Keyboard Command For Mac



MacBook owners have a number of tools that come in very handy for using their laptops efficiently and for maintaining the operating system to keep it running in top shape. These MacBook keyboard shortcuts for the Finder, a maintenance checklist, and a “translation” of the modifier keys will speed you on your way to becoming a MacBook power user.

Quit any Mac program. Command-Q: If you’re coming from a Windows computer, you might have. Plug your keyboard into the USB port on your Mac, Macbook, iMac, Mac Pro, Mac Mini, or whatever. 30 keyboard shortcuts Mac users need to know This collection of keyboard shortcuts for macOS can help users get the most from their iMacs, MacBook Pro and MacBook laptops. Safe mode: shift. Safe mode is a way of starting up your Mac that makes sure it performs certain.

Mac OS X Finder Keyboard Shortcuts

Command

Keyboard Command For Imac

The Mac OS X Lion Finder helps you access and organize most of the important Mac OS X functions while you work. Use Finder keyboard shortcuts to display windows, copy and move files, and launch applications. These keyboard shortcuts help you get things done more efficiently.

Command
KeyFunction
Command+ASelects all items in the active window (icon view), all items
in the column (column view), or all items in the list (cover flow
view)
Command+CCopies selected items
Command+DDuplicates the selected item(s)
Command+EEjects the selected volume
Command+FDisplays the Find dialog
Command+HHides All Finder windows
Command+IShows info for selected item or items
Command+JShows the view options for the active window
Command+KDisplays the Connect to Server dialog
Command+LCreates an alias for the selected item
Command+MMinimizes the active window
Command+NOpens a new Finder window
Command+OOpens (or launches) the selected item
Command+RShows the original for selected alias
Command+TAdds the selected item to the Sidebar
Command+VPastes items from the Clipboard
Command+WCloses the active window
Command+XCuts the selected items
Command+ZUndoes the last action (if possible)
Command+,Displays Finder Preferences
Command+1Shows the active window in icon mode
Command+2Shows the active window in list mode
Command+3Shows the active window in column mode
Command+4Shows the active window in cover flow mode
Command+[Moves back to the previous Finder location
Command+]Moves forward to the next Finder location
Command+DelMoves selected items to the Trash
Command+up-arrowShow enclosing folder
Command+`Cycles through windows
Command+?Displays the Mac OS X Help Viewer
Command+Shift+ATakes you to your Applications folder
Command+Shift+CTakes you to the top-level Computer location
Command+Shift+GTakes you to a folder that you specify
Command+Shift+HTakes you to your Home folder
Command+Shift+IConnects you to your iDisk
Command+Shift+QLogs you out
Command+Shift+NCreates a new untitled folder in the active window
Command+Shift+UTakes you to your Utilities folder
Command+Shift+DelDeletes the contents of the Trash
Command+Option+HHides all windows except the Finder’s window(s)
Command+Option+NCreates a new Smart Folder
Command+Option+THides the Finder window toolbar
Command+Option+SpaceOpens the Spotlight window
Command+SpaceOpens the Spotlight menu
F8Choose another desktop using Spaces
Control+up-arrow (or F3, depending on your keyboard model)Displays the Mission Control screen
Control+down-arrow (or Control+F3, depending on your keyboard
model)
Shows all open windows for the current application using
Mission Control
F11 (or Command+F3, depending on your keyboard model)Hides all windows to display the Desktop using Mission
Control
F12 (or F4, depending on your keyboard model)Displays your Dashboard widgets
SpaceQuick Look

Strange-Looking Keys on the MacBook Keyboard

KeyboardKeyboard shortcuts for macbook

New to the Macintosh world? Some keys on the MacBook keyboard may be mystifying. Whether you’re using Snow Leopard or an older version of Mac OS X, recognizing and using modifier keys will make your job easier. Here’s a look at the modifier keys on both MacBook and desktop keyboards:

Mac OS X Maintenance Checklist

Maintenance is vital if you want to keep Mac OS X Lion in tip-top condition for as long as possible. Maintaining your MacBook keeps it running fast and smooth. Basic housekeeping includes regular back-ups plus some other, less familiar, tasks. Check this table often, or print it and keep a copy near your laptop!

Mac Maintenance TaskSchedule
Check for updates with Software UpdateOnce a day (automatic setting)
Back up with Time MachineAutomatic
Defragment (Micromat TechTool Pro/Prosoft Engineering Drive
Genius 3)
Once a week
Repair Disk Permissions (Disk Utility)Once a week
Delete Unnecessary User Accounts (System Preferences)As necessary
Scan for viruses (Intego VirusBarrier X6, ClamXav 2)Automatic
Check all volumes (Disk Utility/ Micromat TechTool Pro)Once a week
Check for the latest drivers for your hardwareOnce a month (or after installing new hardware)
Delete temporary Internet cache files (Prosoft Engineering
Drive Genius 3)
Once a month
Command

To use any of these key combinations, press and hold the keys immediately after pressing the power button to turn on your Mac, or after your Mac begins to restart. Keep holding until the described behavior occurs.

  • Command (⌘)-R: Start up from the built-in macOS Recovery system. Or use Option-Command-R or Shift-Option-Command-R to start up from macOS Recovery over the Internet. macOS Recovery installs different versions of macOS, depending on the key combination you use while starting up. If your Mac is using a firmware password, you're prompted to enter the password.
  • Option (⌥) or Alt: Start up to Startup Manager, which allows you to choose other available startup disks or volumes. If your Mac is using a firmware password, you're prompted to enter the password.
  • Option-Command-P-R:Reset NVRAM or PRAM. If your Mac is using a firmware password, it ignores this key combination or starts up from macOS Recovery.
  • Shift (⇧): Start up in safe mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.
  • D: Start up to the Apple Diagnostics utility. Or use Option-Dto start up to this utility over the Internet. Disabled when using a firmware password.
  • N: Start up from a NetBoot server, if your Mac supports network startup volumes. To use the default boot image on the server, hold down Option-N instead. Disabled when using a firmware password.
  • Command-S: Start up in single-user mode. Disabled in macOS Mojave or later, or when using a firmware password.
  • T: Start up in target disk mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.
  • Command-V: Start up in verbose mode. Disabled when using a firmware password.
  • Eject (⏏) or F12 or mouse button or trackpad button: Eject removable media, such as an optical disc. Disabled when using a firmware password.

If a key combination doesn't work

If a key combination doesn't work at startup, one of these these solutions might help:

Keyboard Shortcut For Macro

  • Be sure to press and hold all keys in the combination together, not one at a time.
  • Shut down your Mac. Then press the power button to turn on your Mac. Then press and hold the keys as your Mac starts up.
  • Wait a few seconds before pressing the keys, to give your Mac more time to recognize the keyboard as it starts up. Some keyboards have a light that flashes briefly at startup, indicating that the keyboard is recognized and ready for use.
  • If you're using a wireless keyboard, plug it into your Mac, if possible. Or use your built-in keyboard or a wired keyboard. If you're using a keyboard made for a PC, such as a keyboard with a Windows logo, try a keyboard made for Mac.
  • If you're using Boot Camp to start up from Microsoft Windows, set Startup Disk preferences to start up from macOS instead. Then shut down or restart and try again.

Remember that some key combinations are disabled when your Mac is using a firmware password.

Keyboard Shortcuts For Macbook

Learn more

Keyboard Commands For Mac

  • Learn what to do if your Mac doesn't turn on.
  • Learn about Mac keyboard shortcuts that you can use after your Mac has started up.