MacBook owners have a number of tools that come in very handy for using their laptops efficiently and for maintaining the operating system to keep it running in top shape. These MacBook keyboard shortcuts for the Finder, a maintenance checklist, and a “translation” of the modifier keys will speed you on your way to becoming a MacBook power user.
To create – click on the blank space next to a command and you’ll be able to create your own personalized shortcut. If you want to undo a change, press the undo button, or Ctrl + Z. Once you’re finished with customizing your own shortcuts, click on the OK button and it will save into the Photoshop Defaults set. Mac-compatible keyboard (has a Command key, not Windows) Directions: First up, take a look at the Mac keyboard in front of you to familiarize yourself with a few Mac-specific keys.
Mac OS X Finder Keyboard Shortcuts
The Mac OS X Lion Finder helps you access and organize most of the important Mac OS X functions while you work. Use Finder keyboard shortcuts to display windows, copy and move files, and launch applications. These keyboard shortcuts help you get things done more efficiently.
| Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Command+A | Selects all items in the active window (icon view), all items in the column (column view), or all items in the list (cover flow view) |
| Command+C | Copies selected items |
| Command+D | Duplicates the selected item(s) |
| Command+E | Ejects the selected volume |
| Command+F | Displays the Find dialog |
| Command+H | Hides All Finder windows |
| Command+I | Shows info for selected item or items |
| Command+J | Shows the view options for the active window |
| Command+K | Displays the Connect to Server dialog |
| Command+L | Creates an alias for the selected item |
| Command+M | Minimizes the active window |
| Command+N | Opens a new Finder window |
| Command+O | Opens (or launches) the selected item |
| Command+R | Shows the original for selected alias |
| Command+T | Adds the selected item to the Sidebar |
| Command+V | Pastes items from the Clipboard |
| Command+W | Closes the active window |
| Command+X | Cuts the selected items |
| Command+Z | Undoes the last action (if possible) |
| Command+, | Displays Finder Preferences |
| Command+1 | Shows the active window in icon mode |
| Command+2 | Shows the active window in list mode |
| Command+3 | Shows the active window in column mode |
| Command+4 | Shows the active window in cover flow mode |
| Command+[ | Moves back to the previous Finder location |
| Command+] | Moves forward to the next Finder location |
| Command+Del | Moves selected items to the Trash |
| Command+up-arrow | Show enclosing folder |
| Command+` | Cycles through windows |
| Command+? | Displays the Mac OS X Help Viewer |
| Command+Shift+A | Takes you to your Applications folder |
| Command+Shift+C | Takes you to the top-level Computer location |
| Command+Shift+G | Takes you to a folder that you specify |
| Command+Shift+H | Takes you to your Home folder |
| Command+Shift+I | Connects you to your iDisk |
| Command+Shift+Q | Logs you out |
| Command+Shift+N | Creates a new untitled folder in the active window |
| Command+Shift+U | Takes you to your Utilities folder |
| Command+Shift+Del | Deletes the contents of the Trash |
| Command+Option+H | Hides all windows except the Finder’s window(s) |
| Command+Option+N | Creates a new Smart Folder |
| Command+Option+T | Hides the Finder window toolbar |
| Command+Option+Space | Opens the Spotlight window |
| Command+Space | Opens the Spotlight menu |
| F8 | Choose another desktop using Spaces |
| Control+up-arrow (or F3, depending on your keyboard model) | Displays the Mission Control screen |
| Control+down-arrow (or Control+F3, depending on your keyboard model) | Shows all open windows for the current application using Mission Control |
| F11 (or Command+F3, depending on your keyboard model) | Hides all windows to display the Desktop using Mission Control |
| F12 (or F4, depending on your keyboard model) | Displays your Dashboard widgets |
| Space | Quick Look |
Strange-Looking Keys on the MacBook Keyboard
New to the Macintosh world? Some keys on the MacBook keyboard may be mystifying. Whether you’re using Snow Leopard or an older version of Mac OS X, recognizing and using modifier keys will make your job easier. Here’s a look at the modifier keys on both MacBook and desktop keyboards:
Mac OS X Maintenance Checklist
Maintenance is vital if you want to keep Mac OS X Lion in tip-top condition for as long as possible. Maintaining your MacBook keeps it running fast and smooth. Basic housekeeping includes regular back-ups plus some other, less familiar, tasks. Check this table often, or print it and keep a copy near your laptop!
| Mac Maintenance Task | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Check for updates with Software Update | Once a day (automatic setting) |
| Back up with Time Machine | Automatic |
| Defragment (Micromat TechTool Pro/Prosoft Engineering Drive Genius 3) | Once a week |
| Repair Disk Permissions (Disk Utility) | Once a week |
| Delete Unnecessary User Accounts (System Preferences) | As necessary |
| Scan for viruses (Intego VirusBarrier X6, ClamXav 2) | Automatic |
| Check all volumes (Disk Utility/ Micromat TechTool Pro) | Once a week |
| Check for the latest drivers for your hardware | Once a month (or after installing new hardware) |
| Delete temporary Internet cache files (Prosoft Engineering Drive Genius 3) | Once a month |
Shortcut Keys On Macbook Pro
Apple's Mac keyboards actually do have a Control (Ctrl) key, but the Control key doesn't function like the Control key on Windows. Keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+C to copy text won't work.
The Command Key functions of Mac
The Command key doesn't do anything on its own. It's a modifier key you can press to issue keyboard shortcuts to applications.
For example, while you press Ctrl+C, Ctrl+X, and Ctrl+V to copy, cut, and paste on Windows, you press Command+C, Command+X, and Command+V to do the same on a Mac.
Command Keys For Macs
This key has the ⌘ symbol on it. This symbol appears throughout the Mac's menus to indicate when you can press the Command key along with another key to issue a keyboard shortcut. The Command key originally had an Apple logo on it, but Steve Jobs thought displaying the Apple logo throughout the original Macintosh's menu would be overusing the logo.
A designer chose the ⌘ symbol to replace it. It’s an old symbol used in Nordic countries to indicate places of interest — in Sweden, it's the official sign for a tourist attraction.
In summary, on a Mac, you'll probably be pressing the Command key to issue keyboard shortcuts. The Control (Ctrl) key is also present, but it isn't used for many things.
The Option Key functions of Mac
The Option key functions similarly to the AltGr key on many PC keyboards, which explains why it also has 'Alt' printed on it. Holding it and pressing another key allows you to type a special character that doesn't normally appear on the keyboard.
For example, pressing Option+4 with the US keyboard layout will produce ¢, the cent sign which normally doesn't appear on your keyboard. Like other modifier keys, it's also used as part of some keyboard shortcuts.
This key has the ⌥ symbol on it. This symbol is used throughout the Mac's menus to indicate when you can press the Option key, the same way the Command key's symbol is. Unlike for the Command key, we don't have any history that indicates why this symbol was chosen.
Command Keys For Macbook
For example, when you click the Apple menu you'll see the keyboard shortcut assigned to Force Quit. if you're not used to a Mac's keyboard, these symbols may look like hieroglyphics — but they're really saying you should press Option+Command+Escape to open the dialog where you can force-quit applications. It's like the Task Manager on Windows.
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