You can use cmd + tab to switch the focus window that will appear at the top, but it didn't seem to work for full-screen apps as quickly as the ctrl + arrow key. All of those keyboard shortcuts work, but if you wanted a quick way to switch between full-screen apps, just use ctrl + arrow key. Edit: You can also see the default shortcut for switching, and change it on this page as well. I guess I could have elaborated more. Shown on that preference panel is the default setting, that are turned off by default. Clicking on the Keyboard Shortcuts link takes you to this window.
Almost everyone here uses Macs. When a new hire joins us, sometimes they're not familiar with OS X at all. For someone coming from Windows operating system, switching to OS X can be troublesome at first.
OS X is the operating system running on all Apple computers. My first experience with OS X was 6 months ago, when I started working at Infinum. That's why I needed a couple of days to get a grip with it. Mac pro early 2009 manual. Everything from the keyboard layout to the user interface is different than on Windows.
Considering the fact that most people who join our firm are not familiar with Apple's platform, I've decided to write a couple of tips and tricks to help them switch to Macs more easily.
Like I mentioned, at first I was having trouble with the keyboard layout. It took some time to get used to the CMD (⌘) button being the primary key modifier, instead of CTRL on Windows. But after a couple of days, it gets easier.
Soon after, I realised why Macs are the preferred weapon of choice for doing work at Infinum. Plain and simple, they are just generally easier to work with. Most things work without installing additional drivers. For example, there is no need to install OEM drivers for Android devices.
They have the stability of Unix and Linux, but also a great user interface. They're equally good for programmers (used to spending 50% of their time in the Terminal) and designers (used to working with visual tools). Mac notebooks (Macbooks) also have awesome battery life.
Installing applications
For most applications on OS X there's no installation process like on Windows. When you want to install an application on Windows, you have to run an installer that will install it for you.
On OS X you can download an application from the Mac App Store or download a .dmg file from Internet and just drag it to your Applications folder. And that's it. No installing. You are switching to another Mac? No problem, Apple iCloud will help you switch over without pain.
OS X offers plenty of productivity raising features without installing any third party application. However, we use apps like Alfred to extend OS X features even more.
Using the keyboard
Getting familiar with keyboard shortcuts is essential to becoming more productive. OS X offers many shortcuts by default. You can browse through them in System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts.
CMD is the magic key you'll use for most of the shortcuts and commands. ALT (⌥) button is also often called option key.
Useful shortcuts to remember:
- cmd + tab - Move focus to next application
- cmd + ` - Move focus to next window
- ctrl + tab - Move focus to next tab
- cmd + w - Close tab
- cmd + q - Close application
- cmd + , - Open preferences of active application
Finder file manager
Finder is OS X's default file manager. It's similar to Windows Explorer but with some differences. For example, there's no classic Cut option which I really missed. If you want to Cut something like on Windows, you have to select the file, press cmd + C and then cmd + alt + V where you want to paste it.
Shortcut keys
Here are also some useful shortcuts to remember:
- cmd + ↑ - Up to higher folder (in the folder structure)
- cmd + ↓ or cmd + O- Open file or folder
- cmd + backspace - Delete selected item
- enter - Rename selected item
Hidden files
![Switch apps mac shortcut keyboard shortcut Switch apps mac shortcut keyboard shortcut](/uploads/1/3/4/2/134278143/539851213.jpeg)
In case you want to be able to see hidden files in the Finder, paste this line into your Terminal.app (works for OS X 10.7 and above):
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE
Best slide show dvd app for mac. Apply changes by holding ALT key and press right click on Finder icon and select Relaunch.
If you just need to see hidden files in the Open/Save dialogs, press cmd + shift + . to display them temporarily.
Navigation in text documents
Getting familiar with the text manipulation is especially useful for developers. There are no HOME and END buttons on most Mac keyboards. But, there's an alternative - CMD + left/right.
- cmd + shift + ↑/↓ - Select a whole document from the cursor position in a desired direction
- cmd + shift + ←/→ - Select a line to the left or right
- alt + shift + ←/→ - Select a word left or right from the cursor position
If you ditch shift from shortcuts above, your cursor will be moved without selecting text.
Window management
Windows comes with a Snap feature. It's a way of resizing windows by dragging them to the edges of the screen after what they automatically cover screen halves. That's the only feature I was missing on Mac. That is, until I met Spectacle. Spectacle is a simple OS X application which lets you reorder open windows with keyboard shortcuts, even without using your mouse.
- cmd + alt + ← - snap window to the left edge of the screen
- cmd + alt + → - snap window to the right edge of the screen
Alfred app
Alfred is a substitute for native OS X Spotlight application. It's a tool that saves you time when opening new apps or searching local computer or web. It can also be used as a calculator and has a bunch of other features.
To find and start an application just enter the application name and press enter. Alfred is super-fast for searching documents. Just type keyword find before name of the document you are trying to open in Finder. Use open if you want to open a file.
