macOS Tips and Tricks: Keyboard Shortcuts & Hidden Features

macOS

macOS is Apple’s Unix-based operating system for MacOS, computers. It combines a graphical desktop with built-in tools for organizing files, managing apps, keeping accounts secure, and working across Apple devices. This guide covers useful shortcuts, Finder features, screenshots, recovery tools, and settings for recent and older macOS releases.

macOS runs on Apple Mac computers, including MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Pro models. Some settings and startup procedures differ between Intel-based Macs and Macs with Apple silicon.

With plenty of features you may never stumble upon. Make the most of your Mac with these great tips, tricks tweaks and keyboard shortcuts

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Essential Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

These shortcuts handle common tasks. You can find a longer reference in the Mac Keyboard Shortcut section below.

Shortcut	What it does
Command + Space	Open Spotlight search
Command + Tab	Switch between open applications
Shift + Command + 5	Open screenshot and screen recording controls
Option + Command + Esc	Open Force Quit Applications
Option + Command + P	Show or hide the Finder Path Bar
Command + Delete	Move selected files to Trash
Shift + Command + Delete	Empty the Trash

Intel Macs vs. Apple Silicon Macs

Startup shortcuts and disk-sharing features depend on your Mac’s processor. Check Apple menu > About This Mac if you are unsure which type you own.

Task	Intel-based Mac	Apple silicon Mac
Open macOS Recovery	Restart and hold Command + R	Shut down, then hold power until startup options appear; choose Options
Choose a startup volume	Hold Option at startup	Hold power until startup options appear
Share a disk with another Mac	Target Disk Mode on supported models	Share Disk from macOS Recovery
Run older Intel applications	Runs compatible Intel apps natively	Rosetta may run compatible Intel apps where available

Mac Security and Maintenance Best Practices

Install compatible macOS and application updates, particularly security fixes.
Enable FileVault to help protect data stored on your startup disk.
Use Time Machine or another reliable backup method before major changes or file deletion.
Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication for your Apple Account. See our password recommendations.
Download applications from trustworthy sources, review privacy permissions, and avoid suspicious installers. Learn more about safe browsing.
Review storage through System Settings > General > Storage and remove files only when you are sure they are unnecessary.
Secure your network and review online privacy practices.

Common Mac Problems and Solutions

Problem	What to try
Mac is running slowly	Check Activity Monitor, restart, review login items, and free storage space.
Mac storage is nearly full	Open System Settings > General > Storage and review large files and unused apps.
App is not responding	Press Option + Command + Esc and select the app to force quit.
Screenshot was not saved where expected	Open Shift + Command + 5 > Options to review the save location.
External drive is missing	Check cable and power, then inspect the device in Disk Utility.
Keyboard shortcut fails	Check Keyboard Shortcuts settings and app-specific conflicts.
Cannot sign in	Use approved login recovery options for your account and Mac model.

Set Up Your Own Keyboard Commands

Open Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > App Shortcuts. Add a shortcut for an existing menu command in a particular app or all apps. The menu title must match exactly. App Shortcuts do not directly launch arbitrary applications; use Spotlight (Command + Space) to launch apps quickly.

Reset Your Password Without Logging In

If you forget your Mac login password, first try the reset options shown at the login window. For an Intel-based Mac, restart and hold Command + R to enter macOS Recovery. For a Mac with Apple silicon, shut down, then hold the power button until startup options appear and choose Options. Follow the recovery or account-reset prompts; available steps depend on FileVault, your Apple Account, and your Mac configuration. Never erase the Mac just to reset a password without checking your recovery options and backups. See our strong password guide.

Right Click on Mac

Open Apple menu > System Settings > Trackpad or Mouse, then turn on or configure Secondary click. On a trackpad you can also typically click with two fingers. On older macOS versions the equivalent controls appear under System Preferences.

The Emoji Picker

In many text fields, select Edit > Emoji & Symbols or press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer. On supported keyboards, the Fn or Globe key may also open emoji and symbols depending on your settings.

Install Apps on Mac

Install apps from the Mac App Store or a trusted developer’s official website. On newer macOS releases, use Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security to review settings for allowed applications. macOS Gatekeeper may ask you to confirm that a downloaded app is trusted. Avoid disabling system protections just to run an unfamiliar installer; see our unsafe browsing habits guide.

