100 Tips #15: The Command Key Is Your Best Friend

CC license photo from jessica.garro

Remember how, back on Windows, you used to use the Win key and the Control key quite often? Well, on OS X, the Command key is your best friend.

There are two Command keys, one each side of the spacebar. You should find them easy to reach with your thumbs while typing.

Mac OS X is stuffed full of keyboard shortcuts – quick ways to get things done without taking your hands off the keyboard. The vast majority of them are done by holding down Command with your thumb while tapping another key with a finger.

Some of these shortcuts are universal: Command+S always saves what you’re working on. Command+Q always quits the app you’re working with. Command+N usually opens a new document; Command+O usually allows you to browse to a particular document so that you can open it in the current application.

Other commands vary according to the application you’re using. For example, in iTunes, Command+T shows the visualizer; but in Safari, Command+T opens a new tab.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to remember all these shortcuts from the start. After all, there are hundreds. Here’s a list from Apple, and here’s Dan Rodney’s list; neither of these is exhaustive, because there are many hundreds of application shortcuts not included. But you’ll get the idea.

But over time, you’ll find yourself picking up some of these shortcuts and using them more often. You’ll soon wonder how you managed without them.

(You’re reading the 15th post in our series, 100 Essential Mac Tips And Tricks For Windows Switchers. Find out more.)

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