Introduction
If you’re using a Mac, you’ve probably heard of a few standard shortcuts—Command + C to copy, Command + V to paste, and so on. But did you know there are hidden shortcuts in macOS that can drastically improve your productivity and make your workflow faster and smoother? Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, macOS has some secrets up its sleeve, and today, we’ll unlock them for you.
Shortcuts on macOS aren’t just time-savers—they’re productivity enhancers. Once you get the hang of them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. So let’s dive into these hidden gems and make your Mac experience even better.
The Power of macOS Shortcuts
The Benefits of Using Shortcuts
We all know how time-consuming it can be to navigate through menus and windows to perform simple tasks. That’s where shortcuts come in. By using combinations of keys, you can instantly perform tasks that would otherwise take several clicks.
Shortcuts can:
- Speed up common tasks like copy-pasting or switching between apps.
- Help you navigate through your Mac faster, without needing a mouse or trackpad.
- Improve your efficiency when managing files, writing text, or multitasking.
How Shortcuts Can Save Time
Think about it: Instead of clicking through menus or dragging your mouse to an icon, a well-timed shortcut can execute the task in an instant. Whether you’re working on a tight deadline or just want to make your day-to-day tasks easier, mastering these shortcuts will save you hours in the long run.
Essential macOS Shortcuts You Should Know
Let’s start with the basic but essential shortcuts that every Mac user should know. If you’re already familiar with some of these, skip ahead to the fun ones!
Command + C, Command + V, Command + X
These three are the bread and butter of any computer user.
- Command + C to copy
- Command + V to paste
- Command + X to cut
These shortcuts are vital for working with text, images, and files.
Command + Z and Command + Shift + Z
Oops! Made a mistake? No worries!
- Command + Z undoes the last action.
- Command + Shift + Z redoes the action if you change your mind.
These are lifesavers when you’re editing documents or dealing with design software.
Command + Tab for App Switching
If you’re working with multiple apps, Command + Tab allows you to quickly switch between them. Just hold down Command and press Tab repeatedly to cycle through open applications.
Command + Q for Quitting Apps
Tired of manually closing apps by clicking the red “X” button? Use Command + Q to quickly quit any app.
Hidden Shortcuts for Multitasking
For those who juggle multiple tasks at once, macOS has some multitasking shortcuts that will make your life a lot easier.
Mission Control Shortcuts
Mission Control gives you a bird’s-eye view of all your open windows, apps, and desktops. To activate it, press Control + Up Arrow. From here, you can quickly jump between open apps or create new desktops.
Split View Shortcut (Control + Command + F)
Want to work with two apps side by side? Control + Command + F activates Split View, letting you view two apps in fullscreen mode next to each other. A great productivity tool for anyone who multitasks.
Exposé Shortcut for Window Management
To see all your open windows in one view, press F3 or Control + Down Arrow. This shows all your active windows, making it easier to select the one you need.
Advanced Shortcuts for Power Users
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to dive deeper into macOS’s advanced shortcuts.
Terminal Shortcuts for Faster Navigation
For those who love to use the Terminal, macOS offers several shortcuts for navigating quickly:
- Command + K to clear the Terminal window.
- Control + C to stop a running process.
- Tab for autocompleting commands and file names.
Quick Look with Spacebar
Need to preview a file quickly without opening it? Just highlight the file and hit the Spacebar. This opens a Quick Look of the file, whether it’s a document, image, or video.
Spotlight Search Shortcuts
Spotlight is the ultimate search tool on your Mac. Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight, and start typing the name of the file, app, or information you’re looking for. But here’s the secret: you can use it to calculate math, convert currency, or look up basic facts directly from the Spotlight search bar!
Productivity Boosters You Didn’t Know About
Quickly Navigate Finder Using Shortcuts
The Finder is where you manage your files, and knowing the right shortcuts can save you a lot of time:
- Command + Shift + N creates a new folder.
- Command + Option + Space opens Finder’s search box.
- Command + Up Arrow takes you to the parent folder.
Create and Manage Tabs in Finder
Tabs in Finder are a great way to work with multiple locations without opening new windows. Use Command + T to open a new tab, and Command + W to close it.
