Keyboard shortcuts and productivity go hand in hand. By removing the extra steps, shortcuts let you perform certain tasks faster that may otherwise take more time and prove tiresome. Of course, you do have to get used to the shortcuts initially if you are just getting used to them. But once you have gone past that preliminary phase, performing all sorts of tasks becomes a breeze, thanks to a plethora of most useful Mac keyboard shortcuts. So, if you are all geared up to bolster your multitasking, check out the list of these keyboard shortcuts for macOS.

Just like the Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts, there are a number of super handy shortcuts for Macs. Keep in mind that on keyboards for Macs, you will need to use “Option” instead of the Alt key and “Command” instead of the Windows logo key. If you are new to macOS, you will have to get acquainted with the modifier keys as they play a key role in most macOS shortcuts. Here are the modifier keys to look at:

You should also know that there’s an option to customize the keyboard shortcuts too. We will detail this in the latter part of the article. Now that you know of the basic things to get started, let’s just dive into the list.

  • Useful Mac Keyboard Shortcuts to tryBest Finder and System Keyboard Shortcuts for MacBest Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts for MacBest Spotlight Keyboard Shortcuts for MacBest Safari Keyboard Shortcuts for MacBest Startup Keyboard Shortcuts for MacBest Document Keyboard Shortcuts for MacMore Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

Useful Mac Keyboard Shortcuts to try

Before we detail all the possible Mac keyboard shortcuts available, here’s a look at the most useful and even the basic ones that definitely need your attention:

Note:

  • To access all the cool Apple Music shortcuts: Open the Music app and choose the Help menu. Next, click on Keyboard shortcuts.To unravel other hidden macOS shortcuts: Head over to the Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts.

Best Finder and System Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac

For the best Mac experience, you should master Finder and keyboard shortcuts can help in achieving that. Mentioned below are a number of shortcuts you can memorize:

Best Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac

Accessibility allows you to use macOS (or even iPhone) in a much better way. If you are a fan, you shouldn’t miss out on these shortcuts.

Pro Tip: 

Best Spotlight Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac

Spotlight has got way more cool hacks up its sleeve than what meets the eyes. These Spotlight shortcuts can help big time in making things smoother for you.

Note: We have created a separate guide about Spotlight tips and tricks. So, if you are willing to unravel more tips related to Spotlight, do check that out. 

Best Safari Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac

If you want to speed up your browsing experience using Safari, do not fail to have a solid grip on the neat Safari keyboard shortcuts for Mac.

Best Startup Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac

Startup keyboard shortcuts for Mac can come in really handy too. Here’s a look at some handful ones.

Best Document Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac

If your Mac is used more for writing and documentation, these keyboard shortcuts can prove really helpful to maintain the flow.

More Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Command+W: To close the front window. If you want to close all windows of the app, press the Option-Command-W.Command+Tab: To switch to the next most recently used app among the currently open apps.Command+Comma (,): To open preferences for the front app.Option+Command+Esc: To force quit an app.Option+Shift-Command+Q: To immediately log out of your macOS user account without asking for your confirmation. Control+Command+Space bar: To display the Character Viewer that can let you select emoji and other symbols.Control+Command+F: To use a supported app on the full screen.Control+Shift+Power button or Control+Shift+Media Eject : To put your displays to sleep.Control+Power button or Control+Media Eject : To show a dialog with multiple options like restart, sleep, or shut down.Control+Command+Media Eject : It allows you to quit all apps and then restart your Mac. Keep in that if you have any open documents with unsaved changes, macOS will ask you whether you want to save them.Control+Option+Command+Power button or Control+Option+Command+Media Eject : To quit all apps and then shut down your Mac. macOS will show a prompt asking you to save documents that have unsaved changes.Space bar: To use Quick Look to preview the selected item.

Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac

As mentioned earlier, you can also get the ability to create custom keyboard shortcuts on Mac, which opens up new ways for you to use your Mac. If this interests you, here’s what you need to do:

  • Now, choose App Shortcuts on the left and then click on the Add button (+).

  • Next, click on the Application pop-up menu and select a specific app or All Applications.

You should note that not all apps can let you set keyboard shortcuts. If you don’t find an app in the list, click on Other and then locate the app with the help of the Open dialogue. Additionally, if you wish to set a shortcut for a menu command that shows up in several apps, select All Applications.

  • Next up, type in the menu command in the Menu Title field. Make sure to type the menu command exactly as it appears in the app. For instance, if you want to create a shortcut for the Export as PDF command, type File->Export as PDF.

  • Now, click on the Keyboard Shortcut field and then press the key combination (i.e press the Control, Option, and Z keys at once) that you wish to use as the shortcut. After that, click on Add. This creates the desired keyboard shortcut for you.

Note: 

Best macOS Keyboard Shortcuts to Boost Your Productivity

Now that you have got a ton of time-saving Mac shortcuts at your disposal, you can get the most out of them to get your work done faster. As mentioned before, these will take some time and practice to get into the groove of your workflow. Once they do, they will become an integral part of your routine.