Keyboard shortcuts are a quick and efficient way to perform tasks on your computer. If you’re using an Apple computer, there are several basic keyboard shortcuts that can help you be more productive and efficient. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most useful and commonly used keyboard shortcuts for Apple computers.
Command + C (Copy) / Command + V (Paste)
The Command + C and Command + V shortcuts are two of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts. The Command + C shortcut allows you to copy selected text or objects, while the Command + V shortcut allows you to paste that text or objects elsewhere.
To use these shortcuts, first select the text or object you want to copy. Then, press Command + C to copy it. To paste the text or object somewhere else, simply place your cursor where you want it to go and press Command + V.
Command + X (Cut) / Command + Shift + V (Paste and Match Style)
The Command + X shortcut allows you to cut selected text or objects, which means they are removed from their current location and copied to your clipboard. You can then paste them somewhere else using the Command + V shortcut.
If you want to paste text or objects without the original formatting, you can use the Command + Shift + V shortcut instead. This shortcut is also known as “Paste and Match Style.”
Command + Z (Undo) / Command + Shift + Z (Redo)
The Command + Z shortcut allows you to undo your most recent action. For example, if you accidentally delete a paragraph of text, you can use this shortcut to undo the deletion and restore the text.
If you want to redo an action that you’ve just undone, you can use the Command + Shift + Z shortcut. This is particularly useful if you’ve accidentally undone an action and need to restore it quickly.
Command + Tab (Switch between applications)
The Command + Tab shortcut allows you to quickly switch between open applications. When you press these keys together, a window will appear showing all the applications that are currently open. You can then use the Tab key to cycle through the applications, or use the mouse to click on the one you want to switch to.
This shortcut is particularly useful when you’re working with multiple applications at the same time and need to switch between them quickly.
Command + Space (Spotlight)
The Command + Space shortcut opens Spotlight, which is a search function built into macOS. You can use Spotlight to search for files, applications, emails, and more.
To use Spotlight, simply press Command + Space and start typing your search term. As you type, Spotlight will show you results that match your search criteria.
Option + Command + Esc (Force Quit)
If an application becomes unresponsive or crashes, you can use the Option + Command + Esc shortcut to force quit it. This will close the application immediately, without giving it a chance to save any unsaved data.
To use this shortcut, press Option + Command + Esc. A window will appear showing all the applications that are currently open. Select the application you want to force quit and click on the “Force Quit” button.
Control + Command + Space (Emoji & Symbols)
The Control + Command + Space shortcut opens the Emoji & Symbols panel, which allows you to insert emojis, special characters, and symbols into your text.
To use this shortcut, simply press Control + Command + Space. The Emoji & Symbols panel will appear, and you can select the character you want to insert by clicking on it.
Keyboard shortcuts are an essential tool for anyone who wants to be more efficient on their computer. These basic keyboard shortcuts for Apple computers can help you save time and streamline your workflow. By practicing and incorporating these shortcuts into your daily routine.
Command + Q: Quit Application
This shortcut will close the active application you are using. This shortcut can save you time by allowing you to quit an application quickly without needing to navigate through menus to do so. This is particularly useful if you have multiple applications open at the same time and want to close them all quickly.
Command + Space: Spotlight Search
This shortcut opens the Spotlight Search feature on your Mac, which allows you to search for files, applications, contacts, and more. You can use this shortcut to quickly search for and open files or applications without having to navigate through multiple folders or menus. You can also use it to perform calculations or look up information online.
Command + Tab: Switch Between Applications
This shortcut allows you to quickly switch between open applications on your Mac. Hold down the Command key and press the Tab key to cycle through open applications. Release both keys when you have selected the application you want to switch to. This is particularly useful if you have multiple applications open at the same time and need to switch between them quickly.
Command + Option + Esc: Force Quit
This shortcut will force quit the active application you are using. This is particularly useful if an application becomes unresponsive or freezes, and you cannot close it normally. It will close the application immediately, without giving it the chance to save any unsaved data.
Command + Shift + N: Create New Folder
This shortcut allows you to quickly create a new folder in the active Finder window. This is particularly useful if you are organizing files and need to create a new folder quickly.
Command + Shift + 3: Screenshot Entire Screen
This shortcut will take a screenshot of the entire screen on your Mac and save it as a file on your desktop. This is useful if you need to take a quick screenshot of your entire screen without needing to use third-party software.
Command + Shift + 4: Screenshot Selected Area
This shortcut will allow you to take a screenshot of a selected area on your Mac. You can drag your mouse to select the area you want to capture, and the screenshot will be saved as a file on your desktop. This is useful if you need to take a screenshot of a specific area of your screen.
Command + Shift + T: Reopen Closed Tab
This shortcut will reopen the last tab you closed in your web browser. This is particularly useful if you accidentally close a tab and want to reopen it quickly.
Command + Delete: Move File to Trash
This shortcut will move the selected file to the Trash folder on your Mac. This is useful if you want to quickly delete a file without needing to drag it to the Trash folder manually.
Command + Option + D: Show/Hide Dock
This shortcut will show or hide the Dock on your Mac. This is useful if you need more screen space or want to quickly access an application that is in your Dock.
By learning and using these basic keyboard shortcuts, you can significantly increase your productivity on your Mac. You can also customize some of these shortcuts and create your own to fit your workflow.