The Most Useful Mac Keyboard Shortcuts to Learn

On a Mac, most keyboard shortcuts use the Command key — the key labeled ⌘, located next to the spacebar. This is different from Windows, where most shortcuts use the Ctrl key. If you are switching from Windows to Mac, the adjustment mainly involves substituting ⌘ (Command) where you would have pressed Ctrl.

The absolute basics that every Mac user should know: Command + C copies selected text or a file. Command + X cuts it. Command + V pastes. Command + Z undoes the last action. Command + Shift + Z redoes what you undid. Command + A selects everything. Command + S saves the current document. Command + P opens the print dialog. Command + Q quits the application completely — this is different from clicking the red close button, which closes the window but leaves the app running in the background.

For switching between apps and windows: Command + Tab shows a row of app icons and lets you switch between running apps by pressing Tab while holding Command. Command + ` (the backtick key, directly above Tab) switches between multiple windows of the same app — useful when you have two Safari windows open, for example. Command + Space opens Spotlight, the system-wide search tool — start typing any file name, app name, or search term to find it instantly.

In Finder (the Mac's file manager): Command + N opens a new Finder window. Command + Shift + N creates a new folder in the current location. Command + Delete moves selected files to the Trash. Command + Shift + Delete empties the Trash — note that this permanently deletes files, so be certain before using it.

In any web browser: Command + T opens a new tab. Command + W closes the current tab. Command + R refreshes the page. Command + F opens find on page. Command + L places the cursor in the address bar.

For screenshots: Command + Shift + 3 captures the entire screen and saves it to your Desktop. Command + Shift + 4 turns the cursor into a crosshair — drag to select only the area you want. Command + Shift + 5 opens a screenshot toolbar with all options and the ability to record video of your screen.

For system management: Command + Option + Esc opens the Force Quit window, useful when an app freezes. Command + Control + Q locks the screen immediately.