The Ultimate Guide To Mac Shortcuts

Tricks & Secrets

How to take screenshots on a Mac?

Taking screenshots on a Mac is simple and quick. Here are the common ways:

Command + Shift + 3: Capture the entire screen. This will automatically save the screenshot as a file on your desktop.
Command + Shift + 4: Capture a selected portion of the screen. After pressing the combination, drag to select the area you want to capture.
Command + Shift + 4, then Spacebar: Capture a specific window.
Command + Shift + 5: Open the screenshot toolbar to capture or record the screen.

Did you know? You can change where screenshots are saved by using the Screenshot toolbar (Command + Shift + 5).

How to force restart my Mac?

If your Mac freezes, you can force restart it with these steps:

Control + Command + Power: Force restart your Mac.
Command + Option + Esc: Open “Force Quit” to close any unresponsive applications.

Tip: Holding the power button for 10 seconds will force a complete shutdown.

How to access hidden files and folders on Mac?

To view hidden files in Finder, use these shortcuts:

Command + Shift + Period (.): Toggle the visibility of hidden files in Finder.
Go to Folder: Use Command + Shift + G to navigate directly to a hidden folder.

Warning: Be cautious when editing hidden files as they are system files.

How to switch between open apps?

Switch between open apps with these shortcuts:

Command + Tab: Open the app switcher to cycle through apps.
Command + ~: Switch between open windows of the same app.
Command + H: Hide the current app.

Quick Tip: Use Command + Tab and hold it to quickly navigate apps.

How do I take a screenshot of a specific window?

If you want to capture only one window on your screen, here’s how:

Command + Shift + 4: After pressing this, tap the spacebar. The cursor will change to a camera. Click on the window you want to capture.

Tip: This is great for capturing a specific window without the surrounding desktop elements.

How to find files quickly on Mac?

Searching for files on your Mac is simple with Spotlight:

Command + Space: Open Spotlight to search for apps, files, and web results.
Command + Option + Space: Open Spotlight in Finder to search for files specifically.

Tip: You can search for anything on your Mac with Spotlight, including email, documents, or even web results!

How to manage multiple desktops on Mac?

Use the following shortcuts to manage desktops and workspaces:

Control + Up Arrow: Open Mission Control to see all your desktops.
Control + Left/Right Arrow: Switch between multiple desktops or full-screen apps.

Tip: You can have multiple desktops to organize your workspaces and apps.

How to force quit an app on Mac?

If an app is frozen and unresponsive, you can force quit it:

Command + Option + Esc: Open the “Force Quit” window and select the app to close it.

Tip: You can also force quit by right-clicking on the app in the dock while holding the Option key.

How to quickly lock your Mac?

Locking your Mac to secure it quickly:

Command + Control + Q: Lock your Mac screen immediately.

Tip: Great for when you need to step away from your Mac and don’t want others to access it.

How to open the Preferences menu on a Mac?

Quickly access system preferences with:

Command + Comma (,): Open the preferences window for the currently active app (e.g., Safari preferences).

Tip: This shortcut works across most apps, making it easier to adjust settings.

How to mute your Mac’s volume?

Quickly mute the volume on your Mac with:

Command + Option + F11: Mute your Mac’s sound immediately.

Tip: Use the volume keys on your Mac keyboard to adjust the sound level more easily.

How to quickly open a new Finder window?

To open a new Finder window:

Command + N: Open a new Finder window.

Tip: Pressing this shortcut multiple times will open multiple Finder windows.

How to empty the Trash on Mac?

To quickly empty the Trash:

Command + Shift + Delete: Empty the Trash on your Mac.

Tip: Make sure you don’t need any files before emptying the Trash, as it’s permanent!

How to adjust the brightness on a Mac?

Adjusting the brightness on your Mac:

F1/F2: Decrease or increase the brightness on your Mac’s screen.

Tip: You can also adjust brightness in System Preferences under Displays.

How to clear browser history on Safari?

Clear your browsing history in Safari:

Command + Y: Open the History menu in Safari.
Command + Shift + Delete: Clear history in Safari.

