Command (?) C / V / X Copy, paste, cut, suitable for most applications; 2. Command (?) Z Undo, Shift Z Redo; 3. Command (?) A Select all; 4. Command (?) S Save the current file; 5. Command (?) Q Exit the application; 6. Command (?) W Close the window or tab; 7. Command (?) Tab Switch the application; 8. Command (?) Space Open Spotlight search; 9. Command (?) H Hide the current application; 10. Command (?) M Minimize the window; 11. Option (?) Arrow key word to move the cursor; 12. Command (?) The arrow keys jump to the beginning and end of the line or the beginning and end of the document; 13. Command (?) Delete Delete the entire line before the cursor; 14. Option (?) Delete Delete the previous word; 15. Command (?) Shift 3/4/5 Quick screenshot or record; 16. Control (?) Up arrow opens Mission Control, Control left and right arrows switch to the desktop; 17. Command (?) Option (?) D Show or hides Dock; 18. Control (?) Command (?) Q Locks the screen immediately; these shortcut keys are widely used in macOS built-in applications. Proficient use can significantly improve operation efficiency, reduce dependence on the mouse, and ultimately make the operation smoother and more natural.

Here are some of the most useful and frequently used keyboard shortcuts for Mac—whether you're a new user or looking to boost productivity, these will save you time and make navigation smoother.

Essential Mac Keyboard Shortcuts Everyone Should Know

These shortcuts work across most apps and system-wide, making them fundamental for daily use:

• Command (?) C/V/X – Copy, Paste, Cut
  The classes. Work just like on other systems.

  

• Command (?) Z – Undo
  Instantly undo the last action. Use Command Shift Z to redo.

• Command (?) A – Select all
  Highlight everything in a document, folder, or text field.

  

• Command (?) S – Save
  Always a good habit, especially in writing or editing apps.

• Command (?) Q – Quit app
  Closes the current application completely (not just the window).

• Command (?) W – Close window or tab
  Closes the current window or browser tab.

• Command (?) Tab – Switch between apps
  Hold Command and press Tab to cycle through open applications.

• Command (?) Space – Open Spotlight
  Search files, apps, or even do quick calculations and unit conversions.

• Command (?) H – Hide app
  Hides the current app's windows without quitting it.

• Command (?) M – Minimize window
  Shrinks the current window to the Dock.

Navigation & Text Editing Shortcuts

Great for writing, coding, or moving around text quickly:

• Option (?) Left/Right Arrow – Jump by word
  Move the cursor one word at a time in text.

• Command (?) Left/Right Arrow – Go to start/end of line
  Jump to the beginning or end of the current line.

• Command (?) Up/Down Arrow – Go to top/bottom of document
  Navigate to the very start or end of a file.

• Control (?) A / E – Go to start/end of line (Unix-style)
  Alternative shortcuts if you're used to Linux/Unix keybindings.

• Command (?) Delete – Delete entire line to the left
  Erases everything from the cursor to the beginning of the line.

• Option (?) Delete – Delete one word to the left
  Perfect for quick text cleanup.

System & Window Management Shortcuts

Take control of your workspace and macOS features:

• Command (?) Shift 3 – Screenshot of entire screen
  Saves a full-screen screenshot to your desktop.

• Command (?) Shift 4 – Screenshot of selected area
  Lets you drag and capture a portion of the screen.

• Command (?) Shift 5 – Open screenshot tool
  Gives options for recording screen or capturing windows.

• F3 or Mission Control (varies by Mac) – Open Mission Control
  Shows all open windows and desktops. Often Control Up Arrow .

• Control (?) Left/Right Arrow – Switch between desktops
  Move between Spaces (virtual desktops).

• Command (?) Option (?) D – Show/hide Dock
  Toggle Dock visibility.

• Control (?) Command (?) Q – Lock screen immediately
  Great for stepping away quickly.

Bonus Tips for Power Users

• Use Spotlight for quick math : Press Command Space , type 57 * 12 , and get instant results.
• Open Finder quickly : Command Space , type "Finder", hit Enter.
• Force quit unresponsive apps : Command Option Esc .
• Open new Finder window : Command N.
• Create a new folder : Select files in Finder, press Command Shift N .

Most of these work consistently across macOS, especially in built-in apps like Safari, Notes, TextEdit, and Mail. The more you use them, the more they become second nature. Start with 3–5 that fit your workflow, and build from there.

Basically, if you find yourself reaching for the mouse, there's probably a shortcut to avoid it.

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