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    Tips & Tricks
    Intermediate
    1 min read 6 stepsJanuary 17, 2026Verified January 2026

    Mac: Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

    Master these Mac keyboard shortcuts to work faster and smarter.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Tips & Tricks
    Difficulty
    Intermediate
    Read Time
    1 min read
    Steps
    6
    Topics covered
    mac
    keyboard
    shortcuts
    productivity

    In this guide (6 steps):

    1. 1.Spotlight Search: Cmd+Space
    2. 2.Force Quit: Cmd+Option+Esc
    3. 3.Screenshot: Cmd+Shift+3/4/5
    4. 4.Lock Screen: Ctrl+Cmd+Q
    5. 5.Mission Control: Ctrl+Up Arrow
    6. 6.Close tab: Cmd+W
    1

    Spotlight Search: Cmd+Space

    ~15s
    The fastest way to open anything. Search for apps, files, calculations, and more.
    2

    Force Quit: Cmd+Option+Esc

    ~15s
    When an app freezes, this opens the Force Quit window to close it right away.
    3

    Screenshot: Cmd+Shift+3/4/5

    ~15s
    3 = full screen, 4 = selection, 5 = screenshot toolbar with screen recording.
    4

    Lock Screen: Ctrl+Cmd+Q

    ~15s
    Instantly lock your Mac when stepping away.
    5

    Mission Control: Ctrl+Up Arrow

    ~15s
    See all open windows at once. Perfect for finding buried apps.
    6

    Close tab: Cmd+W

    ~15s
    Close the current tab or window. Cmd+Q quits the entire app.

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    Official Resources

    How-To GeekAARP Technology TipsTom's Guide — Tips

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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