Tip: Regularly clear your history for better performance and privacy.

Secrets of the MacBook

1. Quick Preview: Select a file and press Spacebar to preview it without opening an app.
2. Split Screen: Hold the green maximize button to use split-screen mode.
3. Emoji Shortcut: Press Control + Command + Space to access the emoji and symbols menu.
4. Custom Keyboard Shortcuts: Create shortcuts in System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts.
5. Spotlight for Calculations: Use Command + Space to open Spotlight and perform calculations or conversions.
6. Hidden Trackpad Gestures: Swipe three fingers up to open Mission Control.
7. Screenshots Made Easy: Use Command + Shift + 5 for advanced screenshot options.
8. Digital Signatures: Use the Preview app to sign documents with your trackpad or camera.
9. Night Shift Mode: Reduce blue light by enabling Night Shift in Display settings.
10. Startup Secrets: Hold Option during startup to select a boot disk, or Command + R for Recovery Mode.

Mac vs Windows: A Comparison

Feature	Mac	Windows
User Interface	Sleek and minimal with a consistent design.	Highly customizable but varies by manufacturer.
Hardware Integration	Seamless integration with Apple hardware.	Wide variety of hardware options from many brands.
Software Compatibility	Optimized for creative tools like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro.	Better compatibility with a wide range of software and games.
Security	Strong security with fewer vulnerabilities.	More frequent vulnerabilities but stronger antivirus options.
Gaming	Limited gaming options.	Excellent support for gaming with DirectX and more titles.
Price	Premium pricing with fewer budget options.	Wide range of pricing options, from budget to high-end.
Software Updates	Regular updates with long-term support for older devices.	Frequent updates but varies by Windows version.
Customizability	Limited customizability.	Highly customizable in both software and hardware.
Ecosystem	Works seamlessly with other Apple products (iPhone, iPad).	Compatibility with many third-party peripherals and devices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mac

How to force restart a Mac?

To force restart your Mac when it’s unresponsive:

Press and hold the Power button: Hold for 10 seconds until the Mac turns off.
Press the Power button again: After a few seconds, press the Power button to restart it.

How to take a screenshot on a Mac?

There are different ways to take a screenshot on a Mac:

Command + Shift + 3: Capture the entire screen.
Command + Shift + 4: Capture a selected portion of the screen.
Command + Shift + 5: Open the screenshot toolbar for more options, including screen recording.

How to check Mac storage?

To check your Mac’s storage:

Click the Apple logo: Located in the top-left corner.
Select About This Mac: Click on the Storage tab to view your disk usage and available space.

How to turn on dark mode on Mac?

To enable dark mode:

Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple logo and select System Preferences.
Select General: Under the “Appearance” section, select Dark. You can also set it to Auto to switch between dark and light mode based on the time of day.

How to uninstall apps on Mac?

To uninstall an app on your Mac:

Open Finder: Go to the Applications folder.
Drag the app to the Trash: Or right-click and select Move to Trash.
Empty the Trash: Don’t forget to empty the Trash afterward to free up space.

How to use Time Machine on Mac?

Time Machine is a built-in backup feature on macOS:

Open System Preferences: Select Time Machine.
Turn on Time Machine: Select a backup disk, and Time Machine will automatically back up your files at regular intervals.

How to clear browser cache on Mac?

To clear your browser cache:

In Safari: Go to Safari > Preferences > Advanced, then enable Show Develop menu in menu bar. In the Develop menu, click Empty Caches.
For other browsers: Check their respective settings under privacy or browsing history.

How to improve Mac performance?

To speed up your Mac:

Close unused applications.
Remove unnecessary login items.
Clear your system cache.
Use Disk Utility: Repair your disk and check for issues.
Upgrade your RAM or SSD: If possible, upgrading your hardware can significantly improve performance.

How to reset PRAM on Mac?

Resetting the PRAM can help resolve various issues:

Shut down your Mac.
Turn it on: Immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds.
Release the keys: Let your Mac restart.

