Commands For Mac Keyboard
Mac Commands Cheat Sheet
Shortcuts Mac Keyboard Symbols

If you’re trying to learn Mac keyboard shortcuts, this is a problem, so here’s a quick reference. To start, here are the main modifier keys, which you’re likely to see most often: ⌘ means Command ⌥ means Option (also called “Alt”) ⌃ means Control ⇧ means Shift. Keyboard shortcuts are essential for being productive on any device with a keyboard, whether it’s a Windows PC or a Mac. Use these keyboard shortcuts to get around your Mac more quickly. Many Mac keyboard shortcuts work just like the Windows ones but use the Command and Option keys. Other keyboard shortcuts are entirely different. 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.

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.

Mac OS X Finder Keyboard Shortcuts

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.

Key	Function
Command+A	Selects 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+C	Copies selected items
Command+D	Duplicates the selected item(s)
Command+E	Ejects the selected volume
Command+F	Displays the Find dialog
Command+H	Hides All Finder windows
Command+I	Shows info for selected item or items
Command+J	Shows the view options for the active window
Command+K	Displays the Connect to Server dialog
Command+L	Creates an alias for the selected item
Command+M	Minimizes the active window
Command+N	Opens a new Finder window
Command+O	Opens (or launches) the selected item
Command+R	Shows the original for selected alias
Command+T	Adds the selected item to the Sidebar
Command+V	Pastes items from the Clipboard
Command+W	Closes the active window
Command+X	Cuts the selected items
Command+Z	Undoes the last action (if possible)
Command+,	Displays Finder Preferences
Command+1	Shows the active window in icon mode
Command+2	Shows the active window in list mode
Command+3	Shows the active window in column mode
Command+4	Shows the active window in cover flow mode
Command+[	Moves back to the previous Finder location
Command+]	Moves forward to the next Finder location
Command+Del	Moves selected items to the Trash
Command+up-arrow	Show enclosing folder
Command+`	Cycles through windows
Command+?	Displays the Mac OS X Help Viewer
Command+Shift+A	Takes you to your Applications folder
Command+Shift+C	Takes you to the top-level Computer location
Command+Shift+G	Takes you to a folder that you specify
Command+Shift+H	Takes you to your Home folder
Command+Shift+I	Connects you to your iDisk
Command+Shift+Q	Logs you out
Command+Shift+N	Creates a new untitled folder in the active window
Command+Shift+U	Takes you to your Utilities folder
Command+Shift+Del	Deletes the contents of the Trash
Command+Option+H	Hides all windows except the Finder’s window(s)
Command+Option+N	Creates a new Smart Folder
Command+Option+T	Hides the Finder window toolbar
Command+Option+Space	Opens the Spotlight window
Command+Space	Opens the Spotlight menu
F8	Choose 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
Space	Quick Look

Strange-Looking Keys on the MacBook Keyboard

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 Task	Schedule
Check for updates with Software Update	Once a day (automatic setting)
Back up with Time Machine	Automatic
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 hardware	Once a month (or after installing new hardware)
Delete temporary Internet cache files (Prosoft Engineering Drive Genius 3)	Once a month

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For information about keyboard accessibility, see How to: Use Keyboard Navigation.

You can access a variety of commands in Visual Studio for Mac by using the appropriate keyboard shortcut. This document lists the default shortcuts for the Visual Studio for Mac key binding scheme. For more information about how to change the key binding scheme, see Customizing the IDE. You can also customize shortcuts for a command using the Visual Studio for Mac > Preferences menu item and choosing Environment > Key Bindings in the Preferences window.

Tip

The keyboard shortcuts displayed in this document, and the key binding preferences in Visual Studio for Mac, are presented using the symbols commonly used in macOS. If you are unsure of a symbol, review the macOS key symbols loopkup table.

Downloadable quick ref pdfs

We have compiled the most used, and most useful, keyboard shortcuts into a downloadable pdf file. We have two versions,one that shows shortcuts for Visual Studio for Mac, and a version that shows Visual Studio shorts side-by-side for usersthat have prior experience with Visual Studio when using Windows.

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Commands	Keyboard shortcuts

Commands For Mac Keyboard