Summary
Mastering Mac keyboard shortcuts can massively boost your productivity. Whether you’re managing files, editing text, or navigating your system, these shortcuts save time and reduce mouse dependency. This cheatsheet organizes the most essential Mac shortcuts into clear categories to help you move faster and work smarter.
Basic Navigation Shortcuts
Quickly move between apps, windows, and system elements.
- Command (⌘) + Tab — Switch between open apps
- Command (⌘) + ` (backtick) — Switch between windows of the same app
- Command (⌘) + H — Hide the active app
- Command (⌘) + M — Minimize the active window
- Command (⌘) + Option + Esc — Force quit an app
Text Editing Shortcuts
Speed up writing, editing, and navigating through text.
- Command (⌘) + C — Copy
- Command (⌘) + V — Paste
- Command (⌘) + X — Cut
- Command (⌘) + Z — Undo
- Command (⌘) + Shift + Z — Redo
- Command (⌘) + A — Select all
- Option + Left/Right Arrow — Move cursor word by word
- Command (⌘) + Left/Right Arrow — Jump to start/end of a line
- Command (⌘) + Up/Down Arrow — Jump to start/end of a document
Finder and File Management Shortcuts
Manage files and folders without lifting your fingers off the keyboard.
- Command (⌘) + N — New Finder window
- Command (⌘) + Shift + N — New folder
- Command (⌘) + Delete — Move selected item to Trash
- Command (⌘) + Shift + Delete — Empty Trash
- Spacebar — Quick Look (preview selected item)
- Command (⌘) + D — Duplicate selected file
- Command (⌘) + I — Get info on selected file
Screenshot Shortcuts
Capture your screen quickly and flexibly.
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 — Screenshot entire screen
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 — Screenshot a selected portion
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then Spacebar — Screenshot a window
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 — Open Screenshot toolbar (capture or record screen)
Browser Shortcuts (Safari / Chrome)
Browse the internet faster with these essential shortcuts.
- Command (⌘) + T — Open new tab
- Command (⌘) + W — Close current tab
- Command (⌘) + Shift + T — Reopen last closed tab
- Command (⌘) + R — Reload page
- Command (⌘) + L — Jump to address bar
- Command (⌘) + Option + Right/Left Arrow — Switch between tabs
Power User Shortcuts
Become a Mac ninja by mastering these advanced commands.
- Command (⌘) + Spacebar — Open Spotlight search
- Control + Command (⌘) + Q — Lock your Mac screen
- Command (⌘) + Option + M — Minimize all windows
- Command (⌘) + Option + D — Show/hide Dock
- Command (⌘) + Option + Esc — Force Quit applications
- Command (⌘) + Control + Power Button — Restart your Mac
Bonus: Mission Control Shortcuts
Manage windows and spaces like a pro.
- Control + Up Arrow — Open Mission Control
- Control + Down Arrow — See all windows for current app
- Control + Left/Right Arrow — Switch between spaces (Desktops)
Conclusion
Keyboard shortcuts are tiny time investments that deliver massive productivity returns. By learning even just a few from each section, you’ll find your Mac workflow becoming smoother, faster, and more satisfying every day. Bookmark this cheatsheet and keep practicing until these commands feel like second nature.
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