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Screenshot on Mac

Press Shift + Command + 3 to capture the screen, Shift + Command + 4 to select an area, or Shift + Command + 4 followed by Space to capture a window. Press Shift + Command + 5 to open screenshot and screen recording controls and choose where captures are saved.

Transfer Files Quickly

For supported Intel-based Macs, connect two Macs with an appropriate Thunderbolt cable, then hold T while starting the Intel Mac to enter Target Disk Mode. For Apple silicon Macs, use macOS Recovery > Utilities > Share Disk instead. AirDrop, Migration Assistant, and external drives may be simpler for ordinary transfers. Confirm cable and device compatibility before proceeding.

SMS Messages On Your Mac

Sign in to Messages using the same Apple Account on your Mac and iPhone, and enable the appropriate Messages and text message forwarding settings on your iPhone if required. On current iPhone software, check Settings > Apps > Messages; on older releases, Messages is directly under Settings. Features and menu names vary by operating system version and carrier.

The Inbuilt Password Manager

On macOS Sequoia and later, open Apple’s dedicated Passwords app to manage saved passwords, passkeys, verification codes, and shared credentials where supported. On older macOS versions, password controls are available in System Settings or System Preferences, and Safari. Secure your Mac and Apple Account, review phishing warning signs, use unique credentials, and read our password security tips.

Trash Files in Seconds

Select a file in Finder and press Command + Delete to move it to the Trash. Shift + Command + Delete empties the Trash, rather than permanently deleting only the selected file. Be careful: emptied files may be unrecoverable without a backup. For files you may need later, set up Time Machine before deleting them.

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Hot Corners

Open Apple menu > System Settings > Desktop & Dock, then scroll to Hot Corners (on supported macOS versions). Assign an action such as Mission Control, Desktop, or Lock Screen to a corner. On older macOS versions, look under System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver.

Update Your Computer’s Name

Open Apple menu > System Settings > General > About and edit the Name field. On older macOS versions, open System Preferences > Sharing to change the computer name.

Change Mouse Pointer Color

Open Apple menu > System Settings > Accessibility > Display, then adjust Pointer outline color and Pointer fill color. The options and labels can differ on older macOS releases.

Show Full File Path In Finder

In Finder, choose View > Show Path Bar or press Option + Command + P to display the location of the selected folder at the bottom of the window. This built-in control is easier to reverse than changing Finder preferences through Terminal.

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Change Screenshot File Type

macOS normally saves screenshots as PNG files. To use JPEG instead, open Terminal and enter defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg, then restart SystemUIServer or sign out and back in if the change is not applied. To return to PNG use defaults write com.apple.screencapture type png. Command-line changes can vary by macOS version.

Mac Keyboard Shortcut

Cut, copy, paste, and other common shortcuts

Command-X:

Cut the selected item and copy it to the Clipboard

Command-C:

Copy the selected item to the Clipboard. This also works for files in the Finder

Command-V:

Paste the contents of the Clipboard into the current document or app. This also works for files in the Finder

Command-Z:

Undo the previous command

Shift-Command-Z:

reversing the undo command

Command-A:

Select All items

Command-F:

Find items in a document or open a Find window

Command-G:

Find Again:

Shift-Command-G:

Find the previous occurrence of the item previously found

Command-H:

Hide the windows of the front app

Option-Command-H:

To view the front app but hide all other apps

Command-M:

Minimize the front window to the Dock

Option-Command-M:

To minimize all windows of the front app

Command-O:

Open the selected item, or open a dialog to select a file to open

Command-P:

Print the current document

Command-S:

Save the current document

Command-T:

Open a new tab

Command-W:

Close the front window

Option-Command-W:

To close all windows of the app

Option-Command-Esc:

Force quit an app

Command-Space bar:

Show or hide the Spotlight search field

Command-Option-Space bar:

To perform a Spotlight search from a Finder window

Control-Command-Space bar:

Show the Character Viewer, from which you can choose emoji and other symbols

Control-Command-F:

Use the app in full screen, if supported by the app

Space bar:

Use Quick Look to preview the selected item

Command-Tab:

Switch to the next most recently used app among your open apps

Shift-Command-5:

In macOS Mojave or later, take a screenshot or make a screen recording

Shift-Command-3:

for screenshots

Shift-Command-N:

Create a new folder in the Finder

Command-Comma:

Open preferences for the front app

Finder and system shortcuts

Command-D:

Duplicate the selected files

Command-E:

Eject the selected disk or volume

Command-F:

Start a search in the current Finder window

Command-I:

