Time-saving Mac shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are functions that allow you to operate your computer quickly and efficiently by pressing multiple keys at the same time.

• In many cases, they let you perform actions much faster than clicking with a mouse.
• Since there’s no need to move your hands away from the keyboard, tasks like editing documents can be completed far more efficiently.

To use a shortcut, press one or more modifier keys at the same time.
For example, to use Command + C (Copy), hold down the Command key, press C, then release both keys together.

On a Mac, keyboard shortcuts are often displayed directly in menu bars, so you can check them on the spot without having to search for them.

How to check them:
1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left menu bar
2. Open System Settings
3. Select Keyboard Shortcuts

That said, if you’re new to Mac, understanding the symbols used for modifier keys can feel like a challenge before even memorizing the shortcuts themselves.
Here are the four most commonly used modifier keys:

The Command key is the Mac equivalent of the Windows Ctrl key, and it’s indispensable when using macOS.

Common examples include:
Command + C (Copy)
Command + X (Cut)
Command + V (Paste)
Command + Z (Undo)
Command + A (Select All)

The Option key acts as a switch key that changes system behavior.
For example, holding Option while clicking a menu often reveals additional hidden menu options.

The Control key can sometimes feel confusing compared to Option, but once you’re familiar with Option’s role, the difference becomes much clearer.

Finally, there’s Shift.
Think of it as “shifting upward,” represented by its upward arrow symbol.
You’ve probably already seen this key on Windows keyboards as well.

Basic shortcuts like copy, paste, and undo are absolute must-knows.
They make work dramatically easier than relying solely on a mouse or trackpad.

These work across most Mac applications.

These are especially useful for file management.

キーボードショートカットで、カーソルの移動や文字の削除ができますので、メールやブログ記事などの長文を書くときに便利なショートカットキーです。

Macで仕事をしていると色々なアプリやたくさんのウィンドウを開くはずです。
開いたアプリウィンドウを切り替えて作業をするためのショートカットキーを覚えておいて損はありません。

On a Mac, keys like F1 and F2 also control brightness and volume by default.
If you use function keys more often, it’s more convenient to enable “Use F1, F2, etc. as standard function keys” in Keyboard Settings.

There are too many shortcuts to memorize all at once.
Fortunately, most applications display their shortcuts right in the menu bar—so it’s always worth taking a quick look.

You can customize shortcuts by going to:

A good rule of thumb: choose combinations you can comfortably perform with just your left hand.

How did that sound?
Today we introduced some useful Mac keyboard shortcuts, but these are only a few examples. The best shortcuts are the ones that fit naturally into your own workflow, so don’t hesitate to customize them and develop your own time-saving techniques.