Mac keyboard shortcuts: the ones worth knowing

2 min read · 8 steps · Updated 3 October 2026

Most shortcuts on a Mac use the Command key, the one marked with the looped square next to the space bar, where a Windows PC uses Ctrl. Apple's full list is very long. These are the ones that save time every day, in groups that are easy to learn.

Menu names are from recent versions of macOS, where the settings app is called System Settings. The pictures of keys are simplified diagrams.

Step by step

1. Copy, paste and undo

   Command-C copies the selection, Command-X cuts it, Command-V pastes it. Command-Z undoes the last step. Command-A selects everything.

   Done

2. Documents

   Command-S saves. Command-P prints. Command-F searches inside the document or page. Command-B makes the selected text bold. Command-T opens a new tab.

   Done

3. Move through text

   Command-Left Arrow jumps to the start of the line and Command-Right Arrow to its end. Hold Shift as well to select the text on the way.

   Done

4. Windows and apps

   Command-Tab switches to the app you used last. Keep Command held and press Tab again to go further. Command-M puts the window in the Dock, Command-H hides the app, Command-Q quits it.

   Done

5. When an app hangs

   Option-Command-Esc opens the Force Quit window. More in how to force quit a frozen app on a Mac.

   Done

6. Search and screenshots

   Command-Space bar opens Spotlight, the quickest way to start an app or find a file. Shift-Command-5 opens the screenshot and screen recording bar.

   Done

7. Finder

   Shift-Command-N creates a new folder. Command-Delete moves the selected item to the Trash and Shift-Command-Delete empties the Trash. Command-D duplicates a file. Command-I shows its information. Shift-Command-G opens Go to Folder, where you can type a path.

   Done

8. Lock the Mac

   Control-Command-Q locks the screen at once. Use it whenever you leave the desk.

   Done

Good to know

Every app lists its shortcuts in its menus, to the right of each command. The symbols mean: ⌘ Command, ⌥ Option, ⌃ Control, ⇧ Shift.

On a Windows keyboard connected to a Mac, the Windows key works as Command and Alt as Option.

You can add shortcuts of your own for any menu command: how to create your own keyboard shortcuts on a Mac.

More detail on single topics: how to copy and paste on a Mac, how to take a screenshot on a Mac and how to use Spotlight search on a Mac.

In short: Command with C, V, X, Z, A, S, P, F, Q. Command-Tab for apps, Command-Space for Spotlight, Shift-Command-5 for screenshots, Option-Command-Esc to force quit, Control-Command-Q to lock.