40 Incredibly Useful Computer Tips & Keyboard Shortcuts for macOS
Whether you’re a long-time Mac user or new to the Apple ecosystem, knowing the right tips and keyboard shortcuts can dramatically improve your productivity and make your day-to-day tasks easier. From hidden features to time-saving keystrokes, we’ve rounded up 40 incredibly useful macOS tricks every user should know.
🔑 Essential macOS Keyboard Shortcuts
Command (⌘) + C – Copy
Command (⌘) + V – Paste
Command (⌘) + X – Cut
Command (⌘) + Z – Undo
Command (⌘) + Shift + Z – Redo
Command (⌘) + A – Select All
Command (⌘) + F – Find
Command (⌘) + Spacebar – Open Spotlight Search
Command (⌘) + Tab – Switch between open apps
Command (⌘) + Q – Quit app
Command (⌘) + W – Close window
Command (⌘) + Option + Esc – Force Quit menu
Control + Command (⌘) + Q – Lock your Mac instantly
Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 – Take a custom screenshot
Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 – Open screenshot & screen recording options
🖥️ System & Finder Tips
Use Preview for quick edits – Open images and PDFs in Preview to crop, annotate, or sign documents.
Drag files into Terminal – Instantly paste the full file path.
Use Quick Look (Spacebar) – Select a file and press Spacebar to preview without opening it.
Rename multiple files at once – Select multiple files in Finder, right-click > “Rename.”
Add folders to Dock – Drag and drop any folder to the right side of the Dock for quick access.
🧠 Productivity Boosters
Split View multitasking – Hold the green fullscreen button and choose side-by-side apps.
Use Hot Corners – Set screen corners to trigger actions (System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Hot Corners).
Launchpad for app access – Pinch with four fingers or click the rocket icon to access all apps.
Dictation feature – Triple-press the Function (fn) key or set it under System Settings > Keyboard.
Desktop Stacks – Right-click the desktop and choose “Use Stacks” to organize cluttered files.
⚙️ System Preferences Shortcuts
Control + Brightness Key – Opens display preferences quickly.
Option + Volume/Brightness Key – Opens Sound or Display preferences instead of just adjusting.
Option + Click Wi-Fi icon – See detailed connection info and diagnostics.
Command (⌘) + , (comma) – Opens Preferences in most Mac apps.
Customize Control Center – Go to System Settings > Control Center to tailor quick-access tools.
🌐 Safari & Internet Tips
Command (⌘) + T – Open a new tab
Command (⌘) + L – Highlight the address bar
Command (⌘) + Shift + N – Open a Private Browsing window
Pin tabs – Right-click a tab > “Pin Tab” for frequently visited sites
Reader View – Click the lines icon in Safari’s address bar for distraction-free reading
💡 Bonus Tips You Might Not Know
Use Siri for calculations or reminders – Activate with fn + Spacebar
Preview websites without opening them – Tap and hold on trackpad in Safari links
Night Shift & True Tone – Enable them in Display settings to reduce eye strain
Clipboard History (via Universal Clipboard) – Copy text on iPhone, paste it on Mac (and vice versa)
Automate tasks with Shortcuts app – Create workflows like batch renaming or resizing images
Final Thoughts
macOS is packed with powerful features designed to save you time and help you work smarter. Whether you’re coding, creating, designing, or just browsing, using these shortcuts and tricks can streamline your entire Mac experience.
Which of these tips was new to you? Bookmark this post and share it with your fellow Mac users!
