Keyboard Shortcuts That Will Make You More Productive

List of essential key combinations to navigate and work faster in macOS

If you want to improve your workflow on Mac, learning keyboard shortcuts can make a big difference. With just a few key combinations, you can navigate between apps faster, organize your desktop, and perform actions without relying on the mouse or trackpad.

In this article, we share practical and lesser-known shortcuts that will make you more efficient in macOS.

1. Shortcuts to Navigate Between Apps and Windows

When working with multiple apps open, switching between them quickly is key to productivity.

• Cmd + Tab → Switch between open apps

• Cmd + ` (acento grave) → Switch between windows of the same app

• Cmd + H → Hide the active app

• Cmd + M → Minimize the current window

• Cmd + Option + H → Hide all apps except the active one

• 
  

📌 Tip: If you have many windows open, use Mission Control with Ctrl + Up Arrow to see everything at a glance.

2. Shortcuts to Manage Files and Finder

Finder is the central tool for managing files in macOS. These shortcuts help you organize and access documents without unnecessary clicks.

• Cmd + N → Open a new Finder window

• Cmd + Shift + N → Create a new folder.

• Cmd + O → Open a selected file

• Cmd + D → Duplicate a file or folder

• Cmd + Delete → Move selected file to Trash

• Cmd + Shift + Delete → Empty Trash immediately

• Cmd + I → Get info about a file

• Espacio → Quick Look preview of a file

  
  

📌 Tip: Use Cmd + Shift + G to go directly to a folder by typing its path.

3. Shortcuts to Improve Typing

If you type a lot on your Mac, these shortcuts will save time and effort.

• Cmd + B / I / U → Bold, Italic, or Underline

• Cmd + Z → Undo last action

• Cmd + Shift + Z → Redo last action

• Cmd + X / C / V → Cut, Copy, and Paste

• Option + Delete → Delete a whole word instead of a single letter

• Cmd + Shift + V → Paste without formatting

  
  

📌 Tip: Use Fn + Dictation to convert speech to text without typing.

4. Shortcuts for Safari and Web Browsers

If you spend a lot of time online, these shortcuts will make browsing more efficient.

• Cmd + T → Open a new tab

• Cmd + W → Close the current tab

• Cmd + Shift + T → Reopen the last closed tab

• Cmd + L → Select the address bar

• Cmd + R → Reload the page

• Cmd + [ o ] → Go back or forward in browsing history

• Ctrl + Tab → Switch between tabs.

• Cmd + 1-9 → Jump to a specific tab

  
  

📌 Tip: Hold Option while clicking a link to open it in a new tab without leaving the current page.

5. Shortcuts for Screenshots and Recording

Screenshots are essential for documenting or sharing information quickly.

• Cmd + Shift + 3 → Capture the entire screen

• Cmd + Shift + 4 → Capture a selected area

• Cmd + Shift + 4 + Space → Capture a specific window

• Cmd + Shift + 5 → Open screenshot and screen recording menu

  
  

📌 Tip: Use Cmd + Shift + 6 on MacBooks with Touch Bar to capture the Touch Bar.

6. Shortcuts to Control Sound and Brightness

You can adjust your Mac settings without touching the menu bar or Control Center.

• F1 / F2 → Decrease / Increase screen brightness

• Option + Shift + F1 / F2 → Adjust brightness in smaller increments

• F10 / F11 / F12 → Mute, decrease, or increase volume

• Option + Shift + F10 / F11 → Adjust volume in finer increments

  
  

📌 Tip: Hold Option while clicking the sound or Wi-Fi icons for more options.

7. Shortcuts for Music and Video Playback

If you use Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube, these shortcuts will be very handy.

• F7 / F8 / F9 → Rewind, Play/Pause, Fast Forward

• Cmd + F → Fullscreen video

• Cmd + Esc → Exit fullscreen mode

  
  

📌 Tip: Use Cmd + Shift + [ or ] in Spotify or Apple Music to skip tracks without touching the mouse.

8. Shortcuts to Shut Down, Restart, or Sleep Your Mac

If you need to log out or shut down quickly, use these shortcuts.

• Cmd + Control + Q → Lock screen

• Cmd + Shift + Q → Log out current user

• Cmd + Control + Power → Force restart

• Cmd + Option + Power → Put Mac to sleep

• 
  

📌 Tip: If your Mac freezes, hold the power button for a few seconds to force shutdown.

Use These Shortcuts and Save Time Every Day

Learning and applying these shortcuts will allow you to perform tasks faster, reduce dependency on the trackpad, and improve your macOS workflow.

If your Mac is still slow or you need help with advanced optimizations, iProX can guide you to get the most out of your device.

📌 Need support? Contact us and boost your productivity on Mac.