To open the task-switching window and switch over to another running program: Alt-Tab.

To minimize all open windows and display the desktop: Windows Logo-D.

To find files or folders: Windows Logo-F.

Opens Windows Task Manager: Control-Shift-Esc.

Delete an item permanently: Shift-Delete.

Quit the program you're currently in: Alt-F4.

Switch between your open programs: Alt-Tab.

Take a screenshot (photo) of your screen: Alt-PrtScr (Print Screen).

Below, pick and choose what is most useful to you, or visit Windows for the complete list. But beyond the basics, Windows and Mac do operate differently. Many Windows shortcuts are identical to Mac-simply swap out the Command key for the Control Key (Command-C/Control-C= Copy Command-V/Control-V=Paste Command-Z/Control-Z=Undo, and so on). Please enable JavaScript to watch this video. If you'd like to create your own custom shortcuts, follow Lifehacker's tutorial below for instructions on remapping any keyboard shortcut in Mac OS X.

Put your computer to sleep: Option-Command-Ejectįeeling ambitious? Go directly to Apple for an exhaustive list of all keyboard shortcuts available.

Quit all applications (with the opportunity to save any changes to your open documents), and restart: Control-Command-Eject.

Force quit slow or frozen applications: Option-Command-Esc.

Close the window you're currently in: Command-W Close all windows: Option-Command-W.Minimize the window you're currently in: Command-M Minimize all windows: Option-Command-M.Delete one word to the left of the cursor: Option-Delete.Take a screenshot (photo) of your screen: Shift-Command-4.Open your Applications folder: Shift-Command-A.MACįamiliarize yourself with all the modifier key symbols that appear in Mac OS X menus, and pick and choose from the select 20 shortcuts below. Below, two cheat sheets for upping your keyboard maneuvering status from 'basic' to 'intermediate' for both Mac and PC users. There are endless shortcuts available (truly endless-since you can customize them yourself), but you don't need to memorize them all, only those you expect to use most. If you already have your basic keyboard shortcuts under control-we're talking classics here, Control-C (copy for PC) or Command-C (copy for Mac)-it's time to load up your memory bank.

Macbook pro commands cheat sheet