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Start with these everyday Mac shortcuts: Command-C copies, Command-V pastes, Command-Z undoes, Command-Tab switches apps, and Shift-Command-3 captures the screen. Most use the Command key (⌘), beside the Space bar. To use a shortcut, hold its modifier keys, press the final key, then release the keys.
Which shortcuts help with everyday editing?
These commands work in many Mac apps, though an app may handle a command differently or assign it another shortcut. Check that the text or item you want to change is selected before using an editing command.
| Task | Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Copy | Command-C | Copies selected text or an item. |
| Paste | Command-V | Pastes clipboard contents. |
| Cut | Command-X | Cuts selected text or an item. |
| Undo | Command-Z | Reverses the previous command. |
| Redo | Shift-Command-Z | Reapplies a command that was undone. |
| Select all | Command-A | Selects all text or items in the current context. |
| Save | Command-S | Saves the current document. |
| Find | Command-F | Finds text or items, or opens a Find window. |
Apple’s Mac keyboard shortcuts reference lists these common commands. Their exact effect depends on what the active app supports.
How can you format text or edit it faster?
In apps that support them, Command-B applies bold, Command-I applies italics, and Command-K adds a link. In supported text fields, Option-Delete deletes the word to the left of the insertion point. These are not guaranteed to work the same way in every app; its menus reveal the shortcuts assigned to its commands.
#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.
How do you switch apps and find things?
- Command-Tab: Cycle through open apps. Add Shift to cycle backward.
- Command-Space: Open Spotlight search.
- Control-Up Arrow: Show open windows and Spaces in Mission Control.
Apple documents app switching and Spotlight in its introduction to Mac keyboard shortcuts, and the Mission Control shortcut in its guide to viewing open windows.
How do you take a screenshot on a Mac?
- Shift-Command-3: Capture the full screen.
- Shift-Command-4: Select an area of the screen to capture.
- Shift-Command-5: Open screenshot and screen-recording controls. This shortcut is available on macOS Mojave or later.
For the available screenshot commands, see Apple’s Mac keyboard shortcuts reference.
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.
Why might a Mac keyboard shortcut not work?
First, check whether the shortcut is available in the app and whether the right text, item, or window is active. Shortcut behavior can vary by app, language, keyboard layout, and settings. Apple notes that “Every app can have its own shortcuts, and shortcuts that work in one app might not work in another.”
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- Check the active keyboard layout. If the keys produce an unexpected result, open Keyboard Viewer to see the active input source and key layout.
- Inspect shortcut assignments. Open System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts to review, change, or disable macOS shortcuts. An assignment can conflict with a shortcut in an app.
- Reopen the app if needed. Some custom shortcut changes take effect only after you quit and reopen the affected app.
Apple explains these checks and customization options 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.
Why does a function key behave differently?
The top row of keys may control Mac features by default or act as standard F-keys, depending on the keyboard and settings. On macOS Ventura or later, Apple places the documented setting at System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Function Keys. Check the setting before relying on a top-row key such as F3: it may trigger Mission Control or another configured feature instead of acting as a standard function key. See Apple’s guide to using Mac function keys.
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
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.
