The 30 Most Important macOS Keyboard Shortcuts

These 30 shortcuts run macOS without the mouse: copying, switching apps, Spotlight, text editing, browser. Every combination matches Apple's official list, sorted by situation and ready to print.

General

• Cmd + C - Copy
• Cmd + V - Paste
• Cmd + X - Cut
• Cmd + Z - Undo
• Cmd + Shift + Z - Redo
• Cmd + A - Select all
• Cmd + S - Save
• Cmd + F - Find
• Cmd + P - Print
• Cmd + Shift + V - Paste without formatting

Windows & System

• Cmd + Tab - Switch between apps
• Cmd + H - Hide window
• Cmd + Q - Quit app
• Cmd + W - Close window/tab
• Cmd + Space - Spotlight search
• Ctrl + Cmd + F - Full screen
• Cmd + , - App settings

Text editing

• Cmd + B - Bold
• Cmd + I - Italic
• Cmd + U - Underline
• Cmd + Left Arrow - Beginning of line
• Cmd + Right Arrow - End of line
• Cmd + Up Arrow - Beginning of document
• Cmd + Down Arrow - End of document
• Option + Shift + Arrow - Select word

Browser (Safari/Chrome)

• Cmd + T - New tab
• Cmd + W - Close tab
• Cmd + Shift + T - Reopen closed tab
• Cmd + L - Focus address bar
• Ctrl + Tab - Next tab

Pro tip

Cmd on Mac is Ctrl on Windows. If you use both systems, memorize the function - not the key. The Windows counterparts are in the 30 most important Windows shortcuts.

Next step

Shortcuts save clicks, touch typing saves time on every word. Start with a free typing speed test to see how much room there is. How touch typing works is explained in the complete touch typing guide.

Windows and Mac side by side on one page: the printable keyboard shortcuts. Where €, © and the bullet live on a Mac: special characters on a Mac keyboard.

Sources

• Mac keyboard shortcuts - Apple Support, the complete official list.