macOS keyboard shortcuts
macOS shortcuts are the layer underneath almost every app. Start with clipboard and window control, then use Mission Control, screenshots, Finder, text movement, and system actions when the desktop gets busy.
These are the keys underneath most Mac apps. Start with the common actions and window controls, then move into Finder, text editing, screenshots, Mission Control, and the system commands you only miss when you need them.
Essentials
Use the clipboard, undo, search, print, and quit controls that work across most Mac apps.
| Action | macOS |
|---|---|
| Copy the selected item to the ClipboardAlso copies files in the Finder. | CmdC |
| Cut the selected item | CmdX |
| Paste the Clipboard contents | CmdV |
| Undo the previous command | CmdZ |
| Redo, reversing the undo command | ShiftCmdZ |
| Select all items | CmdA |
| Find items in a document or open a Find window | CmdF |
| Find the next occurrence | CmdG |
| Find the previous occurrence | ShiftCmdG |
| Open the selected item or an Open dialog | CmdO |
| Open the print dialog | CmdP |
| Save the current document | CmdS |
| Open a new tab | CmdT |
| Open settings for the front app | Cmd, |
| Open the Character Viewer | ControlCmdSpace |
Apps and windows
Switch apps, hide or close windows, move focus, and manage the current application.
| Action | macOS |
|---|---|
| Switch to the next most recently used app | CmdTab |
| Switch between windows of the app you are usingUses the key above Tab, left of 1, on most keyboards. | Cmd` |
| Quit the current app | CmdQ |
| Close the front windowOption-Cmd-W closes all windows of the app. | CmdW |
| Minimize the front window to the Dock | CmdM |
| Hide the windows of the front appOption-Cmd-H hides all other apps. | CmdH |
| Force quit an app | OptionCmdEsc |
| Use or stop using the app in full screenIf supported by the app. | ControlCmdF |
Mission Control
Open Mission Control, move across spaces, and show or hide the desktop around the current windows.
| Action | macOS |
|---|---|
| Open Mission Control | ControlUp |
| Show all windows of the front app | ControlDown |
Screenshots
Capture the full screen, a window, or a selected region and open the screenshot utility.
| Action | macOS |
|---|---|
| Screenshot the entire screen | ShiftCmd3 |
| Screenshot a selected area of the screen | ShiftCmd4 |
| Open the Screenshot utility for captures and recordingmacOS Mojave or later. | ShiftCmd5 |
Finder
Open Finder locations, preview files, create folders, and manage items from the keyboard.
| Action | macOS |
|---|---|
| Preview the selected item with Quick Look | Space |
| Create a new empty folder | ShiftCmdN |
| Move the selected item to the Trash | CmdDelete |
| Open a Go to Folder window | ShiftCmdG |
| Show the Get Info window for a file | CmdI |
| Open a new Finder window | CmdN |
| Open the Documents folder | ShiftCmdO |
| Open Connect to Server | CmdK |
| Go to the previous folder | CmdLeft Bracket |
| Go to the next folder | CmdRight Bracket |
| Open the folder containing the current folder | CmdUp |
| Open the selected item in Finder | CmdDown |
| Empty the Trash | ShiftCmdDelete |
| View Finder items as icons | Cmd1 |
| View Finder items as a list | Cmd2 |
| View Finder items in columns | Cmd3 |
| View Finder items in a gallery | Cmd4 |
Text editing
Move by character, word, line, or paragraph, then select, delete, and transform text.
| Action | macOS |
|---|---|
| Move to the beginning of the line | CmdLeft |
| Move to the end of the line | CmdRight |
| Move to the beginning of the previous word | OptionLeft |
| Move to the end of the next word | OptionRight |
| Bold the selected text | CmdB |
| Italicize the selected text | CmdI |
| Underline the selected text | CmdU |
| Add a web link | CmdK |
| Delete the word to the left of the insertion point | OptionDelete |
| Delete the character to the right of the insertion point | ControlD |
| Show the definition of the selected word | ControlCmdD |
| Open the Spelling and Grammar window | ShiftCmd: |
System
Reach system controls for locking, sleep, display, accessibility, and forced app actions.
| Action | macOS |
|---|---|
| Show or hide Spotlight searchCan change input sources instead when multiple input sources are used. | CmdSpace |
| Lock your screen | ControlCmdQ |
| Open the Character Viewer with the function key | FnE |
| Show the desktop | CmdMission Control |
| Show or hide the Dock | FnA |
| Show or hide Control Center | FnC |
| Show or hide Notification Center | FnN |
| Put the displays to sleep | ControlShiftPower |
| Show the restart, sleep, or shut down dialog | ControlPower |
Make the useful keys stick
macOS shortcuts become valuable when they cross app boundaries. Start with the commands that work everywhere, then keep the Finder and system sections close for the moments when the desktop gets in the way.
You do not need this whole page in your head. Pick two shortcuts that remove a repeated hand movement, use them until they feel ordinary, and come back for the next pair.