Mac os x keyboard shortcut. Mac OS Hotkeys
Using keyboard shortcuts can improve the convenience of working in the operating system by reducing the time it takes to perform various operations. Instead of searching a menu for an item to perform an action, you press a few buttons and perform it instantly. In this article we will talk about the main macOS hotkeys that work in system applications.
The Mac keyboard is different from the standard PC keyboard. It has fewer keys and no function block. The navigation, “Printscreen” and Delete buttons included in it are replaced by combinations. Standard keys that are also present on the PC are shown in green in the screenshot. Specific ones that are only available on Apple keyboards are marked in red:
- Option ⌥ . System-wide modifier. In many menus, pressing this button changes items, opening additional functionality.
- Command ⌘ . Similar to the Win key. Most keyboard shortcuts on a MacBook require it.
The screenshot below shows how the OS menu items change when the Option button is pressed. On the left is standard command output, and on the right is extended output.
Finder
In the Apple operating system, Finder performs the same role as Explorer in Windows. This is a constantly running file manager. Most of the operations performed in it require the use of the Command key and have a logical justification in English:
- ⌘ +C (Copy) – create a copy of a file or document on the clipboard;
- ⌘ +V – paste from buffer;
- ⌘ +X (Excise) – cut the selected object from the current window. In practice, Finder performs this operation by default for files. The selected object is immediately transferred to a new window.
- ⌘ +A (All) – select all files in the current window;
- ⌘ +Z (Zero) – return to the original (zero) state. Undoes the user's last action.
- ⌘ +E (Eject) – eject or disconnect the selected external media;
- ⌘ +T (Tab) – creates a new tab in the current window;
- ⌘ +F (Find) – launches the search dialog in the Finder;
- ⌘ +I (Inspector) – displays the properties of the selected file in a separate window;
- ⌘ +Y – launch quick view. Functions similarly to the space bar;
- ⌘ +M (Minimize) – allows you to minimize the current window to the Dock panel;
- ⌘ +O (Open) – open the selected file in the default program.
To save screen space, you can shorten the side menu, leaving only frequently used folders in it, and use keyboard shortcuts to navigate to other sections. Clicking Option opens access to the system library, which is hidden by default.
Similarly, you can use keyboard shortcuts to change the way files are displayed in the Finder window.
The following screenshot shows the Cover Flow preview mode launched by pressing the ⌘4 combination.
Useful combinations
Any MacBook, regardless of version (Air or Pro), uses the same keyboard and operating system. There is no division between home and professional versions of macOS. Therefore, the keyboard shortcuts will work absolutely identically on any model.
Screen lock
Sleep mode works well on Mac. When leaving the laptop, you can close the lid and, upon returning, continue working from the same place without worrying about the safety of your files. However, sometimes just locking the screen is enough. For example, if you take a break from your work for a few minutes, but don’t want to show it to anyone.
The combination Control + Command + Q gives this opportunity. A lock window is displayed on the monitor, and after the required time, the screen saver will start. The keyboard shortcut Shift + Control + Power allows you to achieve a similar result. In this case, the power of the monitor is turned off and it goes out, bypassing the screen saver stage. If the specified checkbox is checked in the settings, you will only be able to access the laptop with a password.
Forced termination of programs
Any program, including one that has stopped responding, can be forcibly terminated on a Mac. To do this, click on the apple logo in the menu bar and select the marked item. As you can see in the screenshot, this operation can also be performed using hot keys.
Option + Command + Esc brings up a simplified version of the task manager. In it we find the program that requires completion and press the marked button.
Often this operation has to be done with the built-in QuickTime video player. After closing the main window, it tends to remain in memory without being displayed in the Dock.
Fine tuning
Adjusting the sound, key backlighting, and screen brightness on the Air or other iMac has sixteen positions between “Min” and “Max” values. Control is carried out by the corresponding function keys of the top row. If you hold down the Shift + Option keys while making adjustments, each control position will be divided into four parts.
Thus, you get not 16, but 64 adjustment points. When the additional buttons are released, the system will first fill in the incomplete division and then automatically switch to normal mode.
