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Pro Tip: Often overlooked, but highly useful keyboard shortcuts on Mac


Most all are aware of the most commonly used Mac keyboard shortcuts, like Command+C to copy, Command+V to paste, Command+W to close, Command+P to print, etc. But what about other, lesser known shortcuts that can increase your efficiency and productivity. Below is a handy list frequently overlooked, but very useful shortcuts.


  • Command–Space bar: Show or hide the Spotlight search field.

  • 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. Or use Shift-Command-3 or Shift-Command-4 for screenshots.

  • Control-Command-Q: Immediately lock your screen.

  • Shift-Command-Q: Log out of your macOS user account. You will be asked to confirm. To log out immediately without confirming, press Option-Shift-Command-Q.

  • Command-D: Duplicate the selected files.

  • Command-E: Eject the selected disk or volume.

  • Command-F: Start a Spotlight search in the Finder window.

  • Command-I: Show the Get Info window for a selected file.

  • Shift-Command-F: Open the Recents window, showing all of the files you viewed or changed recently.

  • Shift-Command-I: Open iCloud Drive.

  • Shift-Command-R: Open the AirDrop window.

  • Option-Command-D: Show or hide the Dock.

  • Command-2: View the items in a Finder window as a list.

  • 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.


For a list of shortcuts, including document shortcuts, please see: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201236


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