Fig 1. Start an application
Fig 2. Finding a file
Fig 3. Using Alfred as a calculator
Mouse and Trackpad
Magic Mouse is awesome. At first I was shocked with the lack of the scroll button. How am I supposed to scroll now? However, there's a trick - the whole surface of the Magic Mouse is scrollable, you just need to swipe your fingers over it. It also offers some great gestures in System Preferences > Mouse > More Gestures.
Fig 4. Magic Mouse gestures
Right click
By default, the Magic Mouse and Trackpad come with the right-click option turned OFF. I recommend turning it ON in the Mouse preferences/Trackpad preferences section of the System preferences panel.
Screenshots & screencasts
OS X comes with a lot of built-in features. Taking screenshots is one of them. Without having to install any application, you can easily save a screen or a desired screen area. Of course, it's possible to do this on Windows as well, but the whole process is simpler on OS X.
- cmd + shift + 3 - Saves whole screen
- cmd + shift + 4 - Saves user selected part of the screen
- cmd + shift + 5 - If you use Skitch - selects part of the screen and opens it in Skitch ready for editing
Recording screencasts
Easy way to record screencast is by using the QuickTime Player application and selecting File > New screen recording. Of course, you can choose to record the whole screen or just a part of it.
Humanity should be grateful for the invention of Mac hotkeys. They probably saved us thousand years of time if put together. There is something addictive in using shortcuts - the quickness, the feeling of a keyboard, the geeky confidence in your fingers when you realize “hurray it works!” Once you get hooked on shortcuts, you’ll never go back to clicking again.
Basic Mac hotkeys combinations
1. Quit all apps
Sometimes an app that you thought you quit is still secretly running in the background. When your Mac lags and you need some fresh memory, you may choose to quit all apps. You probably heard of Force Quit (Cmd + Option + Esc), but it’s a too long way to do it.
Quit many apps in a row: Cmd + Tab
Quit many apps in a row: Cmd + Tab
Then, holding down Cmd press Q to cycle between apps you need to close. Spotify free premium apk 8.29.
2. Delete a file completely
Dragging files to the Trash? Wait, this is not the only option. Here’s a shortcut to quickly delete unwanted files on a Mac, bypassing the Trash. Caution: there’s no way back.
To completely delete a file: Option + Cmd + Delete
Quick fact: ??
Did you know, the Command key ? symbol was borrowed from a road sign that is used across Scandinavia? Its original use is to denote tourist attractions. Early Mac models had Apple key instead of Command, but it later was changed as Steve Jobs feared that there would be too many “apples” in the OS interface.
Did you know, the Command key ? symbol was borrowed from a road sign that is used across Scandinavia? Its original use is to denote tourist attractions. Early Mac models had Apple key instead of Command, but it later was changed as Steve Jobs feared that there would be too many “apples” in the OS interface.
3. Copy and paste a screenshot directly
Cmd + Shift + 4 is an old classic way to make a screenshot on a Mac. But here comes the combination to take your screenshotting skills to the new level. Normally you would make a screenshot, pick it from your desktop, and only then paste it to the new location. It appears, all this time you could do it easier.
To copy-paste a screenshot: Shift + Control + Cmd + 4
To copy-paste a screenshot: Shift + Control + Cmd + 4
4. Quickly switch to the desktop
Sometimes your screen is so obscured by windows it would take years to click through to the desktop. Thank goodness, there is a Mac keystroke combination designed for people like us: the folks who are drowning in an ocean of windows.
To remove window overload: Cmd + F3
5. Open Spotlight
Spotlight, your Mac’s internal search engine, can make your life 1000% easier. It finds files faster than Finder and intuitively predicts what are you after. To open Spotlight right on the spot (sorry for the pun), use this magic combo.
To launch Spotlight search: Cmd + Space bar
To launch Spotlight search: Cmd + Space bar
Cool shortcut keys for Mac
1. Invert display colors
A truly psychedelic key combination. This shortcut inverts all the colors on your Mac's screen to their opposites. Try it, and your world will never be the same. On the flip side, you can find a few practical applications for this command, for example, to adjust your screen to different lighting.
To invert colors on screen: ?md + Option + F5
2. Restore a recently closed tab
This one can be a real savior if you accidentally closed an important tab in a browser, like that pancake recipe or payment confirmation. There’s an easy Mac keyboard shortcut to restore it.
To restore a closed tab: Cmd + Shift + T
To restore a closed tab: Cmd + Shift + T
3. To shut down your Mac instantly
No, the following Mac shortcut is not about the force shutdown. It’s used when you need to quickly close all dialog windows and shut down your Mac in a legit way. Learn this one, quickly finish your work and finally go outside.
To quickly shut down a Mac: Control + Option + Command + Eject
4. Mac hot keys to invoke Siri
Among all Mac keyboard commands, this is the easiest. Since Siri’s arrival to macOS we got used to talk to Siri about weather and even ask her to play our favorite tracks on Mac. If you are using macOS Sierra or higher, you’ll enjoy the ability to summon Siri using just one hand.
