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Mastering macOS keyboard shortcuts can significantly enhance efficiency. This guide provides a detailed list of commonly used shortcuts to help IT professionals and users work smarter.
Basic Navigation and System Control
Shortcut
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Function
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Command (⌘) + C
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Copy selected item(s).
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Command (⌘) + X
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Cut selected item(s).
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Command (⌘) + V
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Paste copied or cut item(s).
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Command (⌘) + Z
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Undo last action.
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Command (⌘) + Shift + Z
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Redo the last undone action.
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Command (⌘) + Tab
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Switch between open apps.
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Command (⌘) + Q
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Quit the active app.
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Command (⌘) + Option + Esc
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Open the Force Quit Applications window.
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Control + Command (⌘) + Q
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Lock your Mac.
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Command (⌘) + Space
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Open Spotlight Search.
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Finder and File Management
Shortcut
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Function
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Command (⌘) + N
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Open a new Finder window.
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Command (⌘) + Shift + N
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Create a new folder.
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Command (⌘) + Delete
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Move selected item(s) to the Trash.
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Command (⌘) + Option + Delete
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Empty the Trash without confirmation.
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Command (⌘) + I
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Show information about the selected item.
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Command (⌘) + Shift + G
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Open the “Go to Folder” dialog box.
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Text Editing
Shortcut
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Function
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Command (⌘) + A
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Select all text or items.
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Command (⌘) + Left Arrow
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Move the cursor to the beginning of the current line.
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Command (⌘) + Right Arrow
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Move the cursor to the end of the current line.
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Option + Left Arrow
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Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word.
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Option + Right Arrow
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Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word.
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Command (⌘) + Shift + V
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Paste text without formatting.
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Safari and Browser Shortcuts
Shortcut
|
Function
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Command (⌘) + T
|
Open a new tab.
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Command (⌘) + W
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Close the current tab.
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Command (⌘) + Shift + T
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Reopen the last closed tab.
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Command (⌘) + L
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Highlight the URL bar.
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Command (⌘) + Option + U
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Open the page source.
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Command (⌘) + Shift + Del
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Clear browsing history.
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System Management
Shortcut
|
Function
|
Command (⌘) + Option + P + R
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Reset the NVRAM or PRAM (useful for troubleshooting).
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Command (⌘) + Shift + 3
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Take a screenshot of the entire screen.
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Command (⌘) + Shift + 4
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Take a screenshot of a selected area.
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Command (⌘) + Option + Esc
|
Force Quit an unresponsive app.
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Control + Command (⌘) + Power
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Force restart your Mac.
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Accessibility Shortcuts
Shortcut
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Function
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Command (⌘) + F5
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Turn VoiceOver on or off.
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Control + Option + Command (⌘) + 8
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Turn zoom on or off.
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Command (⌘) + Option + F5
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Open Accessibility Options.
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Pro Tips for IT Techs
- Command (⌘) + Shift + Period (.): Show hidden files in Finder.
- Command (⌘) + Control + Space: Open the Emoji and Symbol picker (helpful for troubleshooting special characters).
- Command (⌘) + Option + Drag: Move files to a new location without copying them.
- Command (⌘) + R during Startup: Boot into macOS Recovery for advanced troubleshooting.