How to transfer files from Mac to iPhone?

To transfer files:

Use AirDrop: Enable AirDrop on both devices and select the file you want to send.
Use iCloud Drive: Upload the files to iCloud Drive and access them on your iPhone via the Files app.
Use iTunes or Finder: Sync files between your Mac and iPhone.

macOS Features Overview

1. Spotlight Search

Quick Calculations: Perform calculations directly in Spotlight.
File Navigation: Search for files, apps, and even specific content within documents.
Conversions: Convert units and currencies on the fly.

2. Mission Control and Spaces

Mission Control: Access all open windows, split view, and spaces by swiping up with three or four fingers or pressing the Mission Control key.
Spaces: Create multiple virtual desktops to organize different workflows.
App Exposé: View all windows of the current application by swiping down with three or four fingers.

3. Finder Enhancements

Tabs in Finder: Use tabs to manage multiple Finder windows within a single window.
Quick Look: Preview files without opening them by selecting a file and pressing the spacebar.
Tags and Smart Folders: Organize files using color-coded tags and create Smart Folders based on search criteria.

4. Siri Integration

Voice Commands: Use Siri to perform searches, set reminders, send messages, and control system settings.
Automation: Integrate with Shortcuts to automate tasks.

5. Touch Bar (if applicable)

Customizable Controls: Customize the Touch Bar for different applications to access shortcuts and controls quickly.
Dynamic Functionality: The Touch Bar changes based on the active application and context.

6. Continuity Features

Handoff: Start a task on one Apple device and continue it on another seamlessly.
Universal Clipboard: Copy text, images, or videos on one device and paste them on another.
AirDrop: Quickly share files between Apple devices without needing an internet connection.

7. Spotlight Enhancements

Spotlight Suggestions: Get web results, news, weather updates, and more directly in Spotlight.
Finder Integration: Launch apps, find files, and perform actions without opening Finder.

8. Automator and Shortcuts

Automator: Create custom workflows to automate repetitive tasks, such as renaming multiple files or resizing images.
Shortcuts App: Design and use shortcuts to streamline complex tasks with a single click or voice command.

9. Accessibility Features

VoiceOver: Screen reader for visually impaired users.
Zoom: Magnify the screen for better visibility.
Switch Control: Control your Mac using adaptive devices for motor-impaired users.

10. Preview App Tricks

Annotate PDFs: Add text, shapes, signatures, and highlights to PDFs.
Combine PDFs: Merge multiple PDF files into a single document.
Extract Pages: Select and extract specific pages from a PDF.

11. Terminal Commands

Customization: Customize system settings, appearance, and behavior using Terminal commands.
Scripting: Automate tasks and manage system functions through scripts.

12. FileVault Encryption

Secure Data: Encrypt your entire startup disk to protect your data from unauthorized access.

13. Time Machine

Backup and Restore: Use Time Machine to automatically back up your Mac and easily restore files or the entire system.

14. Picture-in-Picture Mode

Multitasking: Watch videos or continue video calls in a resizable floating window while working in other applications.

15. Split View

Side-by-Side Apps: Use Split View to work with two applications side by side without manually resizing windows.

16. Hidden App Icons

Menu Bar Management: Hold the Command key and drag menu bar icons to rearrange or hide them.
Third-Party Tools: Use apps like Bartender to manage and organize menu bar icons effectively.

17. Emoji and Special Characters

Access Special Characters: Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer for emojis and special symbols.

18. Quick Look for Files

Preview Files: Select a file and press the spacebar to preview its contents without opening the associated application.

19. Night Shift

Adjust Display Colors: Reduce blue light by enabling Night Shift in System Preferences > Displays, making it easier on the eyes during nighttime use.

Note: If you’re looking to master Mac shortcuts and boost your productivity, check out this website: Shortcuts Maker – Mac Shortcuts. It offers a comprehensive list of keyboard shortcuts that can help you navigate your Mac more efficiently, whether you’re working in apps, managing files, or using system features. It’s a handy resource to make your Mac experience smoother and quicker!