While most menu items display their keyboard shortcuts next to the name, there are many macOS shortcuts that are hidden. Once you know them, though, they can save you time.
However, one caution: When you use a menu to put your Mac to sleep, restart or shut-down, it pops up a warning dialog asking if this is what you really want to do. When you use a keyboard shortcut, your Mac goes IMMEDIATELY to sleep. The first time I saw it, it was pretty surprising. It was instant.
These keyboard shortcuts work on all versions of macOS and all Mac computers.
NOTE: The Eject key is just to the right of the F12 key on small and full-size keyboards. On laptops, use the Power button.
| Task | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Turn off Display | Shift + Control + Eject/Power |
| Empty Trash | Shift + Cmd + Delete |
| Lock screen instantly | Control + Cmd + Q |
| Instant Sleep | Cmd + Option + Eject/Power |
| Instant Restart | Control + Cmd + Eject/Power |
| Instant Shut-down | Control + Cmd + Option + Eject/Power |
| Display Sleep dialog | Control + Eject/Power |
NOTE: To turn ON the display, simply press any key.
| Task | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Move selected item to trash | Cmd + Delete |
| Open/Close Spotlight | Cmd + Spacebar |
| Define selected word | Control + Cmd + D |
| Show/Hide Dock | Cmd + Option + D |
| Open Applications folder | Shift + Cmd + A |
| Open Utilities folder | Shift + Cmd + U |
| Open Home Directory | Shift + Cmd + H |
| Open iCloud Drive | Shift + Cmd + I |
| Open Recents folder | Shift + Cmd + F |
| Open Network volume | Cmd + K |
| Enable/Disable Stacks | Control + Cmd + O |
| Display Emojis | Control + Cmd + Spacebar |
| Open folder in separate window | Cmd + Double-click |
| Preview multiple Finder files | Cmd + Y |
EXTRA CREDIT
There are literally hundreds of keyboard shortcuts built-into macOS. Here’s a link to Apple’s complete list: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201236
Feel free to share your own favorite shortcuts in the comments.
5 Responses to These macOS Keyboard Shortcuts Will Save You Time
Thanks Larry. I love keyboard shortcuts. It should be noted that some shortcuts are application dependent. Such as Shift + Cmd + A, will Open Application folder in Finder, but that shortcut in a web browser will open a search or add-ons menu.
I’ll definitely add the “turn off display” shortcut the next time I leave the computer running a long task and step away for a few hours.
Ed:
You make a very good point. All the shortcuts that open a folder or location are dependent upon the Finder being active.
Thanks!
Larry
Command + Tab: switch between apps.
Yeah. That’s a favorite of mine as well.
Larry
My favorite Finder shortcut is Cmd + Option + (Big) Delete, which deletes the selected item(s) immediately, without use of Trash.