32 best Mac shortcuts to boost your productivity

Every second matters. Why not use basic keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow instead of scrolling menus and looking for options? These 32 essential Mac shortcuts can help you work more efficiently, regardless of your experience level.

Basic navigation shortcuts

These shortcuts help you quickly navigate your Mac, switch between apps, and manage windows efficiently:

1. Command (⌘) + Space – Open Spotlight Search
Need to find a file or open an app quickly? Press ⌘ + Space to open Spotlight and start typing the name of what you are looking for.
2. Command (⌘) + Tab – Switch between open apps
Press ⌘ + Tab to cycle through your open applications.
3. Command (⌘) + T – Opens a new tab
Open a new tab in a browser or Finder.
4. Command (⌘) + Shift + T – Reopen the last closed tab
Accidentally closed a browser tab? Press ⌘ + Shift + T to reopen the last tab you closed in most browsers, like Safari or Chrome. This works in apps like Finder as well to reopen recently closed windows.
5. Command (⌘) + H – Hide the current app
Hide the current application you are using without quitting it. This is a quick way to declutter your screen.
6. Command (⌘) + M – Minimize the active window
Minimize the front window to the Dock.

Managing windows and files shortcuts on Mac

Managing multiple windows and files efficiently is key to a smooth workflow. These shortcuts save time, reduce effort, and keep your workspace organized, allowing you to work more productively.

7. Command (⌘) + W – Close the current window/tab
Close the current window or tab without needing to click the “X” button.
8. Command (⌘) + Q – Quit an application
Unlike ⌘ + W, which only closes a window, ⌘ + Q fully quits the app, so make sure to save your work first!
9. Command (⌘) + N – Open a new window or document
Whether it is a new browser window, Finder window, or document, press ⌘ + N to open a new one instantly.
10. Command (⌘) + O – Open a file
Open files quickly by pressing ⌘ + O and selecting the file you want to view.
11. Command (⌘) + P – Print
Need to print? Press ⌘ + P to bring up the print options for the current document or window.

Editing and organizing content

When working with text, files, or documents, efficiency is key. These shortcuts help you edit, organize, and manage content quickly, reducing the need for manual actions and making your workflow smoother.

12. Command (⌘) + C – Copy
Copy text, images, or files to your clipboard to paste elsewhere with this classic shortcut.
13. Command (⌘) + V – Paste
Paste anything you have copied to the clipboard into the current field or document.
14. Command (⌘) + X – Cut
Need to move something instead of copying it? Use ⌘ + X to cut and then paste it wherever you need.
15. Command (⌘) + Z – Undo
Did you make a mistake? Just press ⌘ + Z to undo your last action.
16. Shift + Command (⌘) + Z – Redo
Accidentally undid something? Press Shift + ⌘ + Z to redo your action.
17. Command (⌘) + S – Save
Save the current document.
18. Command (⌘) + Shift + S – Save as
Save the current document under a new name or location.
19. Command (⌘) + A – Select all
Quickly select everything in the current window or document using ⌘ + A.
20. Command (⌘) + F – Find
Search within a document or webpage.
21. Command (⌘) + E – Eject
Need to eject a disk or external drive? Press ⌘ + E to safely eject it.
22. Command (⌘) + Delete – Move to trash
Quickly move selected files or items to the Trash with this shortcut.
23. Command (⌘) + Shift + N – New folder
Create a new folder in Finder or on the desktop with this shortcut.

System and security shortcuts

System and security shortcuts help you capture information, manage apps, and protect your Mac with speed and convenience. Instead of navigating through menus, these shortcuts let you perform essential actions instantly.

24. Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 – Take a screenshot of a selected area
Press ⌘ + Shift + 4 to capture a specific area of your screen by dragging your mouse.
25. Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 – Capture the entire screen
Need to take a screenshot of your entire screen? Use ⌘ + Shift + 3 to capture it instantly.
26. Command (⌘) + Control + Q – Lock your screen
Step away from your Mac, but want to keep everything secure? Press ⌘ + Control + Q to lock your screen.
27. Command (⌘) + Option + Esc – Force quit an app
If an app freezes, you can force it to quit by pressing ⌘ + Option + Esc, which brings up the force quit menu.

Finder and file management shortcuts

Instead of relying on repetitive mouse clicks and navigating through layers of menus, these shortcuts give you quick access to essential features.

28. Command (⌘) + Shift + G – Go to folder
Navigate quickly to a folder in Finder by pressing ⌘ + Shift + G and entering the path.
29. Command (⌘) + T – Open a new tab in Finder
Organize your Finder workspace by opening a new tab with ⌘ + T.
30. Command (⌘) + D – Duplicate the selected file
Quickly make a copy of any file by pressing ⌘ + D.
31. Command (⌘) + I – Get info on a file
Learn more about a file or folder by selecting it and pressing ⌘ + I to bring up the info panel.
32. Command (⌘) + R – Refresh a Finder window
Need to refresh the current Finder window? Press ⌘ + R to reload it and see the latest changes.

Final thoughts:

Many Mac users struggle with hidden shortcuts, leading to unnecessary time spent searching through menus, forgetting key combinations, and missing opportunities to streamline their workflow. The sheer number of available shortcuts can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to maintain an overview, resulting in many useful commands going unused.

If you want to take your productivity even further, consider KeyCue, a quick access tool that reveals all available shortcuts on your Mac with a simple keystroke. Instead of memorizing every command, KeyCue helps you discover new shortcuts effortlessly, making you an even more efficient Mac user.

Unlock your Mac’s full potential with KeyCue!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Mac keyboard shortcuts?

Mac keyboard shortcuts are key combinations that allow you to perform tasks quickly and efficiently on your Mac computer. By pressing a specific set of keys simultaneously, you can access various features and functions without using the mouse or trackpad.

Why should I use Mac keyboard shortcuts?

Using Mac keyboard shortcuts can greatly boost your productivity by saving you time and reducing the need to switch between the keyboard and mouse. These shortcuts allow you to navigate your computer, open applications, and perform tasks with just a few key presses, making your workflow more efficient.

Is there any app that shows me instantly all the shortcuts?

Yes, KeyCue is an app that instantly shows you all the menu shortcuts, including those for the system and any applications you are using. By holding down a specific key (usually the Command key), KeyCue displays a clear, structured overview of all available shortcuts from system commands to app-specific ones, making it easier to remember and use.

How can I learn Mac keyboard shortcuts?

To learn Mac keyboard shortcuts, you can refer to the built-in keyboard shortcuts menu on your Mac, which provides a list of common shortcuts for various functions. Additionally, you can practice using shortcuts in everyday tasks to familiarize yourself with them and improve your efficiency over time. KeyCue can also help you learn shortcuts by displaying them whenever you need, allowing you to see all the available key combinations immediately and gradually integrate them into your workflow.

Can I customize Mac keyboard shortcuts?

Yes, you can customize Mac keyboard shortcuts to suit your preferences and workflow. By going to the keyboard preferences in system preferences, you can create custom shortcuts for specific actions or applications. This allows you to tailor the shortcuts to your needs and make your computing experience even more efficient. Additionally, KeyCue supports custom shortcuts, letting you see and use your personalized key combinations alongside the default ones, helping you maintain a smooth and customized workflow.

Are there any essential Mac keyboard shortcuts that I should know?

Yes, there are several essential Mac keyboard shortcuts that can help you navigate your computer more effectively. Some of the most commonly used shortcuts include Command + C for copying, Command + V for pasting, Command + Q for quitting applications, and Command + Space for Spotlight search. Learning and using these shortcuts can significantly improve your productivity on a Mac.