Screenshots
As we said earlier, Apple computers do not have a separate key for taking screenshots. The following combinations are used for screenshots:
- Command + Shift + 3 . Screenshot of the entire desktop;
- Command + Shift + 4 . Snapshot of the selected area;
- Command + Shift + 4 + Space. A snapshot of the selected window or menu item.
Boot Modes
When you start macOS, before the apple logo first appears, you can select a boot mode. These combinations can be useful not only for reinstallation or troubleshooting:
- Option. Selecting a boot volume for systems with two operating systems installed. Thus, you can choose between macOS and Windows installed on the BootCamp partition;
- T. Starting the system in external volume mode. If you connect the problem Mac to a working Mac, you can boot from its hard drive and perform initial diagnostics;
- Shift . Starts the OS in safe mode;
- Command + R . Recovery from hard drive;
- Option + Command + R . Internet Recovery mode. Reinstalling or restoring macOS from Apple servers.
Shutdown
In normal mode, your MacBook can be turned off or restarted using the system menu. To do this, it contains all the options available to the user.
For these purposes, you can also use various combinations:
- Control + Power. Calls up the shutdown menu in a separate window;
- Control + Command + Power . An analogue of the “three-finger combination” for Windows. Causes a forced reboot;
- Option + Command + Power. Switching to sleep mode without closing the lid;
- Shift + Command + Q . End the user session with a warning;
Logout of the user without warning. When you log in again, previously opened windows are automatically restored.
Keyboard settings
In the Sierra version, Apple changed the language switching combination familiar to many Mac users. Instead of Command, the Control key was used in combination with the spacebar. Many users first change this setting to a familiar and convenient one.
- Open System Preferences and select the marked item.
- Let's move on to the "Keyboard Shortcuts" section. In the navigation area, select the item that interests us. In the right part of the window, specified and possible, but not preset, combinations will open. For example, launching Launchpad from the keyboard is possible, but there is no default shortcut for it. We tick it and open the editing field. Enter a combination that is convenient for you.
- If desired, you can set hotkeys yourself. For example, the Finder has a “Compress” option, which does not have its own combination. If the need for archiving arises constantly, then it can be created. Switch to the marked section. Using the “+” button we call up an additional menu. Select a program. Enter the exact name of the item and set the desired combination.
- The result of the manipulations performed is visible immediately; a reboot is not required. Using a given combination, you can quickly create archives.
- In the first section of the keyboard settings, you can set the principle of using the top row of function keys. By default, they are used to quickly access system settings such as media or lighting controls. Their traditional role is activated by pressing the Fn key in the lower left corner. In some graphic editors, these buttons are used quite actively. In order not to use a combination of two keys every time, you can return them to their direct assignment. To do this, put a tick in the place indicated by the arrow. Now, to add volume, you need to use not F12, but Fn + F12.
- Here, lovers of experiments can independently reassign the role of modifier keys. Clicking on the marked button will bring up an additional menu. Using drop-down lists, you can set new values. For example, swap Command and Control.
Finally
Using different keyboard shortcuts is a matter of habit. If this is not directly necessary, then you can do without them just fine. The convenience of macOS is that they are listed in the menu of each program and can be easily remembered if desired.
Video instruction
If the topic in question interests you, the overview video below will help you learn more about how hotkeys work and find the most useful ones.
Hello friends, I’ll try to tell you in detail how to use Mac hotkeys to simplify and even speed up your work, or the daily use of your computer. Namely, I will show you the combinations of buttons on a MacBook.
First, let's figure out what it is. Simply put, these are keyboard shortcuts that perform a programmed action when pressed. The menu, interface and buttons are partially duplicated.
Now a few words about the principle of operation of MacBook hotkeys. It's simple, the following Mac keyboard shortcuts are built into the Mac OS X system by Apple, to use them you just need to know about them. Below I will give the most basic combinations that are useful in everyday work with the system, as well as when working with the standard Mac OS X browser - Safari.
Basic keyboard shortcuts on a MacBook.
There is often a need to take a screenshot of the screen, here are useful combinations:
- Command + Shift + 3 - a regular screenshot of the desktop with all open windows;
- Command + Shift + 4 - hold these buttons, your cursor will change appearance and then use your mouse to select the area you want to take a screenshot of;
- Command + Shift + 4 + Space - Takes a screenshot of the selected window.
