Mac OS X 'shortcut key Combinations' Summary This article is an English version of an article which is originally in the Chinese language on aliyun.com and is provided for information purposes only. This website makes no representation or warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness ownership.
This document is loosely based on Charles Poynton's startup key combinations document which has since disappeared from his web site.
- Cool shortcut keys for Mac 1. Invert display colors. A truly psychedelic key combination. This shortcut inverts all the colors on your Mac's screen to their opposites. Try it, and your world will never be the same. On the flip side, you can find a few practical applications for this command, for example, to adjust your screen to different lighting.
- 10 incredibly useful Mac keyboard shortcuts you should be using Want to take screenshots or find files faster? There's a shortcut for that—and many other things.
- When you use a Windows (PC) keyboard on a Macintosh computer, the keyboard shortcuts that you use map to different keys. In particular, the primary key that is used in keyboard shortcuts in combination with other keys is frequently different. The following are the primary key substitutions on the Windows keyboard, and their Macintosh equivalents.
- With the 'Host Mac' running, connect to the Target Mac with a 6-pin FireWire cable. Boot the Target Mac while holding down its 'T' key, then let go when the FireWire icon appears. The Target Mac's hard drive will show up on the desktop of the Host Mac. To kill this mode, drag the icon to the trash and shut down the Target Mac.
A Mac does several checks when it is first powered on; one of the first things it does is scan the keyboard bus (ADB) for any signals. Certain keys will cause various actions to be taken. Note: command (cmd) is the same as the Apple key; option (opt) is the same as the alt key.
The following should be held down when the computer is first powered up to take effect:
- cmd-opt-P-R: Zap PRAM. Causes computer to reboot. Date, time, and AppleTalk settings will be lost.
- cmd-opt-X-O: Boot from ROM (Mac Classic only). Boots from copy of System 6.0.3 in the ROMs.
- cmd-opt-A-V: Reset AV monitor and force it to be recognised as such.
- cmd-opt-T-V: Force 660AV or 840AV to use TV connected to the AV jacks as the monitor.
- cmd-opt-shift-delete-(#): Boot from a SCSI device on the SCSI bus other than the disk selected in the Startup Disk control panel. The optional number allows for booting from a specific SCSI ID.
- R: Force PowerBook to reset screen.
- C: Boot from Apple-brand CD-ROM drive. Works with a few third-party drives too. For drives that can't boot using the C key, try cmd-opt-shift-delete as explained above.
- hold mouse button: Eject bootable floppy and boot from the SCSI bus.
The following should be held down just before the happy Mac first appears to take effect:
- Command: Boot with virtual memory off (System 7 - Mac OS 9.x only).
- shift: Boot with Extensions, Control Panels, and Startup Items disabled (including VM, if on).
- space: Open Extensions Manager (System 7.5.x and higher only) on boot.
- others: Check documentation for third-party extensions and control panels; there are often keys to disable these individually.
The following should be held down immediately after the 'icon parade' finishes to take effect:
- cmd-opt: Rebuild desktop database file.
- shift: Disable Startup Items only.
- option: Start Finder with no open windows.
For shortcuts to use in the Finder once the Mac is booted, check out the Finder Shortcuts file in the Help menu.
The following are some other useful shortcuts/undocumented combos:
- cmd-opt while opening Memory control panel: allow startup RAM tests to be turned off (Mac OS 8.5 - 9.x only).
- cmd-power key: Generate non-maskable interrupt, which will drop you into the built-in debugger or Macsbug (if installed). Type 'g' and press return to continue.
- cmd-opt while opening Chooser: rebuild Chooser's cache.
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Startup Key Combinations Mac
Last Modified on 06 November 2013
by the pickle
All layout, HTML code, and text content is ©2000-5 by the pickle. Quotations from other sources used by permission. While every effort is made to verify information, the pickle takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of external links. If you break something as a result of what you read here, it is exclusively your own fault.
Controllers for mac. Humanity should be grateful for the invention of Mac hotkeys. They probably saved us thousand years of time if put together. There is something addictive in using shortcuts - the quickness, the feeling of a keyboard, the geeky confidence in your fingers when you realize 'hurray it works!' Once you get hooked on shortcuts, you'll never go back to clicking again.
Basic Mac hotkeys combinations
1. Quit all apps
Sometimes an app that you thought you quit is still secretly running in the background. When your Mac lags and you need some fresh memory, you may choose to quit all apps. You probably heard of Force Quit (Cmd + Option + Esc), but it's a too long way to do it.
Quit many apps in a row: Cmd + Tab
Then, holding down Cmd press Q to cycle between apps you need to close.
2. Delete a file completely
Dragging files to the Trash? Wait, this is not the only option. Here's a shortcut to quickly delete unwanted files on a Mac, bypassing the Trash. Caution: there's no way back.
