macOS is packed with powerful keyboard shortcuts designed to enhance productivity, simplify navigation, and unlock hidden features. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, mastering these shortcuts can make your Mac experience smoother and more efficient.
General macOS Shortcuts
- Command (⌘) + C – Copy
- Command (⌘) + X – Cut
- Command (⌘) + V – Paste
- Command (⌘) + Z – Undo
- Command (⌘) + Shift + Z – Redo
- Command (⌘) + A – Select all
- Command (⌘) + S – Save
- Command (⌘) + P – Print
- Command (⌘) + Q – Quit application
- Command (⌘) + W – Close window
- Command (⌘) + Tab – Switch between open applications
Finder & File Management Shortcuts
- Command (⌘) + N – Open new Finder window
- Command (⌘) + Shift + N – Create new folder
- Command (⌘) + Delete – Move selected item to Trash
- Command (⌘) + Shift + Delete – Empty Trash
- Command (⌘) + D – Duplicate file
- Command (⌘) + I – Get info on selected file
- Command (⌘) + Space – Open Spotlight search
- Command (⌘) + Shift + G – Open “Go to Folder” dialog
- Command (⌘) + Option + Esc – Force Quit applications
Window & Desktop Management
- Command (⌘) + H – Hide active window
- Command (⌘) + M – Minimize window
- Command (⌘) + Option + M – Minimize all windows
- Command (⌘) + Option + H – Hide all applications except the active one
- Command (⌘) + F3 – Show desktop
- Command (⌘) + Left/Right Arrow – Navigate between folders in Finder
Mac Power Shortcuts & Hidden Tricks
- Command (⌘) + Option + Shift + V – Paste without formatting
- Command (⌘) + Control + D – Define word in Dictionary
- Command (⌘) + Shift + Option + Q – Log out immediately
- Command (⌘) + Option + Shift + Delete – Empty Trash without confirmation
- Command (⌘) + Option + Control + Power Button – Shut down immediately
- Command (⌘) + Option + Power Button – Put Mac to sleep
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 – Open screen recording and screenshot options
Mission Control & Virtual Desktop Shortcuts
- Control + Up Arrow – Open Mission Control
- Control + Down Arrow – Show windows of active application
- Control + Left/Right Arrow – Switch between desktops
- Command (⌘) + Option + D – Show/hide dock
Safari & Web Browsing Shortcuts
- Command (⌘) + T – Open new tab
- Command (⌘) + Shift + T – Reopen last closed tab
- Command (⌘) + W – Close current tab
- Command (⌘) + L – Highlight address bar
- Command (⌘) + R – Refresh page
- Command (⌘) + Shift + N – Open private browsing mode
- Command (⌘) + Option + Left/Right Arrow – Navigate back/forward
Media Control & Accessibility Shortcuts
- Command (⌘) + Option + F – Enter full screen mode
- Option + Shift + Volume Up/Down – Adjust volume with smaller increments
- Option + Shift + Brightness Up/Down – Adjust brightness precisely
- Command (⌘) + Option + Control + 8 – Invert screen colors (Accessibility)
- Command (⌘) + Control + 6 – Zoom screen (if Zoom is enabled)
- Command (⌘) + Option + Plus/Minus – Magnify screen with Zoom
Terminal & System Shortcuts
- Command (⌘) + Shift + U – Open Utilities folder
- Command (⌘) + Shift + K – Connect to server
- Command (⌘) + Space – Open Spotlight search for quick commands
- Command (⌘) + Control + Power Button – Restart immediately
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 – Capture entire screen
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 – Capture selected portion of screen
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 + Space – Capture specific window
Mac shortcuts—including hidden and advanced ones—you can transform your workflow, improve efficiency, and unlock features that make daily tasks seamless.