The following Mac hotkeys are useful for working with files or programs:
- Cmd + C, Cmd + V – by analogy with Windows combinations, copy a file or text and paste a file or text, respectively;
- Ctrl + Cmd + F – opens a running program or window in full screen;
- Cmd + Q is the fastest way to close the selected window and program;
- Cmd + alt + esc – in case any window or application freezes, it forcibly closes them.
- Ctrl + Spacebar is an easy way to use Spotlight's proprietary search;
- Ctrl + Cmd + “space” - opens a window with the now so popular emoji in any application where you type text.
Mac hotkeys for Safari browser.
Typically, MacBook users use the default Safari browser.
Check out the MacBook Safari shortcuts. Many of them work in other browsers, for example Chrome and Yandex.
- Ctrl + Tab – allows you to switch between open Safari tabs;
- Ctrl + Shift + Tab – this combination has the same effect, only in reverse order;
- Command + W – this combination of buttons on a MacBook easily closes the currently selected tab;
- Command + T – on the contrary, opens a new tab in your browser;
- Command + R – refresh the page in one motion;
- Command + L – the address bar is selected and you can immediately enter your search query or website address.
I hope these MacBook keyboard shortcuts will help you work faster.
Now I will tell you how to assign your combinations or, as they are called, shortcuts.
Open “Settings” - “Keyboard”, select the “Keyboard Shortcuts” tab. To assign a shortcut for any application, in the left column, click on the “App Shortcuts” item.
Now click “+”, a window will open in which you select the application you are interested in, then write the exact name of the menu item or action, button for which you want to assign a shortcut. And enter the desired combination. Click “add” and use it.
Hotkeys are one of the easiest ways to expand your capabilities, for both beginners and experienced users. Keyboard shortcuts help you quickly access various functions, manage running programs, and manage content you are editing.
Mac OS, like Windows, offers the user a wide range of functional combinations both for everyday actions and for debugging the system.
Using keyboard shortcuts is a universal tool that works on all Apple computers, both MacBooks and desktop PCs. The combinations below are relevant for absolutely all versions of this OS, including OS X.
The keys listed in this section must be known to every user, since they perform actions that are important for the operation of the system and basic interaction with it.
In total, there are five keys in this system designed to create functional combinations:
- “Command” is a key that is analogous to the “Win” button in the device system on a Mac. Pressing it once brings up the main menu, and it is used in most combinations associated with basic system settings. Further in the text – abbreviated “Cmd”;
- “Shift” is a button for temporarily changing case, familiar to users;
- “Option” is a substitute for “Alt” for apple products. Performs almost the same functions, however, it is also associated with a large number of unique combinations and additional features, more about which below;
- “Control” is another common keyboard element for all types of operating systems;
- “Fn” is the system shortcut key for a specific device, mainly for laptops. Combinations with this button are individual for each specific device, and depend on its model.
Normal Operations
| Combination | Function |
|---|---|
| Cmd+X | The selected element is completely removed from its location, remaining on the clipboard for pasting |
| Cmd+C | Copy the selected item or file. This combination is available for all applications |
| Cmd+V | Place information from the clipboard into the highlighted area |
| Cmd+Z | Undoes any previous manipulation of a folder, file, or fragment. The combination Cmd+Shift+Z will invalidate this function. |
| Cmd+A | Selects the entire collection of elements in the current location |
| Cmd+F | Launches a tool or search string on a system or specific program |
| Cmd+G | Shows the next option found in the search. Show previous search item – “Cmd+Shift+G” |
| Cmd+H | Remove the currently open window. It will no longer be displayed, but will not be closed. “Cmd+Option+H” – hide all open programs except the currently active one |
| Cmd+M | Minimize: Hide the selected window to the main Dock. “Cmd+Option+M” – start minimizing all currently open windows |
| Cmd+N | New: open a new blank document in the active program, or a folder in the directory being viewed |
| Cmd+O | Open: run the selected file using the appropriate program or open the selected folder |
| Cmd+P | Print: Send a document or graphic file to a connected printer |
| Cmd+S | Save: remember the last changes to a file or editing process |
| Cmd+W | Completely remove a specific window |
| Cmd+Q | Closing an active application |
| Option+Cmd+Esc | Open a menu to turn off programs that do not respond and do not close on their own |
| Cmd+Tab | Go from current program to last used |
| Shift+Cmd+“~” | Switch between running application windows |
| Shift+Cmd+3 | Take a screenshot of the current image on the screen |
| Cmd+ "," | Settings: launches the settings menu of the active application or system element |
When the device starts
| Hold | Description |
|---|---|
| Shift (⇧) | Booting the system in safe use mode |
| Option (⌥) | Launching the boot disk selection interface |
| D | Activating system testing to detect errors |
| N | Loading and starting the system from a special NetBoot server |
| Cmd+V | Restarting the OS with a detailed log entry |
| Cmd+R | Using recovery tools built into the firmware |
| Cmd+S | System start for one user |
| Key "⏏" or F12 | Disconnecting removable information sources |
Additional functional combinations
In addition to the basic combinations for some programs and launching additional functions and applications, extended combinations are also provided. Such combinations will be useful for users who regularly interact with specific elements of the system and need quick access to them.
