macOS Keyboard Shortcuts — Complete Cheatsheet
macOS is a powerful operating system, and mastering its keyboard shortcuts can significantly boost your productivity by allowing you to perform tasks faster and more efficiently without reaching for your mouse.
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Shortcuts
| Action | Windows | Mac | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl+C | Cmd+C | Basic Text Editing |
| Cut | Ctrl+X | Cmd+X | Basic Text Editing |
| Paste | Ctrl+V | Cmd+V | Basic Text Editing |
| Undo | Ctrl+Z | Cmd+Z | Basic Text Editing |
| Redo | Ctrl+Y | Cmd+Shift+Z | Basic Text Editing |
| Select All | Ctrl+A | Cmd+A | Basic Text Editing |
| Save | Ctrl+S | Cmd+S | File Management |
| Open | Ctrl+O | Cmd+O | File Management |
| New Document/Window | Ctrl+N | Cmd+N | File Management |
| Ctrl+P | Cmd+P | File Management | |
| Close Window | Alt+F4 | Cmd+W | Window Management |
| Quit Application | Alt+F4 | Cmd+Q | Application Management |
| Force Quit Application | Ctrl+Shift+Esc | Cmd+Option+Esc | Application Management |
| Switch Applications | Alt+Tab | Cmd+Tab | Application Management |
| Hide Application | Win+D | Cmd+H | Application Management |
| Take Screenshot (full screen) | PrtSc | Cmd+Shift+3 | System |
| Take Screenshot (selection) | Win+Shift+S | Cmd+Shift+4 | System |
| Open Spotlight Search | Win+S | Cmd+Space | System |
| Empty Trash | N/A | Cmd+Shift+Delete | Finder |
| Go to Desktop | Win+D | Cmd+Shift+D | Finder |
| New Folder | Ctrl+Shift+N | Cmd+Shift+N | Finder |
| Open Finder | Win+E | Cmd+N (from Finder) | Finder |
Tips
- Practice regularly: The more you use shortcuts, the more they become second nature.
- Start with the most common actions: Focus on shortcuts for tasks you perform frequently.
- Learn application-specific shortcuts: Many apps have unique shortcuts that can significantly speed up your workflow within them.
- Use a cheat sheet: Keep a list of your most-used shortcuts handy until you've memorized them.
- Explore the 'Help' menu: Most macOS applications list their shortcuts in the 'Help' menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I see all macOS shortcuts?
While there isn't a single comprehensive list built into macOS for *all* shortcuts across *all* applications, you can find many system-wide shortcuts in System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts. For individual applications, check their 'Help' menu or search online for '[Application Name] keyboard shortcuts'.
Can I customise macOS shortcuts?
Yes! You can customise many application and system-wide shortcuts. Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts. Here, you can modify existing shortcuts or add new ones for specific applications or menu commands.