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macOS keyboard shortcuts: 20 for every day

On a Mac almost everything is faster from the keyboard. Here are twenty shortcuts you will use every day — print them or save the page.

Apps and windows

  • Cmd+Tab — switch apps.
  • Cmd+` — windows of the same app.
  • Cmd+W — close a window, Cmd+Q — quit the app.
  • Cmd+M — minimise, Cmd+H — hide the app.
  • Cmd+Option+Esc — force quit a frozen app.
  • Ctrl+↑ — all windows (Mission Control).

Search and files

  • Cmd+Space — Spotlight: apps, files, calculator.
  • Cmd+N — new Finder window, Cmd+Shift+N — new folder.
  • Space on a file — Quick Look.
  • Cmd+Backspace — move to Bin.
  • Cmd+F — find in a document or window.

Text and languages

  • Ctrl+Space or the globe key — switch language.
  • Ctrl+Cmd+Space — emoji and symbols.
  • Cmd+Option+Shift+V — paste without formatting in many apps.
  • Cmd+Z / Cmd+Shift+Z — undo / redo.

Screenshots and system

  • Cmd+Shift+3 — whole screen, Cmd+Shift+4 — an area.
  • Cmd+Shift+5 — screenshot and screen-recording menu.
  • Ctrl+Cmd+Q — lock the Mac.
  • Cmd+, — settings of the current app.
  • Cmd+Shift+. — show hidden files in Finder.
FAQ

Questions and answers

Where is the Option key?
Option (⌥) sits between Control and Command. On a Windows keyboard, Alt plays the same role.
The language will not switch — why?
Add layouts in System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources and check the shortcut there.
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