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Use Command shortcuts for common document tasks, Option-Delete to remove the previous word, and Shift-Command with an arrow to select text to a boundary. Shortcuts can reduce menu and pointer use, but how they behave depends on the app, language, and keyboard layout.
How Mac keyboard shortcuts work
A shortcut combines one or more modifier keys with a final key. Hold the modifier key or keys, press the final key, then release. On a Mac keyboard, Command (⌘) is the main modifier for many everyday commands. Apple describes shortcuts as a way to trigger commands without moving your hands from the keyboard (Apple’s Mac keyboard shortcut guide).
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What are the most useful Mac keyboard shortcuts?
Start with shortcuts you use repeatedly in documents, then add navigation and system commands that fit your routine. These are documented Mac shortcuts; availability and behavior can vary by app.
| Task | Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Copy, paste, cut | Command-C, Command-V, Command-X | Copies, pastes, or cuts the selected item. |
| Undo and redo | Command-Z; Shift-Command-Z | Undoes the last action; the shifted combination redoes it. |
| Save | Command-S | Saves in apps that support the command. |
| Find | Command-F | Opens Find in apps that support 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. |
| Capture the full screen | Shift-Command-3 | Takes a screenshot of the entire screen. |
| Capture part of the screen | Shift-Command-4 | Lets you select an area for a screenshot. |
| Open screenshot and recording options | Shift-Command-5 | Displays screenshot and screen-recording options. |
Apple’s shortcut references include these commands, but individual apps may use different shortcuts or not support a command (Apple’s Mac keyboard shortcuts).
#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 I delete a whole word on a Mac?
Press Option-Delete to delete the word immediately before the insertion point. This is useful when correcting a phrase without repeatedly pressing Delete. The shortcut removes text to the left of the cursor; it does not select the word first.
How do I select a whole line without using the mouse?
Place the insertion point in the line, then use Shift-Command-Left Arrow to select from the cursor to the start of the line, or Shift-Command-Right Arrow to select to its end. To extend a selection to a document boundary, use Shift-Command-Up Arrow for the beginning or Shift-Command-Down Arrow for the end. Text-editing behavior can differ between apps, so check the app’s menus if a combination acts differently (Apple’s macOS shortcut guidance).
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 paste text in the destination’s style?
Use Option-Shift-Command-V for Paste and Match Style. It makes pasted content match the surrounding font, color, size, or other style where the app supports the command. Copying and pasting also depends on the app and the selected item (Apple’s copy-and-paste guide).
How do I find keyboard shortcuts for an app on Mac?
- Open the app’s menu. Look to the right of a menu command; macOS displays its shortcut there when one is available.
- Check the command in context. App menus are the best reference for that app’s current commands and shortcuts.
- Verify your input source if a shortcut fails. Language and keyboard layout can affect the combination. Use Keyboard Viewer to confirm the current input source and which keys are active.
Apple’s introductory guide explains that shortcuts can vary by app, language, and keyboard layout (Apple’s introduction to Mac 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.
Can I change a Mac keyboard shortcut?
Some system shortcuts can be changed in Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts. For a menu command in a particular app, macOS also lets you assign an App Shortcut:
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts, then choose App Shortcuts.
- Add the app and enter the menu command’s title exactly as it appears, including punctuation and any ellipsis.
- Assign a key combination that does not conflict with another shortcut.
If the new combination conflicts with an existing shortcut, it will not work until the conflict is changed. App Shortcuts apply to existing menu commands; they cannot create shortcuts for general tasks such as opening an app. See Apple’s instructions for creating app shortcuts.
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
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