Keyboard shortcuts
Learning a handful of keyboard shortcuts speeds up almost everything you do on a computer. The table compares the same action across Windows/Linux and macOS, since the main difference is Ctrl versus the Command (Cmd) key. Keep it nearby while you build the muscle memory.
| Action | Windows / Linux | macOS |
|---|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl+C | Cmd+C |
| Paste | Ctrl+V | Cmd+V |
| Cut | Ctrl+X | Cmd+X |
| Undo | Ctrl+Z | Cmd+Z |
| Redo | Ctrl+Y (or Ctrl+Shift+Z) | Cmd+Shift+Z |
| Find | Ctrl+F | Cmd+F |
| Save | Ctrl+S | Cmd+S |
| Select all | Ctrl+A | Cmd+A |
| Switch app | Alt+Tab | Cmd+Tab |
| Screenshot | Win+Shift+S | Cmd+Shift+4 |
| Lock screen | Win+L | Cmd+Ctrl+Q |
| Task manager | Ctrl+Shift+Esc | Cmd+Option+Esc |
| Open run dialog | Win+R | Cmd+Space (Spotlight) |
| Close window | Alt+F4 | Cmd+W |
Notes
- On Windows/Linux the Ctrl key maps to the Command (Cmd) key on macOS for nearly all these shortcuts.
- The + means press the keys together; a comma (e.g. Ctrl+Shift+Z or Ctrl+Y) lists alternatives.
- Some shortcuts (like Win+L or Cmd+Ctrl+Q) are system-level and cannot be overridden by apps.
Frequently asked questions
- Why do Windows and macOS shortcuts differ?
- They grew from different design histories. The biggest practical difference is that Windows/Linux use the Ctrl key where macOS uses the Command (Cmd) key for the same actions.
- What does the + between keys mean?
- It means hold the first key, then press the next one while holding — so Ctrl+C is 'hold Ctrl, tap C'. A comma lists equal alternatives you can pick.
- How do I take a screenshot quickly?
- On Windows press Win+Shift+S to snip a region; on macOS press Cmd+Shift+4 to capture a selected area to the clipboard or file.
- Can apps change these shortcuts?
- Most app shortcuts can be remapped in settings, but system-level shortcuts like lock screen or the run dialog are reserved by the OS and cannot be overridden.