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10 essential macOS keyboard shortcuts every Mac user needs to know
Whether you're a longtime macOS power user or someone who's new to the platform, there are always ways to improve your productivity. You could find a new process or set up a workflow with custom macros, if you really want to go in-depth. However, a quick and easy way to use the best Macs more efficiently is to utilize keyboard shortcuts. There are so many macOS commands that cover the operating system, default Apple apps, and third-party programs. We won't blame you if you aren't familiar with them all, but there are some that you really won't want to live without.
This list won't cover the most basic shortcuts — we're assuming you know things like cut (Command + X), copy (Command + C), and paste (Command + V) — but it'll cover just about everything else. If you're just getting started on your macOS productivity, these 10 commands are ones I'd consider essential. The latest versions of macOS, like Sonoma and the upcoming Sequoia, can be a productivity lover's dream as long as you know the right tips, tricks, and keyboard shortcuts — more commonly referred to by macOS users as commands, due to their propensity to use Apple's Command key.
Complete guide to keyboard shortcuts on Mac
These shortcuts can simplify your workflow.
Control + Command + Q
Lock your Mac's screen with a quick keyboard shortcut
Want to keep your screen and your Mac's data safe from prying eyes? Entering the Control + Command + Q keyboard shortcut will instantly lock your Mac's screen. It's a much quicker way to do so than navigating to the menu bar, the Apple menu, and finally clicking Lock Screen.
Option + Command + Esc
Open up the Force Quit menu to shut down an app for good
To quit a Mac app, you can click and hold its icon in the Dock and press the Quit button that appears. When that doesn't work, you'll need to use Force Quit. To access the Force Quit menu, enter Option + Command + Esc on your keyboard. This will give you a list of apps that are currently active, and you might see a not responding tag next to problematic apps. From there, select the app you want to quit and click Force Quit to finish. This is a must-know way to quit apps that aren't responding, or simple free up processing power for the apps you're using by closing out unneeded apps.
Option + Shift + Command + Delete
Don't let your files sit in the trash forever
Deleting a file from your Mac is as easy as dragging it to the Trash, or is it? It's common to forget that you have to actually empty the trash to finish deleting your macOS files. To quickly delete something once and for all, drag it into the Trash and then enter Option + Shift + Command + Delete. This will empty the Trash immediately, deleting all of its contents permanently without needing a confirmation. Be sure you really want to empty the Trash before entering this keyboard shortcut, but if that's what you need to do, this command is the quickest way to get it done.
Shift + Command + R
Open AirDrop to receive files in a snap
The easiest way to share files between Apple devices is with AirDrop, but Macs usually don't have it enabled 24/7 by default. You'll need to manually turn it on each time you want to use it, and finding the AirDrop page in the Finder can take way too many clicks. That's why you should use Shift + Command + R instead. It'll open up AirDrop with just one command, and this is where you can manage your AirDrop availability settings, send files, and receive them. If you transfer files between your iPhone and Mac often, this is a must-know keyboard shortcut.
AirDrop is one of the most convenient file sharing solutions, and there's a lot to know about it
Control + Command + D
A dictionary is at your fingertips with this helpful shortcut
Looking up a word with a dictionary can tell you more about it, what it means, and help you use it correctly in context. That's easy to do on the Mac with a Lookup feature, but it's even easier with a quick shortcut. Entering Control + Command + D will immediately define a selected word, saving you a few clicks. After you learn this shortcut, there's no reason not to start looking up the definitions of words to quickly improve your reading and writing.
Shift + Command + Z
Got a little too eager with Command + Z? This shortcut can help
Whenever I make a mistake or a typo — which happens a lot — I tend to spam Command + Z, since that's the shortcut to undo an action. But what happens if you accidentally undo too many actions with that useful command? You can redo a previously-undone action by entering the Shift + Command + Z keyboard shortcut. It's a great way to get your progress back without needing to do the work all over again.
Command + Space
If you're not using Spotlight search, you're missing out
Spotlight has been a part of macOS for more than a decade, and it's a one-stop shop for finding files, media, web results, and really anything else. There are many ways to invoke Spotlight search nowadays, including from the function row on modern Mac keyboards and from the menu bar. However, my favorite way to trigger Spotlight is still the classic Command + Space. It's quick, easy, and your fingers don't need to leave a natural typing position to enter it. You probably know this one, but it's worth mentioning because it's just that good.
Shift + Command + 5
One shortcut to take all your macOS screenshots
If you need to capture any part of your screen, for any reason, Shift + Command + 5 is the shortcut to use. It'll open an overlay that lets you take a screenshot of the entire screen, a selected window, or a selected portion of the screen. You can also choose to start a screen recording instead of a regular screenshot, so you get two-in-one functionality from this shortcut. After you've captured the screenshot with Shift + Command + 5, it'll appear in the lower right corner of your screen and can be copied, marked up, or shared. Don't forget about Shift + Command + 4, which is a similar command that lets you quickly drag a box to capture a certain part of your screen in a screenshot.
How to take a screenshot on a Mac in more than one way
There are several ways to capture frames on macOS
Shift + Option + Command + V
It's like paste, but it matches the formatting of surrounding text
Have you ever copied-and-pasted something into your document, only for it to completely mess up your formatting and style? I think we all have, and it isn't fun. Luckily, there's a way to ignore that nightmare altogether and save you time reformatting copied text. By default, if you use Command + V to paste, it'll preserve the copied text's formatting. You'll want to use Shift + Option + Command + V instead, and trust me, this longer command is worth remembering. When you use it, macOS will paste the text in your clipboard in the exact same style and formatting as the rest of your document.
Control + (number)
Switch desktop Spaces in macOS with a simple keyboard shortcut
After years of using macOS, I've discovered that the best way to increase your efficiency is to use Spaces. They're multiple Mac desktops, and you can create as many as you want. Switching between Spaces is often quicker than dragging windows around with your mouse or using Mission Control. You can swipe between Spaces using four fingers on the trackpad, but if you don't have one or just want to use a command instead, we have a keyboard shortcut for you.
: MacBook Air Or Pro Essential Accessories (Dailymotion)
The format is Control + (number) for older versions of macOS and Mac OS X, with the number corresponding to the Space you want to reach. If you're using one of the latest versions of macOS use Control + Left arrow or Control + Right arrow to cycle between Spaces. For greater customization over your Spaces keyboard shortcuts, there are more options under the Keyboard tab in System Settings, too.
Many Mac users aren't aware of the multiple desktops present on macOS by default. Here's how to use this handy feature on your Apple computer.
Which macOS commands will you use?
The great thing about computer keyboard shortcuts is that you'll find the ones you use most on your own. I use Command + Shift + 4 and Command + Shift + 5 for screenshots every single day, sometimes many times in a single day. I'm also a huge proponent of Spaces, so that Control + (number) shortcut is a godsend when you don't want to completely launch Mission Control. And something I suspect most macOS users will agree on is that Command + Space to call up Spotlight is the most efficient way to find files, apps, and more on your Mac.
At the end of the day, it's up to you to figure out what your most-used commands will be. It all depends on your workflow and your needs. Hopefully, this list is the runway you need to start your macOS productivity journey.