Show the Get Info window for a selected file

Command-R:

(1) When an alias is selected in the Finder: show the original file for the selected alias. (2) In some apps, such as Calendar or Safari, refresh or reload the page. (3) In Software Update preferences, check for software updates again

Shift-Command-C:

Open the Computer window

Shift-Command-D:

Open the desktop folder

Shift-Command-F:

Open the Recents window, showing all of the files you viewed or changed recently

Shift-Command-G:

Open a Go to Folder window

Shift-Command-H:

Open the Home folder of the current macOS user account

Shift-Command-I:

Open iCloud Drive

Shift-Command-K:

Open the Network window

Option-Command-L:

Open the Downloads folder

Shift-Command-N:

Create a new folder

Shift-Command-O:

Open the Documents folder

Shift-Command-P:

Show or hide the Preview pane in Finder windows

Shift-Command-R:

Open the AirDrop window

Shift-Command-T:

Show or hide the tab bar in Finder windows

Control-Shift-Command-T:

Add selected Finder item to the Dock (OS X Mavericks or later)

Shift-Command-U:

Open the Utilities folder

Option-Command-D:

Show or hide the Dock

Control-Command-T:

Add the selected item to the sidebar (OS X Mavericks or later)

Option-Command-P:

Hide or show the path bar in Finder windows

Option-Command-S:

Hide or show the Sidebar in Finder windows

Command-Slash (/):

Hide or show the status bar in Finder windows

Command-J:

Show View Options

Command-K:

Open the Connect to Server window

Control-Command-A:

Make an alias of the selected item

Command-N:

Open a new Finder window

Option-Command-N:

Create a new Smart Folder

Command-T:

Show or hide the tab bar when a single tab is open in the current Finder window

Option-Command-T:

Show or hide the toolbar when a single tab is open in the current Finder window

Option-Command-V:

Move the files in the Clipboard from their original location to the current location

Command-Y:

Use Quick Look to preview the selected files

Option-Command-Y:

View a Quick Look slideshow of the selected files

Command-1:

View the items in the Finder window as icons

Command-2:

View the items in a Finder window as a list

Command-3:

View the items in a Finder window in columns

Command-4:

View the items in a Finder window in a gallery

Command-Left Bracket ([):

Go to the previous folder

Command-Right Bracket (]):

Go to the next folder

Command-Up Arrow:

Open the folder that contains the current folder

Command-Control-Up Arrow:

Open the folder that contains the current folder in a new window

Command-Down Arrow:

Open the selected item

Right Arrow:

Open the selected folder. This works only when in list view

Left Arrow:

Close the selected folder. This works only when in list view

Command-Delete:

Move the selected item to the Trash

Shift-Command-Delete:

Empty the Trash

Option-Shift-Command-Delete:

Empty the Trash without confirmation dialog

Command-Brightness Down:

Turn video mirroring on or off when your Mac is connected to more than one display

Option-Brightness Up:

Open Displays preferences. This works with either Brightness key

Control-Brightness Up or Control-Brightness Down:

Change the brightness of your external display, if supported by your display

Option-Shift-Brightness Up or Option-Shift-Brightness Down:

Adjust the display brightness in smaller steps. Add the Control key to this shortcut to make the adjustment on your external display, if supported by your display

Option-Mission Control:

Open Mission Control preferences

Command-Mission Control:

Show the desktop

Control-Down Arrow:

Show all windows of the front app

Option-Volume Up:

Open Sound preferences. This works with any of the volume keys

Option-Shift-Volume Up or Option-Shift-Volume Down:

Adjust the sound volume in smaller steps

Option-Keyboard Brightness Up:

Open Keyboard preferences. This works with either Keyboard Brightness key

Option-Shift-Keyboard Brightness Up or Option-Shift-Keyboard Brightness Down:

Adjust the keyboard brightness in smaller steps

Option key while double-clicking:

Open the item in a separate window, then close the original window

Command key while double-clicking:

Open a folder in a separate tab or window

Command key while dragging to another volume:

Move the dragged item to the other volume, instead of copying it

Option key while dragging:

Copy the dragged item. The pointer changes while you drag the item

Option-Command while dragging:

Make an alias of the dragged item. The pointer changes while you drag the item

Option-click a disclosure triangle:

Open all folders within the selected folder. This works only when in list view

Command-click a window title:

See the folders that contain the current folder

Document shortcuts

Learn how to use Command or Shift to select multiple items in the Finder.

