As a Mac user, you might be familiar with the keyboard shortcuts that make your life easier. However, there are many hidden shortcuts that you may not know about. In this article, we will explore the different symbols on the Mac keyboard and their corresponding functions.
The Command Symbol
The Command symbol is one of the most important symbols on the Mac keyboard. It is represented by the ⌘ symbol and is used in combination with other keys to perform various functions. Here are some of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts that involve the Command symbol:
- ⌘ + C: Copy the selected text or item
- ⌘ + V: Paste the copied item
- ⌘ + X: Cut the selected text or item
- ⌘ + Z: Undo the previous action
- ⌘ + A: Select all items or text
The Shift Symbol
The Shift symbol is represented by the ⇧ symbol and is used to type capital letters or symbols that are located above the number keys. Here are some of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts that involve the Shift symbol:
- ⇧ + Letter Key: Type a capital letter
- ⇧ + Number Key: Type the symbol located above the number key
- ⇧ + ⌘ + N: Create a new folder in Finder
- ⇧ + ⌘ + 4: Take a screenshot of a selected area
The Option Symbol
The Option symbol is represented by the ⌥ symbol and is used to type special characters or access special functions. Here are some of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts that involve the Option symbol:
- ⌥ + Letter Key: Type a special character
- ⌥ + ⌘ + P: Show or hide the Preview pane in Finder
- ⌥ + ⌘ + D: Show or hide the Dock
- ⌥ + Click: Open a link in a new tab in Safari
The Control Symbol
The Control symbol is represented by the ^ symbol and is used to perform system-level functions. Here are some of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts that involve the Control symbol:
- ^ + ⌘ + Eject: Put the Mac to sleep
- ^ + ⌘ + Power Button: Force the Mac to restart
- ^ + Click: Open a contextual menu
- ^ + Space: Open Spotlight search
The Escape Symbol
The Escape symbol is represented by the ⎋ symbol and is used to cancel or close a dialog box or menu. Here are some of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts that involve the Escape symbol:
- ⎋: Cancel or close a dialog box or menu
- ⌘ + .: Cancel or stop a current action
The Function Keys
The Function keys are located at the top of the keyboard and are used to perform various system-level functions. Here are some of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts that involve the Function keys:
- F1: Decrease the screen brightness
- F2: Increase the screen brightness
- F3: Show or hide Mission Control
- F4: Show or hide Launchpad
- F5: Decrease the keyboard backlight brightness
- F6: Increase the keyboard backlight brightness
- F7: Play or pause music or videos
- F8: Skip to the next song or chapter
- F9: Rewind or go to the previous song or chapter
- F10: Mute the sound
- F11: Decrease the volume
- F12: Increase the volume
These are just some of the many keyboard shortcuts available on the Mac. By using these symbols and shortcuts, you can save time and work more efficiently on your Mac.