Cheat sheet guide
macOS shortcuts worth learning first
This page collects 19 searchable macOS keyboard shortcuts across 4 categories. Start with the shortcuts for System, Finder, Screenshots, Text Editing, then print the cheat sheet once the important ones are worth keeping nearby.
- Spotlight search⌘Space
- New Finder window⌘N
- Capture full screen⌘⇧3
- Copy⌘C
- Force quit apps⌘⌥Esc
- Lock screen⌃⌘Q
System
5 shortcuts
Spotlight search
⌘Space
Mac⌘Space
Force quit apps
⌘⌥Esc
Mac⌘⌥Esc
Lock screen
⌃⌘Q
Mac⌃⌘Q
Switch apps
⌘Tab
Mac⌘Tab
Switch windows in app
⌘`
Mac⌘`
Finder
5 shortcuts
New Finder window
⌘N
Mac⌘N
New folder
⌘⇧N
Mac⌘⇧N
Get info
⌘I
Mac⌘I
Duplicate item
⌘D
Mac⌘D
Move to Trash
⌘Delete
Mac⌘Delete
Screenshots
3 shortcuts
Capture full screen
⌘⇧3
Mac⌘⇧3
Capture selected area
⌘⇧4
Mac⌘⇧4
Open screenshot tools
⌘⇧5
Mac⌘⇧5
Text Editing
6 shortcuts
Copy
⌘C
Mac⌘C
Paste
⌘V
Mac⌘V
Cut
⌘X
Mac⌘X
Undo
⌘Z
Mac⌘Z
Redo
⌘⇧Z
Mac⌘⇧Z
Select all
⌘A
Mac⌘A
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to find macOS shortcuts on this page?
Use the search box or press /, then type an action such as spotlight search.
Can I print this macOS shortcut cheat sheet?
Yes. Use the Print / PDF button or your browser print command to save a compact cheat sheet.
Does this page include Windows and Mac shortcuts for macOS?
Yes. Use the OS tabs to switch between Windows and macOS shortcuts. For example, Spotlight search is — on Windows and ⌘Space on macOS where available.
