Knowing keyboard shortcuts is essential to using 100% of your computer, and for Mac owners would be no different. For first-time users who came from another operating system, such as Windows, it can be especially difficult to get used to. But do not worry, in this list you give commands similar to other systems and still learn some exclusive ones that only exist on the Mac.
Table of Contents
Command + M
This combination causes the active application to be minimized. You can also press Command + Option + M to minimize all open windows.
Command + Option
Make your desktop cleaner and prioritize just what you want. Just hold Command + Option and click on any piece of your desktop so that it is free. This command also works for other windows, just click on the program you want to make it stand out.
Command+Space
This command opens the Spotlight, the search field that finds anything on your computer. A basic command for every Mac user.
Command + L
Use this command in Safari while browsing the internet to quickly select the search bar and addresses.
Command + Option + Esc
If an application stops responding, you can force it to close using Command+Optio+-Esc. This command will cause a menu to appear in which you can force closure. In addition, it is also possible to close the active window directly with the combination Command + Shift + Option + Esc.
Command + E
Ejects the selected disk or USB. More practical than selecting with the right mouse button and ejecting.
Command+left arrow / left arrow
Press Command + Left Arrow while browsing the internet (browser does not matter) to go back to the previous page. Press Command + Right Arrow to advance a page, if available.
Command + Q
If you know Windows, you should already know the Control + F4 command, which causes an application to close. On the Mac, this command is Command + Q. If your program is locked and does not close with this command, try Command-Option-Esc.
Command + Shift + 3 or Command + Shift + 4
This is one of the most important Mac shortcuts: the print screen. With two different combinations, you can take prints of the most varied quickly and easily.
With Command + Shift + 3 you take a PrintScreen out of your entire screen.
With Command + Shift + 4 you can “shoot” any piece of your screen. By pressing this command your cursor will turn into a cross. Then just click and drag the area to capture what you want. The image is on your desktop in PNG.
Command+H or Command+Option+H
Anybody nosy coming in to look at your computer screen? Just press Command + H to hide your active window. If you want to hide everything, just press Command+Option + H.
Command+V
If you copied something with the mouse or Command C or Command X, this combination will paste the content wherever you want. Its Windows equivalent is Control V.
Command + X
The classic Mac X Control. It cuts out the selected content and sends it to memory. Paste later with Command + V.
Command + C
The classic Control C is already known to Windows users. Copy the content that is selected. Paste what copied where you want with Command + V.
Command + Z
If you’ve erased something or accidentally done something, Command + Z will recover what was lost.
Command + Shift + Eject
It puts your computer in Sleep mode and is easily activated by pressing any key.
Command + D
While in the Finder, it duplicates the selected files. It is equivalent to pressing Command + C and Command + V right away.
Space on top of a file
Opens the preview without necessarily opening a program to view the file. In a photo or PDF file, for example, squeezing space shows a basic preview of all content.
Option + Command + L
While in the Finder, open the Downloads folder, the default Mac Downloads folder.
Shift + Command + U
While in the finder, this command will open the Utilities folder.
Shift + Command + O
Opens the Mac Finder, which lets you browse your computer’s files.
Shift + Command + H
While in the Finder, it opens the Personal folder of your Mac automatically.
Command + P
The shortcut prints the current document, automatically opening the print window.
Control + Option + Command + (power button or Eject)
Exit all applications and turn off the computer.
Command + Tab
Switches to recently used applications. Equivalent to Control + Tab in Windows.
Command + comma (,)
This shortcut opens the preferences and settings of the active program, whatever you are using at the time of the command.
Control + Command + power button
Force a reboot of your Mac. Use this command when you want to restart your machine without clicking anything.
Shift + Command + Q
End your session on the Mac by opening the default user selection window. Before this the system will confirm if you really want to leave.
Option + Shift + Command + Q
End your Mac session right away, without first asking if you really want to quit.
Command + F
Opens a search window, allowing you to enter a keyword or phrase for the system to search for the active page.
Command + G
Opens the search window with the last text entered in the Command + F command automatically.
When editing a document, use the shortcuts:
Command + I
Select the text and make this command to italicize it. Do the command again to remove the formatting.
Command + B
Select the text and make this command to make it bold. Do the command again to remove the formatting.
Command + U
Select the text and make this command to let it underline. Do the command again to remove the formatting.
Command + T
Shows or hides the Fonts window to select font, font size, color, etc.
Command + A
Selects all the text and content of the page in question.
If you need help, have doubts or concerns, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the comment box below and we will try to help you as soon as possible!