24 Useful Apple Key Shortcuts

Long, long ago, Kyle wrote an article about useful Windows keyboard shortcuts.  Being the new girl on the team and a self-proclaimed Apple fangirl, I feel it’s only fair that the Mac people get some love too.  With the new multi-touch track pads and “magic” mice, we’re now able to control much more of our computer actions with a swipe of a finger, but what happens if that “magic” runs out or if you just want to change your input method?

Keyboard shortcuts are another method of controlling your Mac with the same or less effort used with a mouse or trackpad.  The following are some well known and not so well known key combinations for your Mac. (*Note: the Command key is also known as the “Apple” key or the   key).

The Shortcuts

Command-W: Closes current window

Command-Option-W: Closes all windows

Command-Q: Quits current application

Command-M: Minimizes current window

Command-N (in Finder): Opens new finder window

Command-A: Selects all text, pictures or windows on the screen

Command-C: Copies selected text/pictures/files/folders

Command-V: Pastes copied or cut text/pictures/files/folders

Command-Z: Undo

Command-Space: Opens Spotlight

Command-Tab: Shows all open app icons in bar on screen (continue to hold Command and tap Tab to move through the open apps or use the arrow keys to highlight a specific app, hit enter or click and it will bring you directly to the app)

Command-F: when on your desktop – brings up a finder search window, when browsing the web or looking at a document – brings up the search box to search within that specific document or website

Command-I: Get Info on selected file/folder

Command-drag file: move file to new location

Option-Shift-Command-Esc (held for 3 secs): force quits current application

Option-Command-Eject: Start Sleep Mode

Control-Command-Eject: Quit all apps and restart

Control-Option-Command-Eject: Quit all apps and shut down

Control-Eject: bring up shutdown options window

Option-Shift-Command-Q: Quick Logout

Command-Delete: Move to Trash

Shift-Command-Delete: Empty Trash

Command-Shift-3: Take a picture of entire screen

Command-Shift-4: Select specific part of screen and take picture

There you have it, a list of popular keyboard shortcuts for your Mac.  So the next time you find yourself without the use of one of Apple’s magic multi-touch devices try using these keyboard shortcuts and you’ll be controlling your Mac seemlessly.

What are your favorite keyboard shortcuts?  Let us know in the comments.

Josie is an avid tech junkie and Apple fangirl.  She loves reading and writing about anything related to Web 2.0, social media, gadgets, and, of course – Apple.  You can read more of Josie’s work on her website, Geekulous or on Twitter – @geekfab.