It’s impossible to know everything about a Mac computer. With the constant changes with each OS, you find hidden gems that make it easier to be productive.
Which Mac OS shortcuts are the most beneficial to learn? Well, that depends on your computing needs and use. Here are 25 of the top Mac OS shortcuts you need to try today.
1. Command Comma
Hit the Command + comma key to quickly open the preferences menu from the application you’re using. For example, if you’re using a browser, this shortcut opens the preferences for customizing your browser experience.
2. Command G
This is the nosey cousin of the ‘Find’ tool on your device. It opens the ‘Find’ window but takes things a step further by allowing you to go through the details of each instance of the word you’re finding.
3. Command F
When you want to find a word on a website or in a long document, fear not. Hitting Command + F brings up a tiny search bar that reveals how many instances of the word or phrase are on the page.
4. Command Shift A
There’s nothing more annoying than a lot of clicks to get to your most-used folders. Now you can use the Command + Shift + A keyboard combination to quickly open the applications on your Mac computer.
5. Command Shift 3
Getting a screen capture has never been easier. Hold down Command + Shift + 3 to take a full page screen capture.
6. Command V
One of the most common shortcuts on the Mac is Command + V. This is the paste tool that allows you to paste anything previously copied to your keyboard.
7. Command C
Command + C copies any information highlighted on your screen. It’s possible to erase a previous copy by simply copying new text on your page.
8. Command X
If you need to cut, the keyboard shortcut is Command + X. Hold down this keyboard combination to cut text, photos or objects from a document so it can be pasted later. This function deletes the content from its current page.
9. Command L
Are you dependent on your internet connection to understand the ways of the world? Well, you can get to Google faster with the Command + L keyboard shortcut. This shortcut highlights the search bar so you can type in your query faster.
10. Command Tab
Switch between open applications using the Command + Tab shortcut. This keyboard combination means having easier navigation while you work on multiple projects.
11. Command Option D
Need to quickly get to the Dock from wherever you’re working? Use the Command + Option + D shortcut to reveal the Dock at the bottom of your screen.
12. Function Left Arrow
Jump to the top or bottom of your screen using the Function key alongside the left arrow. This tool works great when websites don’t offer an option to jump to top or bottom on their navigation tools.
13. Command Left and Right Arrows
Did you know you don’t have to use the back and forward arrows in your browser toolbar? The keyboard shortcut Command + Left Arrow or Command + Right Arrow take you back a page or forward a page in your browser window.
14. Command Shift \
Need to see all your open tabs in your browser window at once? Use the Command + Shift + \ keys to make it all happen at once.
15. Command Shift ]
If you need to navigate between open tabs in your web browser, you need only use Command + Shift + ] or Command + Shift + [.
16. Option Shift Volume
Mac computers allow you to make incremental changes to volume so you have more control. Just use the keyboard shortcut Option + Shift + Volume Keys to raise or lower the volume.
17. Function x2
Your Mac can offer dictation services. When you’re tired of typing, press the Function key twice to launch your dictation software.
18. Option Brightness
Despite what you may think, you probably want some way to customize your Mac viewing experience. It’s a beautiful device, but only gets better when you can choose your own display. Use the Options + Brightness (up or down) keys to make the experience your own.
This keyboard combination opens the Display menu so you can make changes to your visual experience.
19. Command Back Arrow
If you’re looking to move between open Windows on your Mac, you need to use the Command + Back Arrow keyboard combination.
20. Control Command Space
There’s no easier way to add emojis to your text than using the Control + Command + Space Bar keyboard combination. This opens the emoji keyboard you’re used to seeing on your phone.
21. Command P
Get a quick print job started using the Command + P keyboard combination. This opens the print dialog menu where you can customize from there.
22. Command Control Q
You can go grab your latte from the coffee shop counter without risking your device security. Simply press the Command + Control + Q keyboard combination and immediately lock your screen to protect your information from intruders.
23. Option Command Escape
Sometimes an application just won’t quit. You can force the issue using an Option + Command + Escape. This opens the Force Quit dialogue box so you can quit the application in question.
24. Shift Command 6
Newer MacBook users can use Shift + Command + 6 to take a picture of what’s on the touch bar.
25. Command I
New email messages can be opened using the content of the page you’re visiting. Just use the Command + I keyboard shortcut to use this tool. This keyboard shortcut only works on newer devices.
Mac OS Shortcuts
You can use Mac OS shortcuts to skip using a mouse or clicking throughout your pages. There’s an infinite number of keyboard combinations to choose from on any given Mac OS.
Learning even a handful can help you get tasks done faster and easier. For more information and tips, visit our blog for updates.
