What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For common Mac tasks, start with Command-C, Command-V and Command-X for copy, paste and cut; Command-Z for undo; and Command-S to save. When writing, Option-Delete removes the previous word, while Shift-Command plus an arrow selects text to a line or document boundary. Shortcuts combine modifier keys with a final key: hold the modifier keys, press the last key, then release. They can reduce trips to menus, but their behavior can vary by app, language and keyboard layout.
What are the most useful Mac keyboard shortcuts?
Command (⌘) is the main modifier for many everyday Mac commands. Use these combinations in apps that support them; check the app’s menus if a command behaves differently.
| Task | Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Copy | Command-C | Copies the selected item. |
| Paste | Command-V | Pastes the copied item. |
| Cut | Command-X | Removes the selected item and copies it, where the app allows cutting. |
| Undo | Command-Z | Reverses the most recent action. |
| Redo | Shift-Command-Z | Reapplies an action that was undone. |
| Save | Command-S | Saves the current document or work, where supported. |
| Find | Command-F | Opens search in apps that provide it. |
| Switch apps | Command-Tab | Moves between open apps. Keep holding Command and press Tab again to cycle. |
| Open Spotlight | Command-Space bar | Opens Spotlight search. |
Apple’s keyboard shortcut reference describes shortcuts as a way to trigger commands without moving your hands from the keyboard. That explains the convenience, but it does not establish a specific typing-speed improvement.
How do I select a line or delete a whole word without the mouse?
Select text to a boundary
- To the start of the current line: Shift-Command-Left Arrow.
- To the end of the current line: Shift-Command-Right Arrow.
- To the beginning of the document: Shift-Command-Up Arrow.
- To the end of the document: Shift-Command-Down Arrow.
These combinations extend the selection from the insertion point to the indicated boundary. Text-editing shortcuts can behave differently between apps, so confirm the result in the app you are using.
#1 Best Overall
- WIRELESS, RECHARGEABLE CONVENIENCE — Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad connects wirelessly to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone via Bluetooth. And the rechargeable internal battery means no loose batteries to replace.
- WORKS WITH MAC, IPAD, OR IPHONE — It pairs quickly with your device so you can get to work right away.
- ENHANCED TYPING EXPERIENCE — Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience. Its extended layout features document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys. The numeric keypad is ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- GO WEEKS WITHOUT CHARGING — The incredibly long-lasting internal battery will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges. (Battery life varies by use.) Comes with a Lightning to USB Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB port on your Mac.
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS — Requires a Bluetooth-enabled Mac with macOS 10.12.4 or later, an iPad with iPadOS 13.4 or later, or an iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 10.3 or later.
Delete the previous word
Press Option-Delete to remove the word immediately before the insertion point. Apple lists this and the selection shortcuts in its Mac keyboard shortcuts reference.
How do I paste text and match the destination style?
Use Option-Shift-Command-V to paste while matching the surrounding style. In supported apps, this adapts the pasted content to the destination’s font, color, size or other formatting instead of preserving its original appearance. Apple documents this as “Paste and Match Style” in its copy and paste guide. Whether it is available depends on the app and the selected item.
Rank #2
- Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It’s also wireless and rechargeable, with an incredibly long-lasting internal battery that’ll power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
- It pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.
- It features a USB-C port and includes a woven USB-C Charge Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB-C port on your Mac.
How do I take a screenshot on a Mac?
- Shift-Command-3: Capture the full screen.
- Shift-Command-4: Select an area to capture.
- Shift-Command-5: Open screenshot and screen-recording options.
These are the combinations listed in Apple’s Mac keyboard shortcuts reference.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesHow do I find a shortcut for an app?
Open the app’s menus and look to the right of a command; macOS displays the shortcut there when one is assigned. This is the most direct way to check an app-specific command. Apple notes that shortcuts may vary by app, language and keyboard layout in its guide to using macOS keyboard shortcuts.
Rank #3
- Magic Keyboard is available with Touch ID, providing fast, easy and secure authentication for logins and to unlock your Mac.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys, which are great for gaming.
- The numeric keypad is also ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- It’s wireless and features a rechargeable battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
If a shortcut shown in a guide does not work, check the app menu and confirm the active input source. You can view the current keyboard layout with Keyboard Viewer.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can I change or create a Mac keyboard shortcut?
Some system shortcuts can be changed under Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts. To assign a shortcut to an existing app menu command, use an App Shortcut. Apple’s instructions for creating app shortcuts require the menu command’s title to match exactly, including punctuation and ellipses.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Magic Keyboard is available with Touch ID, providing fast, easy and secure authentication for logins and to unlock your Mac.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys, which are great for gaming.
- The numeric keypad is also ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- It’s wireless and features a rechargeable battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
Rank #4
- Ultra Thin Wired Keyboard: Constructed with aluminum backing, the slim keyboard's height is less than that of a penny.
- Broad Compatibility: Able to work with Apple and compatible with Windows PC operating systems
- Full Sized Extended Keyboard: Easy access to media with 20 Apple shortcut keys (cut/copy/paste, iTunes control, Volume up/down, etc.) and multimedia shortcuts for Windows PC. Also, contains a ten-key numeric keypad for easy data entry.
- Plug and Play (No Drivers Required): No need to continually change or recharge batteries of wireless keyboards
- Long Cord: 4'7" (140 cm) USB cable to connect your external keyboard to the computer
- A new combination that conflicts with another shortcut will not work until the conflict is resolved.
- App Shortcuts apply to existing menu commands; they cannot create a shortcut for a general task such as opening an app.
Why isn’t a Mac keyboard shortcut working?
- The app may not support it. Look for the command in the app’s menu and check the shortcut printed beside it.
- The shortcut may differ in that app. A familiar combination can perform a different action or be unavailable elsewhere.
- The keyboard layout or input source may differ. Check the active input source and use Keyboard Viewer to see the layout.
- A custom shortcut may conflict. Review Keyboard Shortcuts in System Settings or change the conflicting combination.
- The command may require a selection. For example, copy, cut and paste depend on the selected item and the app’s support for that operation.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
