20 Keyboard Shortcuts You Should Know (macOS)

In today’s fast-moving UK business environment, every second counts. Learning and using macOS keyboard shortcuts is a simple yet powerful way to boost productivity, minimise workflow friction, and get more done with less effort. From composing emails and switching between apps to navigating spreadsheets with ease, these 20 essential keyboard shortcuts can help professionals work smarter—not harder.

Keyboard Shortcuts for macOS

1. Command (⌘) + C / Command (⌘) + V – Copy and Paste

Fundamental for any task, these shortcuts allow quick duplication and insertion of text, files, or images.

2. Command (⌘) + X / Command (⌘) + Z – Cut and Undo

Efficiently move content or revert unintended actions, saving time during editing processes.

3. Command (⌘) + A – Select All

Selects all content in a document or window, facilitating bulk actions like formatting or deletion.

4. Command (⌘) + Tab – Switch Between Open Applications

Quickly toggles between open programs, enhancing multitasking capabilities.

5. Command (⌘) + H – Hide Active Window

Conceals the current application window, helping maintain a clutter-free workspace.

6. Command (⌘) + M – Minimise Window

Minimises the active window to the Dock, keeping your desktop organized.

7. Command (⌘) + Q – Quit Application

Closes the active application entirely, freeing up system resources.

8. Command (⌘) + W – Close Window

Closes the current window without quitting the application, useful for managing multiple documents.

9. Command (⌘) + S – Save

Saves current work, a critical habit to prevent data loss during unexpected interruptions.

10. Command (⌘) + P – Print

Initiates the print dialog, facilitating quick printing of documents or web content.

11. Command (⌘) + F – Find

Opens the search function within documents or web pages, expediting information retrieval.

12. Command (⌘) + Spacebar – Spotlight Search

Launches Spotlight, allowing swift access to applications, files, and system settings.

13. Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + Esc – Force Quit Applications

Opens the Force Quit dialog to close unresponsive applications, maintaining system stability.

14. Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + 3 – Capture Full-Screen Screenshot

Takes a snapshot of the entire screen, useful for documentation or sharing information.

15. Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + 4 – Capture Selected Area Screenshot

Allows selection of a specific screen area to capture, providing flexibility in documentation.

16. Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + 5 – Screenshot and Recording Options

Opens the screenshot toolbar, offering options for capturing and recording screen content.

17. Control (^) + Command (⌘) + Q – Lock Screen

Secures your Mac instantly, crucial for maintaining data confidentiality in shared environments.

18. Command (⌘) + , (Comma) – Open Preferences

Opens the preferences/settings of the active application, allowing quick adjustments.

19. Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + H – Hide Other Applications

Conceals all other open applications, helping focus on the current task.

20. Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + T – Reopen Last Closed Tab

Reopens the most recently closed tab in browsers and some applications, preventing loss of work.

Enhancing Productivity with macOS Tools

For advanced users, macOS offers additional tools to optimise workflows. Features like Mission Control for window management and Spotlight for quick application launching can further enhance efficiency.

Conclusion

By integrating these keyboard shortcuts into your daily workflow, you’ll unlock valuable time savings and elevate overall productivity. Minimising mouse reliance and streamlining repetitive actions allows professionals to concentrate on the work that truly moves the business forward.

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Sources:

Tom's Guide, Wikipedia, AtAGlance