Whether you’re a new Mac user or a seasoned pro, mastering keyboard shortcuts can save you time and improve your workflow. Here’s a list of the most commonly used macOS shortcuts, starting with the essentials:
✨ Top Mac Keyboard Shortcuts You Should Know
1. Command (⌘) + C
Copy
Copies the selected item to the clipboard.
2. Command (⌘) + V
Paste
Pastes the content from the clipboard.
3. Command (⌘) + X
Cut
Cuts the selected item and copies it to the clipboard.
4. Command (⌘) + Z
Undo
Reverses the last action.
👉 Use Shift + Command (⌘) + Z to Redo.
5. Command (⌘) + A
Select All
Selects all items in a window or document.
6. Command (⌘) + S
Save
Saves the current document or file.
7. Command (⌘) + Q
Quit App
Closes the current application completely.
8. Command (⌘) + W
Close Window/Tab
Closes the active window or tab.
9. Command (⌘) + Tab
Switch Apps
Quickly switch between your open applications.
10. Command (⌘) + Space
Spotlight Search
Opens Spotlight to search apps, files, or web.
📁 Finder & File Management
11. Command (⌘) + N
Open a new Finder window.
12. Command (⌘) + Delete
Move selected item to the Trash.
13. Shift + Command (⌘) + Delete
Empty the Trash.
14. Command (⌘) + ↑ (Up Arrow)
Go to the parent folder.
🖥 Window & Screenshot Shortcuts
15. Command (⌘) + M
Minimize the front window.
16. Control + Command (⌘) + Q
Lock your screen immediately.
17. Shift + Command (⌘) + 3
Take a screenshot of the entire screen.
18. Shift + Command (⌘) + 4
Take a screenshot of a selected area.
19. Shift + Command (⌘) + 5
Open the screenshot toolbar (to record screen or take timed shots).
🧠 Bonus Tips
- Use Command (⌘) + H to hide the current app window.
- Use Command (⌘) + F to find text in a document or webpage.
- Use Option + Command (⌘) + Esc to force quit an unresponsive app.
Learning and using these shortcuts will make your Mac experience faster and more efficient. Bookmark this post and come back whenever you need a quick refresher!
