macOS Keyboard Shortcuts

The most useful macOS keyboard shortcuts, essentials, Finder and files, window and app switching, screenshots, text editing, and system, with the modifier-key symbols explained.

The macOS keyboard shortcuts that save the most time. Cmd is the Command key, Option is also labelled Alt, and menus show the modifier symbols (such as Shift for the up-arrow). The same essentials work in most Mac apps.

Essentials

ActionMac
Copy Cmd+C
Cut Cmd+X
Paste Cmd+V
Undo / Redo Cmd+Z / Cmd+Shift+Z
Save Cmd+S
Find Cmd+F
Select all Cmd+A

Finder & files

ActionMac
New folder Cmd+Shift+N
Get Info Cmd+I
Duplicate Cmd+D
Go to folder Cmd+Shift+G
Show hidden files Cmd+Shift+.
Move to Trash Cmd+Delete
Open selected file Cmd+Down

Windows & apps

ActionMac
Switch apps Cmd+Tab
Switch windows of same app Cmd+~
Close window Cmd+W
Quit app Cmd+Q
Minimize window Cmd+M
Full screen Ctrl+Cmd+F
Mission Control (all desktops) Ctrl+Up

Screenshots

ActionMac
Capture full screen Cmd+Shift+3
Capture a selection Cmd+Shift+4
Screenshot / recording toolbar Cmd+Shift+5

Text editing

ActionMac
Move to line start / end Cmd+Left / Cmd+Right
Move to doc start / end Cmd+Up / Cmd+Down
Select to line start / end Cmd+Shift+Left / Cmd+Shift+Right
Delete previous word Option+Delete
Delete to end of line Ctrl+K

System

ActionMac
Spotlight search Cmd+Space
Force Quit an app Cmd+Option+Esc
Lock screen Ctrl+Cmd+Q
Emoji & symbols viewer Ctrl+Cmd+Space

Tip: Cmd+Shift+5 opens the screenshot toolbar, which can also record video and save to a folder you choose. Cmd+Tab switches apps, and adding Option when releasing restores minimised windows of the app you land on.

What this does

A macOS keyboard shortcuts reference lists essentials, Finder and files, window and app switching, screenshots, text editing, and system, with the modifier-key symbols explained.

How to use it

  1. Browse by task.
  2. Find the keys for your shortcut.
  3. Note the modifier symbols.
  4. Try it on your Mac.

Example

Cmd+Shift+3 captures the whole screen to your desktop.

Sources & methodology

Last updated .

Frequently asked questions

What do the modifier symbols mean?

Cmd is Command, Shift is the up arrow, Option (Alt) is ⌥, Control is ⌃, and Caps Lock is ⇧. Menus show these symbols next to each command.

How do I force-quit a frozen app?

Press Cmd+Option+Esc to open the Force Quit window, pick the app, and click Force Quit. Holding Shift while clicking an app’s Dock icon also offers Force Quit.

What is the difference between the screenshots?

Cmd+Shift+3 grabs the whole screen, Cmd+Shift+4 turns the cursor into a crosshair to select an area, and Cmd+Shift+5 opens the screenshot toolbar with timing and recording options.