Application management
Let's look at the main standard applications and the key sequences for them. It should be noted right away that third-party programs may have their own functions for standard and additional combinations. Below are just the basic tools available by default.
Finder
The main manipulations with the tools of a standard search engine are assigned to the following combinations.
Table of hotkeys for management in the Finder system file manager.
Spotlight
Only two possibilities are reserved for this program:
Aperture
In this environment, such combinations are used for photo processing.
Table of key combinations for photo processing.
| Combination | Function |
|---|---|
| Cmd+Shift+E | Change the extension and current file format of a photo |
| Cmd+Shift+V | Switch between normal mode and creating or editing vector graphics |
| Cmd+Alt+I | Edit file sizes |
| Cmd+F | Transition to the full picture editing tools |
| Cmd combined with "+" | Zoom in. Take a closer look at small elements |
| Cmd combined with "-" | Zoom out. Show the photo in full or at a larger scale |
Advanced Options
The developers have provided special combinations that include this button, which help you work more efficiently with the file system.
- Pressing “Option” while expanding folders opens the entire branch of subfolders.
- This key, in combination with the volume icon, opens a menu for selecting sound devices.
- The combination with the Bluetooth activation button activates a submenu of additional functions for the wireless network.
- The combination of “Option” and the Apple icon gives quick access to information about system characteristics.
- When creating new files, holding this button shows a list of all possible extensions for the file being saved.
How to assign your own keys
MacOS functionality allows you to create keyboard shortcuts for working and launching individual programs in order to be able to quickly call up the tools that the user uses most often.
You can set your own combinations in the following way:
Video - Using hotkeys on Mac OS
Especially for users who want to speed up and simplify their work with the Mac OS X operating system, we have made a selection of the most useful keyboard shortcuts that will allow you to perform familiar actions several times faster and more conveniently.
To begin with, here is a list of the main system keys in OS X:
- Show hidden files in document selection windows.
Would you like to see hidden files when saving, or attach them to a letter? You can always quickly enable viewing of hidden files using a keyboard shortcut ⌘ Command+⇧ Shift+Point in any file selection window.
- Quickly jump to a folder.
If you press the keyboard shortcut in any Finder window ⌘ Command+⇧ Shift+G, then a folder navigation window will appear on the screen. The same combination can be used in the window when sending/saving a file.
- Instant slideshow.
If you select multiple images in the same folder and press the keyboard shortcut ⌘
Command+⌥
Option+Y, the slideshow will start playing in full screen mode.
- Focus on the running program.
Is a large number of running programs and windows bothering you? Then just press the combination ⌘ Command+⌥ Option+H in order to hide any applications or windows other than the currently active one.
- Hides the current window and application.
You can minimize a window/program in Mac OS X using the corresponding button in the upper left corner of the window, or by pressing the keys simultaneously ⌘ Command+H.
- Instant screen lock.
When you press a keyboard shortcut Control+⇧ Shift+Eject The password entry window immediately opens. Provided that the password was set in the system settings. Otherwise, the computer will simply go into sleep mode.
- Take a screenshot and save it to the clipboard.
