To use a keyboard shortcut, hold down one or more modifier keys (usually the ‘Cmd’, ‘Alt’ or ‘Shift’ key) while pressing the last key of the shortcut. For example, to use the shortcut Cmd-C (copy), hold down the Cmd key, press C, then release both keys. Mac menus and keyboards often use symbols to illustrate which modifier keys to use in a shortcut.
Many program menus will show the keyboard shortcut for a command or button when you hover over it with the mouse. Every program can have its own shortcuts, and shortcuts that work in one program may not work in another.
Terminology:
‘Cmd’ refers to the ‘Command’ key ( ⌘ )
‘Alt’ refers to the ‘Option’ key ( ⌥ )
If you have enabled ‘Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys’ under ‘Keyboard’ settings in ‘System Preferences’ then omit the ‘Fn’ (Function) key from keyboard shortcuts.
Shortcut keys |
Shortcut action |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Cmd + X |
Cut |
Remove the selected item and copy it to the Clipboard. |
|
Cmd + C |
Copy |
Copy the selected item to the Clipboard. |
|
Cmd + V |
Paste |
Paste the contents of the Clipboard into the current document or app. |
|
Cmd + Z |
Undo |
Undo the previous command. |
|
Cmd + A |
Select All |
Selects all items in a list or folder. |
|
Cmd + F |
Find |
Open a Find window, or find items in a document. |
|
Cmd + G |
Find Again |
Find the next occurrence of the item previously found. |
|
Cmd + H |
Hide |
Hide the windows of the front app. |
|
Cmd + M |
Minimize |
Minimize the front window to the Dock. |
|
Cmd + N |
New |
Open a new document or window. |
|
Cmd + O |
Open |
Open the selected item, or open a dialog to select a file to open. |
|
Cmd + P |
|
Print the current document. |
|
Cmd + S |
Save |
Saves the current document. |
|
Shift + Cmd + S |
Save As |
Save the current document with a new name. |
|
Cmd + T |
Tab |
Open a new tab in a web browser and other applications that support tabs. |
|
Cmd + W |
Close |
Closes the front Window. |
|
Cmd + Q |
Quit |
Quits the current app. |
|
Cmd + Space bar |
Spotlight |
Show or hide the Spotlight search field. |
|
Cmd + Tab |
Switch apps |
Switch to the most recently used application or press tab repeatedly to cycle through your open applications. |
For a comprehensive list of all Apple keyboard shortcuts please go to Apple’s support page: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201236
Apple’s guide to symbols shown in menus:
https://support.apple.com/kb/PH18802?locale=en_GB