Apple’s official shortcut list runs to dozens of entries, and most people will never need half of them. These 22 are the ones that earn their place. Every shortcut below is taken from Apple’s Mac keyboard shortcuts page, so none are guesses or folklore.
A quick note on how to read them: hold the modifier keys, then tap the last key. Command-C means hold Command and press C.
The basics you probably half-know
- Command-C / Command-X / Command-V: copy, cut and paste. Apple notes that copy and paste also work for files in the Finder.
- Command-Z: undo. Press Shift-Command-Z to redo. In some apps you can undo and redo several steps.
- Command-A: select all.
- Command-F: find in a document, or open a Find window.
- Command-S: save.
- Command-P: print.
Moving around faster
- Command-Tab: switch to the next most recently used app.
- Command-Grave accent (`): switch between windows of the app you are using. It is usually the key above Tab.
- Command-T: open a new tab.
- Command-W: close the front window. Add Option to close all windows of the app.
- Command-M: minimize the front window to the Dock.
- Command-H: hide the front app’s windows. Option-Command-H hides everything except the front app.
- Command-Space bar: show or hide Spotlight. Apple says that if Siri AI (Beta) is on, you can also start a conversation with Siri from the Spotlight field.
When things go wrong
- Option-Command-Esc: force quit an app. We have a full guide on force quitting on a Mac.
- Command-Q: quit the current app.
- Hold the power button: Apple says pressing and holding it forces your Mac to turn off, for example when it is not responding and you cannot choose Shut Down from the Apple menu. Use this as a last resort.
Finder and screen shortcuts
- Shift-Command-5: take a screenshot or screen recording. Shift-Command-3 and Shift-Command-4 also capture screenshots. If they stop working, see our screenshot troubleshooting guide.
- Shift-Command-N: create a new empty folder in the Finder.
- Control-Command-N: create a new folder that contains the selected items.
- Space bar: preview the selected item with Quick Look.
- Command-Comma (,): open settings for the front app.
- Control-Command-Space bar: open the Character Viewer for emoji and symbols.
The ones to learn first
If 22 feels like too many, start with Command-Tab, Command-Space bar and Command-Z. Those three alone will change how fast your Mac feels.
Using a Windows keyboard?
Apple notes that on keyboards made for Windows PCs, some keys map differently, so check Apple’s page for the modifier key equivalents.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut to force quit on a Mac?
Option-Command-Esc.
How do I open Spotlight?
Command-Space bar.
Can I change a shortcut that conflicts with another?
Yes. Apple’s page links to instructions on changing a conflicting keyboard shortcut.
Sources
Last checked November 3, 2026. Apple changes its instructions between updates, so if a menu looks different on your Mac, check the linked Apple page.