To completely delete a file: Option + Cmd + Delete
Did you know, the Command key ? symbol was borrowed from a road sign that is used across Scandinavia? Its original use is to denote tourist attractions. Early Mac models had Apple key instead of Command, but it later was changed as Steve Jobs feared that there would be too many 'apples' in the OS interface.
3. Copy and paste a screenshot directly
Cmd + Shift + 4 is an old classic way to make a screenshot on a Mac. But here comes the combination to take your screenshotting skills to the new level. Normally you would make a screenshot, pick it from your desktop, and only then paste it to the new location. It appears, all this time you could do it easier.
To copy-paste a screenshot: Shift + Control + Cmd + 4
4. Quickly switch to the desktop
Sometimes your screen is so obscured by windows it would take years to click through to the desktop. Thank goodness, there is a Mac keystroke combination designed for people like us: the folks who are drowning in an ocean of windows.
To remove window overload: Cmd + F3
5. Open Spotlight
Spotlight, your Mac's internal search engine, can make your life 1000% easier. It finds files faster than Finder and intuitively predicts what are you after. To open Spotlight right on the spot (sorry for the pun), use this magic combo.
To launch Spotlight search: Cmd + Space bar
Cool shortcut keys for Mac
Mac Command Key Combinations
1. Invert display colors
A truly psychedelic key combination. This shortcut inverts all the colors on your Mac's screen to their opposites. Try it, and your world will never be the same. On the flip side, you can find a few practical applications for this command, for example, to adjust your screen to different lighting.
To invert colors on screen: ?md + Option + F5
2. Restore a recently closed tab
This one can be a real savior if you accidentally closed an important tab in a browser, like that pancake recipe or payment confirmation. There's an easy Mac keyboard shortcut to restore it.
To restore a closed tab: Cmd + Shift + T
- Command: Boot with virtual memory off (System 7 - Mac OS 9.x only).
- shift: Boot with Extensions, Control Panels, and Startup Items disabled (including VM, if on).
- space: Open Extensions Manager (System 7.5.x and higher only) on boot.
- others: Check documentation for third-party extensions and control panels; there are often keys to disable these individually.
The following should be held down immediately after the 'icon parade' finishes to take effect:
- cmd-opt: Rebuild desktop database file.
- shift: Disable Startup Items only.
- option: Start Finder with no open windows.
For shortcuts to use in the Finder once the Mac is booted, check out the Finder Shortcuts file in the Help menu.
The following are some other useful shortcuts/undocumented combos:
- cmd-opt while opening Memory control panel: allow startup RAM tests to be turned off (Mac OS 8.5 - 9.x only).
- cmd-power key: Generate non-maskable interrupt, which will drop you into the built-in debugger or Macsbug (if installed). Type 'g' and press return to continue.
- cmd-opt while opening Chooser: rebuild Chooser's cache.
Back to FAQ Index
Startup Key Combinations Mac
Last Modified on 06 November 2013
by the pickle
All layout, HTML code, and text content is ©2000-5 by the pickle. Quotations from other sources used by permission. While every effort is made to verify information, the pickle takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of external links. If you break something as a result of what you read here, it is exclusively your own fault.
Controllers for mac. Humanity should be grateful for the invention of Mac hotkeys. They probably saved us thousand years of time if put together. There is something addictive in using shortcuts - the quickness, the feeling of a keyboard, the geeky confidence in your fingers when you realize 'hurray it works!' Once you get hooked on shortcuts, you'll never go back to clicking again.
Basic Mac hotkeys combinations
1. Quit all apps
Sometimes an app that you thought you quit is still secretly running in the background. When your Mac lags and you need some fresh memory, you may choose to quit all apps. You probably heard of Force Quit (Cmd + Option + Esc), but it's a too long way to do it.
Quit many apps in a row: Cmd + Tab
Then, holding down Cmd press Q to cycle between apps you need to close.
2. Delete a file completely
Dragging files to the Trash? Wait, this is not the only option. Here's a shortcut to quickly delete unwanted files on a Mac, bypassing the Trash. Caution: there's no way back.
To completely delete a file: Option + Cmd + Delete
Did you know, the Command key ? symbol was borrowed from a road sign that is used across Scandinavia? Its original use is to denote tourist attractions. Early Mac models had Apple key instead of Command, but it later was changed as Steve Jobs feared that there would be too many 'apples' in the OS interface.
3. Copy and paste a screenshot directly
Cmd + Shift + 4 is an old classic way to make a screenshot on a Mac. But here comes the combination to take your screenshotting skills to the new level. Normally you would make a screenshot, pick it from your desktop, and only then paste it to the new location. It appears, all this time you could do it easier.
To copy-paste a screenshot: Shift + Control + Cmd + 4
4. Quickly switch to the desktop
Sometimes your screen is so obscured by windows it would take years to click through to the desktop. Thank goodness, there is a Mac keystroke combination designed for people like us: the folks who are drowning in an ocean of windows.
To remove window overload: Cmd + F3
5. Open Spotlight
Spotlight, your Mac's internal search engine, can make your life 1000% easier. It finds files faster than Finder and intuitively predicts what are you after. To open Spotlight right on the spot (sorry for the pun), use this magic combo.
