Most Mac users are likely familiar with the fact that Command-C stands for copying, while Command-V signifies pasting. However, there exists a plethora of other convenient shortcuts that significantly enhance the lives of Mac users. Here, I’ve compiled a concise collection to exemplify this truth:

Escape Key

Never underestimate the prowess of the Escape key in extricating you from a predicament. Imagine you’re attempting to capture a screenshot and inadvertently select the wrong portion of your screen – a quick tap of the Escape key alleviates your concerns. Essentially, the Escape key allows you to cancel a prior command. Another instance: Is a webpage failing to load, causing a strain on your system resources? Employ the Escape key…

Command-W

This shortcut promptly closes the active window you’re currently engaged with. For closing all active application windows simultaneously, deploy Option-Command-W.

Command-Y

Numerous individuals utilize QuickLook to preview items they’re searching for. To engage QuickLook, pick an item within Finder, tap the Space bar, and a preview will materialize. Additionally, there’s a keyboard shortcut available – opt for an item (you can even employ the Up and Down arrows for navigation within Finder view) and then press Command-Y.

Command – Comma (,)

A less-known but immensely valuable keyboard command on Mac. Consider this scenario: You’re immersed in an application and wish to access the application’s Preferences. You can journey to the Menu bar and scroll through to find Preferences. Alternatively, you can press Command-, (comma) for the quickest access to Preferences.

Command-G

Familiar with using Command-F to locate items, such as words within documents or webpages? Command-G is its lesser-known counterpart. Employ it to navigate through each instance of the sought-after item. This implies that after employing Command-F to discover all occurrences of ‘Command’ on this page, pressing Command-G allows you to sequentially navigate through each instance. Additionally, pressing Shift-Command-G facilitates a return to the preceding mention.

Command-M

Press this combination to minimize the foremost application window to the Dock, or execute Command-Option-M to minimize all windows associated with the active app.

Command and Option

In the event your desktop is obscured by numerous open applications, simultaneously press Command and Option, then click anywhere on your desktop. If your aim is to access all open windows pertaining to a particular app, maintain these keys and click on any available window within that app.

Command-Shift-A

Activate this combination while in Finder/Desktop view to access your Applications folder. Alternatively, replace the ‘A’ with ‘U’ to launch your Utilities folder within a fresh Finder window (or ‘D’ for Desktop, ‘H’ for Home, or ‘I’ to enter iCloud Drive).

Command-Space

A transformative combination, Command-Space summons Spotlight – depress these keys and commence typing your inquiry. (I assume you’re already familiar with Command-tab?)

Command-L

The swiftest method for searching or navigating to a website in Safari. Command-L instantaneously highlights the address bar, allowing you to type your query and use the keyboard’s up/down arrows for the suitable choice.

Command-Tab

Initiates the application switcher, and by sustaining the Command key, utilize Tab to navigate to your desired app.

Command-Option-D

Exhibits or conceals the Dock from within most applications.

Fn-left arrow (or right arrow)

Effortlessly jump to the top or bottom of a webpage by employing the Function key and the right (bottom) or left (top) arrows on your keyboard. Comparable results can be achieved with Command-Up or Command-Down. Alternatively, deploy Control-Tab and Control-Shift-Tab.

Command-left/right arrows

Press Command and the left arrow to revisit the previous page in the browser window. Engage Command and the right arrow for forward navigation.

Tab Navigation

Easily navigate between multiple tabs using the Command-Shift-] or Command-Shift-[ keystrokes.

Command-Shift-\

The simplest technique for viewing all open tabs within a single Safari window.

Option-Shift-Volume

Utilize Option-Shift in combination with the volume up/down buttons to minutely adjust the volume on your Mac. This combination can also modify display brightness in small increments. Additional Option-related insights can be explored here.

Fn Twice

Press the function (fn) key twice to initiate Dictation on your Mac. Begin speaking and press fn once you’ve completed. Diverse ways to control your Mac with your voice are also available. Note: macOS Catalina now introduces the more potent Voice Control, enabling comprehensive Mac management solely via voice commands.

Option-File

While in Safari, hold down the Option key while selecting the File menu to access the ‘Close Other Tabs’ command. Experiment with other Safari menu items with Option pressed for unearthing additional concealed commands.

Option-Brightness Up (or Down)

Employ this command to rapidly open Display preferences. Alternatively, combine Option with Mission Control or Volume (up/down) buttons to access preferences for Mission Control and Sounds.

Command – Backtick `

A relatively obscure yet exceptionally advantageous keyboard shortcut on Mac. This combination facilitates seamless movement between open windows within your currently active app. You’ll wonder why you hadn’t utilized it earlier.

Control – Command – Space

Aspiring to incorporate emojis or other symbols into your text? Control-Command-Space opens the Character Viewer, offering a selection of such symbols.

Command-P

Rather than opening a document through the File menu before printing, opt for a more efficient approach: Highlight the document in Finder and press Command-P. This action launches the item and presents the Print dialog. Likewise, you can press Command-P to print the current item in most apps.

Option + Command + Esc

When an application freezes or becomes unresponsive, consider this approach: Press Option-Command-Esc to Force Quit the troublesome app. While not infallible, an app restart often revitalizes your system.

Command + Control + Q

Leaving your Mac unattended? Activate this shortcut to instantaneously lock your device.

Touch Bar Tip No. 1

For MacBook Pro users with a Touch Bar, pressing Shift-Command-6 captures an image of your Touch Bar’s contents. To insert an image into your active document, tap Control-Shift-Command-6, and the image will be stored in your Clipboard for pasting.

Touch Bar Tip No. 2

This tip proves handy if you frequently inadvertently tap the Siri button on your MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar. Adjust the button’s placement to mitigate accidental taps. Open Keyboard Preferences, choose Customize Control Strip, and guide your cursor to the screen’s bottom, dragging and dropping the Siri button a space or two to the left.

(This method is also effective for familiarizing yourself with editing options within your Touch Bar.)

Touch Bar Tip No. 3

If you frequently use function keys in certain apps, consider configuring the Touch Bar to consistently display function keys within those apps. Access Keyboard System Preferences, select Function Keys, and add the app(s). Rest assured, you can promptly return to the regular Control Strip view by pressing Fn.

Safari Tips

Numerous keyboard shortcuts enhance Safari’s usability:

Command + I: Open a new email with a page’s content.

Command + Shift + I: Open a new email containing only the page’s URL.

Spacebar