To launch Siri: Cmd + Space bar
To launch Siri: Cmd + Space bar
A shortcut to free up space on your Mac
Well, not exactly a shortcut, but indeed the quickest way to get more storage on your Mac.
Download CleanMyMac + Install + Click Smart Scan
This combination of actions will free up dozens of gigabytes of space taken by garbage: unwanted files, system junk, app leftovers, etc. CleanMyMac removes about 54 GB of junk on an average Mac. Try and see how it cleans your Mac.
This combination of actions will free up dozens of gigabytes of space taken by garbage: unwanted files, system junk, app leftovers, etc. CleanMyMac removes about 54 GB of junk on an average Mac. Try and see how it cleans your Mac.
CleanMyMac is available for a free download here.
Finder shortcuts
Finder is quite a resource-demanding tool. When you open a new Finder window it usually takes some time. For quicker access to your main destinations like Applications or Desktop, you can use the following shortcut combinations.
To quickly access Finder folders:
To quickly access Finder folders:
Cmd + Shift + A (for Applications)
Cmd + Shift + U (for Utilities)
Cmd + Shift + D (for Desktop)
Cmd + Shift + U (for Utilities)
Cmd + Shift + D (for Desktop)
Chrome shortcuts
Having hundreds of opened tabs in a browser has become a widespread syndrome nowadays. Closing tabs with a mouse is not only frustrating but also may freeze up your browser. Using a direct shortcut makes this job easy as a morning walk.
To close a current tab in Chrome: Cmd + W
To close a Chrome window: Cmd + Shift + W
To open a new Chrome tab: Cmd + T
To close a Chrome window: Cmd + Shift + W
To open a new Chrome tab: Cmd + T
How to memorize Mac shortcuts: ??
Psychologists say you have to do something at least 3 times to put it in your long-term memory. Attach small sticky notes to the outlines of your Mac’s screen with 3 or 4 shortcuts you really want to master. Then, leave it all to your fingers.
Psychologists say you have to do something at least 3 times to put it in your long-term memory. Attach small sticky notes to the outlines of your Mac’s screen with 3 or 4 shortcuts you really want to master. Then, leave it all to your fingers.
Mac shortcuts for documents
1. Copy text without formatting
You want to copy a piece of the text, but the old formatting drags along with it. Now you spend more time formatting rather than actually creating a text. To strip the text from old styling, use the following Mac hotkeys combination. A very good one to stretch your fingers.
To paste text without formatting:
Hold down Shift + Option + Command and hit V
Hold down Shift + Option + Command and hit V
2. Paste special symbols and emojis
Probably this is the easiest documented shortcut key for a Mac. To enter special symbols, like those lamdas, tildas, and alfas, you need to press just one key. For instance, if you need to type a modified E, hold down the E key for one second and then choose among available variations that appear.
To enter an alternate character: Hold down the character key
To paste emojis in the text: Press Control + Command + Space
To paste emojis in the text: Press Control + Command + Space
3. Enter a strikethrough text on a Mac
You won’t believe, but 8000 people are googling how to do a strikethrough text on a Mac everyday. Although some applications don’t support it, this combination well works in TextEdit and Word. Now you can use it in every second line to add some roughness to your writing.
Switch Apps Mac Shortcut Windows 10
To apply strikethrough formatting: Cmd + Shift + X
Apple Mac Keyboard Shortcuts
4. Quickly print documents
The next combination works for most apps that allow printing. You don’t need to figure out where the print dialogue is located in every case. Just memorize this quick combination and send your files to print from anywhere.
To invoke a print dialogue: Cmd + P
To invoke a print dialogue: Cmd + P
Mac shortcuts to delete many files at once
![Switch Switch](/uploads/1/3/4/2/134278143/558881898.png)
There comes a time when you need to do a spring cleaning on your Mac: sort out old garbage, move photos to an external drive, or clean up your old downloads. It is time-consuming and takes an immense willpower simply to start. But lucky you are: there are a few shortcuts to remove large heaps of files as quickly as if you had a machete.
To select folder contents: Cmd + A
To delete a group of files after selection: Cmd + Delete
To empty the Trash: Cmd + Shift + Delete
If you’ve got many files left after backing up, this will save you a good deal of time moving them to the Trash bin.
To delete a group of files after selection: Cmd + Delete
To empty the Trash: Cmd + Shift + Delete
If you’ve got many files left after backing up, this will save you a good deal of time moving them to the Trash bin.
To save you from a headache, there are apps that will do the mundane deletion job in an instant. CleanMyMac is perhaps the most reliable one. It has a tool that specifically searches for Large & Old files on your drive for a quick cleanup. CleanMyMac is available for a free download. So, check it out.
This was our take on most useful keyboard shortcuts for Mac. Thanks for reading. Below you'll find a few more links about Mac and productivity.