If you use a Mac, you probably know how powerful it can be. But did you know that you can make your workflow 10x faster just by mastering a few keyboard shortcuts?
This is a topic that I really like because when I was a kid I liked to press the keys for fun, so let’s talk about keyboard shortcuts.
Yep, that’s right! Once you get the hang of these shortcuts, you’ll never go back to using your mouse for everything. I’ve been using Macs for years, and I can say that these shortcuts have saved me countless hours.
Why should you care? Because learning these shortcuts will make your Mac experience smoother, faster, and way more fun!
Before we dive into the list, let me share some other must-read articles from Keyboards Technology:
- The Psychology of Typing: Why We Prefer Certain Keyboards
- The Best Mechanical Keyboards for Mac in 2025
- The Science Behind Key Switches: How They Work
Essential Mac Keyboard Shortcuts You Need to Know
1. Basic Shortcuts You Should Memorize
Before we get into the fancy tricks, let’s start with the basics. These are the shortcuts you should burn into your brain because they’ll help you every single day.
- Command (⌘) + C → Copy
- Command (⌘) + V → Paste
- Command (⌘) + X → Cut
- Command (⌘) + Z → Undo
- Command (⌘) + Shift + Z → Redo
- Command (⌘) + A → Select all
- Command (⌘) + Q → Quit an application
- Command (⌘) + W → Close the current window
- Command (⌘) + Option + Esc → Force quit applications (Life-saver when apps freeze!)
2. Navigating Your Mac Like a Pro
Using these shortcuts, you can move around your Mac faster than ever. If you use multiple apps or have tons of windows open, these will make your life so much easier.
- Command (⌘) + Tab → Switch between open applications
- Command (⌘) + ` (Backtick) → Switch between windows of the same application
- Command (⌘) + H → Hide the current application
- Command (⌘) + M → Minimize the current window
- Command (⌘) + Space → Open Spotlight Search (Find anything in seconds!)
- Command (⌘) + Option + D → Show/hide the Dock
3. Productivity-Boosting Shortcuts
These shortcuts will supercharge your productivity and help you get things done faster.
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 → Take a screenshot of the entire screen
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 → Take a screenshot of a selected area
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 → Open the screenshot toolbar (Best option for recording!)
- Command (⌘) + T → Open a new tab (Works in Safari, Chrome, and Finder!)
- Command (⌘) + Shift + T → Reopen the last closed tab (Life-saver when you accidentally close something important!)
- Command (⌘) + F → Find text in a document or webpage
Image source: Wikipedia
4. File and Folder Management Shortcuts
If you work with files a lot, these will make you feel like a Mac genius.
- Command (⌘) + N → Open a new Finder window
- Command (⌘) + Shift + N → Create a new folder
- Command (⌘) + Delete → Move files to the Trash
- Command (⌘) + Shift + Delete → Empty the Trash
- Command (⌘) + I → Get file info (size, type, etc.)
- Command (⌘) + D → Duplicate a file
Final Thoughts: Master These Shortcuts and Save Time
If you’ve made it this far, congrats! You now know some of the best Mac keyboard shortcuts out there. Trust me, once you start using them daily, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
In conclusion, these are the best shortcuts that I think are important for you to use, so I know there are other shortcuts, but these are the most necessary ones.
👉 What’s your favorite Mac shortcut? Drop a comment below and let’s chat! Also, don’t forget to share this article with your fellow Mac users!
See More
- The Most Sought-After Vintage Keyboards for Collectors
- Keyboard Sound Tests: Why They Matter
- Mechanical Keyboards in Pop Culture: Movies, TV Shows & Games
FAQs
▶ How do I create my own Mac keyboard shortcuts?
Click on System Preferences → Keyboard → Shortcuts, then choose “App Shortcuts” to customize your own commands.
▶ What if a shortcut isn’t working?
Check your keyboard settings in System Preferences. Also, some shortcuts change depending on the app you’re using!
▶ Are there shortcuts for opening apps quickly?
Yes! Use Command (⌘) + Space to open Spotlight Search and type the app’s name—it’ll open instantly!
🚀 Want more Mac tips? Check out this Wikipedia page on Mac keyboard shortcuts.
🔗 Also, don’t forget to explore more awesome content on Keyboards Technology!
📢 If you loved this article, hit that share button and help your friends level up their Mac game!