Click the Go menu in the Finder menu bar to see shortcuts for opening many commonly used folders, such as Applications, Documents, Downloads, Utilities, and iCloud Drive.

The behavior of these shortcuts may vary with the app you're using.

Command-B:

Boldface the selected text, or turn boldfacing on or off

Command-I:

Italicize the selected text, or turn italics on or off

Command-K:

Add a web link

Command-U:

Underline the selected text, or turn underlining on or off

Command-T:

Show or hide the Fonts window

Command-D:

Select the Desktop folder from within an Open dialog or Save dialog

Control-Command-D:

Show or hide the definition of the selected word

Shift-Command-Colon (:):

Display the Spelling and Grammar window

Command-Semicolon (;):

Find misspelled words in the document

Option-Delete:

Delete the word to the left of the insertion point

Control-H:

Delete the character to the left of the insertion point. Or use Delete

Control-D:

Delete the character to the right of the insertion point. Or use Fn-Delete

Fn-Delete:

Forward delete on keyboards that don't have a Forward Delete key. Or use Control-D

Control-K:

Delete the text between the insertion point and the end of the line or paragraph

Fn-Up Arrow:

Page Up: Scroll up one page

Fn-Down Arrow:

Page Down: Scroll down one page

Fn-Left Arrow: Home:

Scroll to the beginning of a document

Fn-Right Arrow:

Scroll to the end of a document

Command-Up Arrow:

Move the insertion point to the beginning of the document

Command-Down Arrow:

Move the insertion point to the end of the document

Command-Left Arrow:

Move the insertion point to the beginning of the current line

Command-Right Arrow:

Move the insertion point to the end of the current line

Option-Left Arrow:

Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word

Option-Right Arrow:

Move the insertion point to the end of the next word

Shift-Command-Up Arrow:

Select the text between the insertion point and the beginning of the document

Shift-Command-Down Arrow:

Select the text between the insertion point and the end of the document

Shift-Command-Left Arrow:

Select the text between the insertion point and the beginning of the current line

Shift-Command-Right Arrow:

Select the text between the insertion point and the end of the current line

Shift-Up Arrow:

Extend text selection to the nearest character at the same horizontal location on the line above

Shift-Down Arrow:

Extend text selection to the nearest character at the same horizontal location on the line below

Shift-Left Arrow:

Extend text selection one character to the left

Shift-Right Arrow:

Extend text selection one character to the right

Option-Shift-Up Arrow:

Extend text selection to the beginning of the current paragraph, then to the beginning of the following paragraph if pressed again

Option-Shift-Down Arrow:

Extend text selection to the end of the current paragraph, then to the end of the following paragraph if pressed again

Option-Shift-Left Arrow:

Extend text selection to the beginning of the current word, then to the beginning of the following word if pressed again

Option-Shift-Right Arrow:

Extend text selection to the end of the current word, then to the end of the following word if pressed again

Control-A:

Move to the beginning of the line or paragraph

Control-E:

Move to the end of a line or paragraph

Control-F:

Move one character forward

Control-B:

Move one character backward

Control-L:

Center the cursor or selection in the visible area

Control-P:

Move up one line

Control-O:

Insert a new line after the insertion point

Control-N:

Move down one line

Control-T:

Swap the character behind the insertion point with the character in front of the insertion point

Command-Left Curly Bracket ({):

Left align

Command-Right Curly Bracket (}):

Right align

Shift-Command-Vertical bar (|):

Center align

Option-Command-F:

Go to the search field

Option-Command-T:

Show or hide a toolbar in the app

Option-Command-C:

Copy Style - Copy the formatting settings of the selected item to the Clipboard

Option-Command-V:

Paste Style: Apply the copied style to the selected item

Option-Shift-Command-V:

Paste and Match Style: Apply the style of the surrounding content to the item pasted within that content

Option-Command-I:

Show or hide the inspector window

Shift-Command-P:

Page setup: Display a window for selecting document settings

Shift-Command-S:

Display the Save As dialog, or duplicate the current document

Shift-Command-Minus sign (-):

Decrease the size of the selected item

Shift-Command-Plus sign (+):

Increase the size of the selected item. Command-Equal sign (=) performs the same function

Shift-Command-Question mark (?):

Open the Help menu

Other shortcuts

For more shortcuts, check the shortcut abbreviations shown in the menus of your apps. Every app can have its own shortcuts, and shortcuts that work in one app might not work in another.