To launch Spotlight search: Cmd + Space bar
Cool shortcut keys for Mac
Mac Command Key Combinations
1. Invert display colors
A truly psychedelic key combination. This shortcut inverts all the colors on your Mac's screen to their opposites. Try it, and your world will never be the same. On the flip side, you can find a few practical applications for this command, for example, to adjust your screen to different lighting.
To invert colors on screen: ?md + Option + F5
2. Restore a recently closed tab
This one can be a real savior if you accidentally closed an important tab in a browser, like that pancake recipe or payment confirmation. There's an easy Mac keyboard shortcut to restore it.
To restore a closed tab: Cmd + Shift + T
3. To shut down your Mac instantly
No, the following Mac shortcut is not about the force shutdown. It's used when you need to quickly close all dialog windows and shut down your Mac in a legit way. Learn this one, quickly finish your work and finally go outside.
To quickly shut down a Mac: Control + Option + Command + Eject
4. Mac hot keys to invoke Siri
Among all Mac keyboard commands, this is the easiest. Since Siri's arrival to macOS we got used to talk to Siri about weather and even ask her to play our favorite tracks on Mac. If you are using macOS Sierra or higher, you'll enjoy the ability to summon Siri using just one hand.
To launch Siri: Cmd + Space bar
A shortcut to free up space on your Mac
Well, not exactly a shortcut, but indeed the quickest way to get more storage on your Mac.
Download CleanMyMac + Install + Click Smart Scan
This combination of actions will free up dozens of gigabytes of space taken by garbage: unwanted files, system junk, app leftovers, etc. CleanMyMac removes about 54 GB of junk on an average Mac. Try and see how it cleans your Mac.
CleanMyMac is available for a free download here.
Finder shortcuts
Finder is quite a resource-demanding tool. When you open a new Finder window it usually takes some time. For quicker access to your main destinations like Applications or Desktop, you can use the following shortcut combinations.
To quickly access Finder folders:
Cmd + Shift + A (for Applications)
Cmd + Shift + U (for Utilities)
Cmd + Shift + D (for Desktop)
Chrome shortcuts
Having hundreds of opened tabs in a browser has become a widespread syndrome nowadays. Closing tabs with a mouse is not only frustrating but also may freeze up your browser. Using a direct shortcut makes this job easy as a morning walk.
To close a current tab in Chrome: Cmd + W
To close a Chrome window: Cmd + Shift + W
To open a new Chrome tab: Cmd + T
Psychologists say you have to do something at least 3 times to put it in your long-term memory. Attach small sticky notes to the outlines of your Mac's screen with 3 or 4 shortcuts you really want to master. Then, leave it all to your fingers.
Mac shortcuts for documents
1. Copy text without formatting
You want to copy a piece of the text, but the old formatting drags along with it. Now you spend more time formatting rather than actually creating a text. To strip the text from old styling, use the following Mac hotkeys combination. A very good one to stretch your fingers.
To paste text without formatting:
Hold down Shift + Option + Command and hit V
2. Paste special symbols and emojis
Probably this is the easiest documented shortcut key for a Mac. To enter special symbols, like those lamdas, tildas, and alfas, you need to press just one key. For instance, if you need to type a modified E, hold down the E key for one second and then choose among available variations that appear.
To enter an alternate character: Hold down the character key
To paste emojis in the text: Press Control + Command + Space
3. Enter a strikethrough text on a Mac
You won't believe, but 8000 people are googling how to do a strikethrough text on a Mac everyday. Although some applications don't support it, this combination well works in TextEdit and Word. Now you can use it in every second line to add some roughness to your writing.
To apply strikethrough formatting: Cmd + Shift + X
4. Quickly print documents
The next combination works for most apps that allow printing. You don't need to figure out where the print dialogue is located in every case. Just memorize this quick combination and send your files to print from anywhere.
To invoke a print dialogue: Cmd + P
Mac shortcuts to delete many files at once
There comes a time when you need to do a spring cleaning on your Mac: sort out old garbage, move photos to an external drive, or clean up your old downloads. It is time-consuming and takes an immense willpower simply to start. But lucky you are: there are a few shortcuts to remove large heaps of files as quickly as if you had a machete.
To select folder contents: Cmd + A
To delete a group of files after selection: Cmd + Delete
To empty the Trash: Cmd + Shift + Delete
If you've got many files left after backing up, this will save you a good deal of time moving them to the Trash bin.
To save you from a headache, there are apps that will do the mundane deletion job in an instant. CleanMyMac is perhaps the most reliable one. It has a tool that specifically searches for Large & Old files on your drive for a quick cleanup. CleanMyMac is available for a free download. So, check it out.
This was our take on most useful keyboard shortcuts for Mac. Thanks for reading. How to force install mojave on unsupported mac. Below you'll find a few more links about Mac and productivity.
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