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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →For everyday Mac work, start with Command (⌘)—the key beside the Space bar. Hold the modifier keys, press the final key, then release them. These shortcuts cover common editing, text entry, navigation, search and screenshots; some work differently depending on the app and your settings.
Editing and saving
These are common commands for selected text, files and other items. What they affect depends on the current app and selection.
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| Task | Shortcut | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Repeats the 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 | Searches within a document or opens a Find window. |
Apple’s Mac keyboard shortcuts reference lists these common commands. A command may behave differently in an app that assigns its own shortcut.
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Entering and formatting text
In apps that support these commands, use the following while editing:
#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.
- Option-Delete: deletes the word to the left of the insertion point.
- Command-B: applies bold formatting.
- Command-I: applies italic formatting.
- Command-K: adds a link.
Formatting and text-editing behavior varies by app; check the app’s menus for the commands it supports. Apple notes that “Every app can have its own shortcuts, and shortcuts that work in one app might not work in another.” See Apple’s shortcut reference for more text-editing examples.
Switching apps, finding things and viewing windows
- Command-Tab: moves through open apps. Add Shift to cycle backward.
- Command-Space: opens Spotlight search.
- Control-Up Arrow: opens Mission Control to show open windows and Spaces.
Apple documents these options in its guides to Mac keyboard shortcuts and viewing open windows.
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.
Taking screenshots or recording the screen
| Shortcut | Result |
|---|---|
| Shift-Command-3 | Captures the full screen. |
| Shift-Command-4 | Lets you select an area to capture. |
| Shift-Command-5 | Opens screenshot and screen-recording controls on macOS Mojave or later. |
For the full-screen capture, press the keys together and release them. For an area capture, press Shift-Command-4 and select the region. Shift-Command-5 is the option to use when you want the on-screen controls. Apple’s shortcut reference lists these screenshot commands.
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Why a shortcut may not work—and what to check
- Check the app’s menu bar. The shortcut shown beside a menu command is the one assigned in that app. Some commands are app-specific or unavailable in a particular context.
- Check your input source and layout. Language and keyboard layout can affect shortcuts. Use Keyboard Viewer to see the active input source and how keys are interpreted.
- Look for a conflicting or changed assignment. Open System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts to inspect, change or disable macOS shortcuts. An app may need to be quit and reopened before some custom shortcut changes take effect.
- Check the function-key setting. Top-row keys may control Mac features or act as standard F-keys, depending on the keyboard and settings. On macOS Ventura or later, see System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Function Keys. A key such as F3 may therefore trigger a feature rather than behave as a standard function key.
Apple explains menu discovery, Keyboard Viewer, shortcut conflicts and customization in its macOS keyboard shortcuts guide. Its instructions for function keys describe how their behavior depends on settings.
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
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.
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