This feature is most likely familiar to Windows operating system users. Since computer keyboards and some laptops have a key "Print Screen". On Macs, the keyboard is simplified as much as possible, and to perform the same action you need to simultaneously press ⌘ Command+Control+⇧ Shift+3. However, many users would rather prefer a combination ⌘ Command+⇧ Shift+3, in which the screenshot will be saved immediately on the desktop. When pressing keys ⌘ Command+⇧ Shift+4 The user will have the option to select a specific area of the screen to take a screenshot. When using a keyboard shortcut ⌘ Command+⇧ Shift+4+Space, you will be able to take a screenshot of open application windows.
- Copy/cut/paste files in Finder.
Many users since the days of Windows are familiar with the combinations Ctrl+C to copy a file, and Ctrl+V to paste it. In Mac OS X, the analogue of these combinations is ⌘ Command+C and⌘ Command+V. To cut a file and paste it into another folder, you need to copy it with the command ⌘ Command+C, and when pasting into the desired folder, press ⌘ Command+⌥ Option+V.
- Make the ~/Library folder visible.
On Mac OS X Lion and later, the Library folder is hidden by default, but you can easily make it visible again with a simple terminal command:
chflags nohidden ~/Library/
- Quickly move between windows of one application.
Using a keyboard shortcut ⌘ Command+` You can quickly switch between multiple browser or text editor windows. If your keyboard does not have such a key, you can always reassign the keyboard buttons in the system settings.
- Forced termination of programs.
If the application does not respond for a long time, then you can use the combination ⌘ Command+⌥ Option+⇧ Shift+Escape. These keys must be pressed for 2-3 seconds, after which the application will forcefully shut down. If you only press ⌘ Command+⌥ Option+Escape, then a window of running programs will appear, similar to the Windows task manager, through which you can also close “hanging” programs.
- Launch programs through Spotlight.
Spotlight on both Mac OS X and iOS lets you launch programs directly from search. To quickly open Spotlight, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Space.
Everyone knows that hotkeys are a very necessary function on any computer, including MacOS. The ability to work with hot keys takes the speed of working at the computer to a completely new level. However, from time to time, due to the large number of combinations, you can forget the right one, and then sit and poke your fingers at the seemingly correct key combination. I found a way to help.
Sometimes, as if on an exam, you need to take out a cheat sheet and look at all the programmed hot keys. Moreover, there are a very large number of programs on the computer and the key combinations in them are different. Of course, you can work with the right mouse button, but it takes a long time and you waste a lot of time.
The utility shows hotkeys on Mac OS X
Because of this, I recommend using a little program called CheatSheet. Its size is 4 MB and is completely free. It is simple to use - you just need to download and open it, the utility will automatically install and ask for access to the special features of Mac OS X. Here you need to overcome your paranoia and give it access.
iMac OS X | 4 MB | Free | Russian | Download
Then, in any application you need to press and hold the cmd ⌘ (Command) button for a few seconds, a window will appear with all the hot keys for this application.
However, there is a minus - the utility does not show universal hot keys, but only combinations that work in an open application. However, even without this there are more than enough combinations.
Hotkeys when loading Mac OS
| Hold during startup | Description |
|---|---|
| Shift ⇧ | Start in safe mode. |
| Option⌥ | Launch the Download Manager. |
| C | Run from a bootable CD, DVD, or USB flash drive (for example, run from OS X installation media). |
| D | Run diagnostics An Apple hardware function test or Apple Diagnostics, depending on your Mac model. |
| Option-D | Run diagnostics Functional test of Apple hardware or Apple Diagnostics over the Internet. |
| N | Run from a compatible NetBoot server. |
| Option-N | Running from a NetBoot server, the default boot image is applied. |
| Command (⌘)-R | Starting from the OS X recovery partition. |
| Command-Option-R | Run OS X Recovery via the Internet. |
| Command-Option-P-R | Reset NVRAM. Release the keys after the second startup beep. |
| Command-S | Run in single-user mode. |
| T | Run in external disk mode. |
| X | Start from the OS X boot volume when your Mac defaults to boot from another system's boot volume. |
| Command-V | Run in detailed logging mode. |
| Eject key (⏏), F12, mouse or trackpad button | Removing any removable storage media (eg optical disc). |