Accessibility shortcuts from Apple

Safari shortcuts

Spotlight shortcuts from Apple

Startup shortcuts from Apple

Apple Music shortcuts: Choose Help > Keyboard shortcuts from the menu bar in the Music app.

Other shortcuts: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Keyboard, then click Shortcuts

Learn more about macOS from Apple

Type emoji, accents, and symbols

Create your own shortcuts and resolve conflicts between shortcuts

Change the behavior of the function keys or modifier keys

Use a spoken command for a keyboard shortcut

Conclusion

These macOS tips cover everyday workflows as well as features that depend on your Mac model and software version. Check the available System Settings controls before following older instructions, and keep a current backup. For more technical learning, visit our blog library.

Frequently Asked Questions About macOS

What are the most useful Mac keyboard shortcuts?

Command + Space opens Spotlight, Command + Tab switches applications, Shift + Command + 5 opens screenshot controls, and Option + Command + Esc opens Force Quit. See our blog index for additional computer guides.

How do I speed up a slow Mac?

Open Activity Monitor to check which apps use resources, remove unnecessary login items, restart your Mac, and review available storage. If problems continue, check disk health and software updates. Our support resources cover additional technical topics.

How do I take a screenshot on a Mac?

Press Shift + Command + 3 to capture the screen, Shift + Command + 4 to choose an area, or Shift + Command + 5 for capture and recording controls. The Options menu lets you choose a save location.

How do I show the full file path in Finder?

In Finder, choose View > Show Path Bar or press Option + Command + P. This displays the selected item’s folder location without a Terminal command.

Can I recover deleted files from my Mac?

If files are still in Trash, open Trash and choose Put Back. After emptying Trash, recovery generally depends on an existing backup such as Time Machine or another saved copy.

What is the difference between Intel and Apple silicon Macs?

Intel Macs use Intel processors, while Apple silicon Macs use Apple-designed chips. Recovery startup commands and disk-sharing procedures differ. Consult the processor comparison earlier in this article.

How can I reset a forgotten Mac login password?

Use the password reset choices on the login screen or macOS Recovery. Intel Macs generally use Command + R during startup; Apple silicon Macs enter startup options by holding the power button. Recovery depends on your account, encryption, and device configuration. Read our password security guide.

Does a Mac need antivirus software?

macOS includes security features such as Gatekeeper and XProtect, but no protection eliminates every threat. Keep macOS updated, avoid suspicious downloads, and follow our safer browsing guidance.

How can I free up storage space on my Mac?

Go to System Settings > General > Storage to see which categories use space. Review Downloads, unused apps, and large files before deleting anything. Back up important material first. More general guidance is available in our support section.

Can I create custom keyboard shortcuts on a Mac?

Yes. Open System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > App Shortcuts. You can assign shortcuts to existing app menu commands, provided the menu title matches. Use Spotlight or automation tools for other tasks.

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A professional with international copywriting experience who creates content across industries and helps people communicate ideas clearly.

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macOS Tips and Tricks: Keyboard Shortcuts & Hidden Features

Updated: October 5, 2026By: RSH Web Editorial Staff

macOS

Related Posts

Essential Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

Intel Macs vs. Apple Silicon Macs

Mac Security and Maintenance Best Practices

Common Mac Problems and Solutions

Set Up Your Own Keyboard Commands

Reset Your Password Without Logging In

Right Click on Mac

The Emoji Picker

Install Apps on Mac

Screenshot on Mac

Transfer Files Quickly

SMS Messages On Your Mac

The Inbuilt Password Manager

Trash Files in Seconds

Hot Corners

Update Your Computer’s Name

Change Mouse Pointer Color

Show Full File Path In Finder

Change Screenshot File Type

Mac Keyboard Shortcut

Finder and system shortcuts

Document shortcuts

Other shortcuts

Learn more about macOS from Apple

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions About macOS

What are the most useful Mac keyboard shortcuts?

How do I speed up a slow Mac?

How do I take a screenshot on a Mac?

How do I show the full file path in Finder?

Can I recover deleted files from my Mac?

What is the difference between Intel and Apple silicon Macs?

How can I reset a forgotten Mac login password?

Does a Mac need antivirus software?

How can I free up storage space on my Mac?

Can I create custom keyboard shortcuts on a Mac?

Author Bio: William Flanagan

Add Comment

Comments

Crafted by our talented master copywriters

Updated: October 5, 2026
By: RSH Web Editorial Staff