there are numerous Keyboard shortcuts that make it faster and easier for the mac user to perform commands without taking their hands off the keyboard. This is especially useful to those individuals using voiceOver since they are primarily using the keyboard to maneuver around. below is a list of Keyboard shortcuts that are common to most applications running on the mac. The list is by no means the be-all and end-all of Keyboard shortcuts and thus will be improved whenever possible. The abbreviation "cmd" refers to the "command" or "Apple" key which is located just to the left or right of the standard Apple keyboard.
SHORTCUTS COMMON IN MOST APPLICATIONS
- cmd-o - Open: to open windows, files and folders.
- cmd-w - close: to close windows, files and folders.
- cmd-c - copy: to copy selected items or text to the clipboard.
- cmd-x - Cut: to Cut text. Note: this does not work in the finder for moving files.
- cmd-z - Undo: to Undo the last action. This will undo multiple actions when pressed multiple times.
- cmd-v - Paste: to Paste items or text from the clipboard to the cursor location.
- cmd-p - Print: to bring up the Print dialog.
- cmd-s - Save: to Save a document that has already been titled. If untitled, it works as a Save As.
- cmd-shift-s - Save As: to Save a new document or save a copy of a document with a different title.
- cmd-a - select all: to Select all within a document or the finder.
- cmd-comma - Preferences: Brings up the Preferences window for most applications.
SHORTCUTS IN SAVE & OPEN DIALOGS
- cmd-shift-a - applications: Brings focus to the applications folder.
- cmd-shift-h - Home: Brings focus to the user's Home directory.
- cmd-shift-d - Desktop: Brings focus to the desktop.
- cmd-shift-u - Utilities folder: Brings focus to the Utilities folder.
- cmd-shift-i - idisk: Brings focus to the user's iDisk.
- cmd-shift-c - Computer: Brings focus to the users computer so that attached drives and removable media can be easily accessed.
- cmd-shift-g - Go to folder: this is especially useful for accessing areas that are normally invisible to the GUI.