Use Smart Folders to Stay Organized
Smart Folders in Finder automatically gather files based on criteria you set. For example, you can create a Smart Folder that contains all files modified in the last week, without having to move them manually.
Text Editing Shortcuts That’ll Change Your Workflow
Whether you’re writing emails or working on documents, these text editing shortcuts will save you time.
Shortcuts for Text Navigation and Selection
Navigating and selecting text quickly can significantly speed up your workflow. Some useful shortcuts include:
- Command + Left Arrow to jump to the beginning of the line.
- Command + Right Arrow to jump to the end of the line.
- Option + Left/Right Arrow to move the cursor word by word.
Text Replacement Shortcuts for Efficiency
macOS allows you to create text replacements for commonly used phrases or email signatures. Set them up in System Preferences > Keyboard > Text, and save time typing repetitive phrases.
Formatting Shortcuts in Text Editors
In most macOS text editors, you can use formatting shortcuts like:
- Command + B to bold text
- Command + I to italicize text
- Command + U to underline text
Mac Accessibility Shortcuts
macOS offers a range of accessibility features that can be controlled with shortcuts.
Zoom In and Out with Shortcuts
For users with visual impairments, you can enable screen zoom by pressing Option + Command + 8 to turn on the zoom feature. You can zoom in and out using Option + Command + Plus and Option + Command + Minus.
VoiceOver Commands for Screen Readers
VoiceOver is macOS’s built-in screen reader, and you can control it with shortcuts like:
- Command + F5 to toggle VoiceOver on and off.
- Control + Option + Right Arrow to move to the next item.
Other Accessibility Features and Shortcuts
macOS also includes other accessibility features like invert colors (Command + Option + Control + 8) and enable sticky keys (Shift five times).
Customizing Your macOS Shortcuts
One of the best things about macOS is that you can customize shortcuts to suit your needs. Here’s how you can do it:
- Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts.
- You’ll see a list of actions that you can assign your preferred shortcut to.
Whether it’s an app, a menu item, or a custom function, you can create a shortcut for almost anything.
How to Find and Learn More Shortcuts
If you’re ever unsure of what shortcuts you can use, macOS offers an easy way to discover them. Open System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts, and you’ll find a comprehensive list of available shortcuts.
The Best Hidden macOS Shortcuts You’ve Never Heard Of
Here are some of the most underrated shortcuts that will make your Mac experience even better:
- Hide and show the dock with Command + Option + D.
- Navigate the menu bar quickly with Control + F2 (for Macs with a physical keyboard).
- Move between items in the Finder sidebar using Command + [ or Command + ].
Navigating macOS with One Hand Using Shortcuts
If you need to navigate your Mac with one hand, macOS has plenty of shortcuts designed for easy use. Customize shortcuts that make it easier to access your apps, folders, or perform actions with just one hand.
Mac Shortcuts for Creative Professionals
For those working in design, photography, or video editing, knowing the right shortcuts can make a huge difference:
- In Photoshop, Command + T for free transform or Command + Z for undo.
- In Final Cut Pro, use Shift + 7 to open the timeline and Command + 4 for color grading.
macOS Shortcuts for Web Browsing
If you’re a heavy web browser user, shortcuts in Safari can save you lots of time.
- Command + T to open a new tab
- Command + L to highlight the URL bar
- Command + Shift + T to reopen the last closed tab
Conclusion
Mastering these hidden macOS shortcuts will undoubtedly boost your productivity and make your daily tasks much easier. From multitasking to text editing, navigating Finder, and customizing your shortcuts, macOS has a lot to offer. So, start practicing these shortcuts today, and watch how your workflow transforms!
FAQs
1. How do I view all available shortcuts on my Mac?
You can view available shortcuts by going to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts.
2. Can I create custom shortcuts on my Mac?
Yes! Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts, where you can customize shortcuts for different apps and actions.
3. What’s the shortcut for quitting an app?
Press Command + Q to quit any open app on your Mac.
4. How do I access Mission Control on macOS?
You can access Mission Control by pressing Control + Up Arrow.
5. Can I use macOS shortcuts in third-party apps?
Yes, many third-party apps support macOS shortcuts, and you can often customize them for each app.