9 Hidden Keyboard Shortcuts Every Mac User Should Know

Marvin Blome – .

These shortcuts make daily Mac use more efficient, keeping your hands on the keyboard and your focus on the task. Do you know them all?

Macs come packed with shortcuts that boost productivity by reducing mouse use and speeding up tasks. While popular ones like Copy (Cmd + C) and Paste (Cmd + V) are well known, others stay hidden, ready to ease your workflow. Here’s a look at those lesser-known shortcuts that can elevate your Mac experience.

1. Navigation and Quick Access

These shortcuts help you quickly find files, open apps, and preview content without disrupting your workflow.

  • Spotlight Search: Cmd + Space
    Quickly find files, apps, or even conduct web searches without leaving your current screen.

  • Open the Finder Window from Any Application: Option + Cmd + Space
    Launch Finder without switching apps, ideal for organizing or accessing files fast.

  • Preview Files in Finder: Spacebar
    Instantly preview files like images or PDFs without opening the file. Simply select the file and hit spaceboard to preview it.

  • Instantly Lock Your Screen: Control + Cmd + Q
    Keep your data safe with one tap when stepping away from your Mac.

2. Window and Desktop Management

Keep your workspace organized by easily switching, hiding, or clearing windows.

  • Hide All Windows to Access the Desktop: Cmd + F3 (or Fn + F11 on some MacBooks)
    See the desktop instantly without closing other windows – perfect for grabbing files quickly.

  • Switch Between Open Applications: Cmd + Tab
    Efficiently cycle through open apps without lifting your hands from the keyboard.

  • Quickly Show or Hide the Dock: Cmd + Option + D
    Hide the Dock to expand your workspace, especially useful on smaller screens. Press again to bring it back.

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3. Boost Your Visuals with Emojis and Screenshots

Use these shortcuts to make your messages and content visually engaging.

  • Quick Access to Emojis and Symbols: Control + Cmd + Space
    Add emojis or special symbols without navigating menus – great for messages and emails.

  • Taking Screenshots Like a Pro:

    • Cmd + Shift + 3: Capture the entire screen.

    • Cmd + Shift + 4: Capture a specific area.

    • Cmd + Shift + 5: Access advanced screenshot options with the Screenshot toolbar

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