Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys you can press to quickly perform tasks normally done with a mouse. Typically these are done with the modifier keys (Shift, Function, Control, Option/Alt, and Command).

Mac Modifier Keys

Shift

⇧

Function

Control

Ctrl, ⌃

Option (or Alt)

⌥

Command

Cmd, ⌘

Common Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

Descriptions taken from Apple Support documentation on keyboard shortcuts

Command + X

Cut the selected item and copy it to the Clipboard.

Command + C

Copy the selected item to the Clipboard. This also works for files in the Finder.

Command + V

Paste the contents of the Clipboard into the current document or app. This also works for files in the Finder.

Command + Z

Undo the previous command.

Command + A

Select All items.

Command + F

Find items in a document or open a Find window.

Command + O

Open the selected item, or open a dialog to select a file to open.

Command + P

Print the current document.

Command + S

Save the current document.

Command + T

Open a new tab.

Command + W

Close the window.

Command + Q

Quit the current application.

Command + Tab

Switch between open applications. Hold Command to see all open applications. Tap Command + Tab together to switch between your two most recent applications.

Command + option + esc

Open the Force Quit Applications window. Use this when an application is frozen or otherwise unresponsive.

Shift + Command + 3

Take a screenshot of the whole screen.

Shift + Command + 4

Take a screenshot of part of the screen. You can also press Space to take a screenshot of a single window or application.