A recent survey found that about 25% of Windows users were considering or getting ready to make the switch over to a Mac computer. While Windows is still a great operating system, Mac offers security and software features that can’t be beaten.
That said, many new Mac users find that the switch does come with a learning curve. Macs have a unique interface, which new users will discover the moment they turn on their Mac and discover the icon dock along the bottom of the screen.
Today, we’re here to teach new users about Mac controls that may not function the same way as Windows shortcuts.
Read on to learn more about five of the most useful Mac controls that you’ll enjoy using on a regular basis.
How to Use Mac Controls
What do we mean when we’re talking about Mac controls? Many of the controls we will share with you today are shortcuts. By holding down a combination of keys on your keyboard, you can prompt your Mac to take specific actions that can save you time and effort.
Almost all Mac controls involve the combination of a letter or number and what we refer to as a modifier key. Modifier keys include “Command,” “Shift,” “Option/Alt,” “Control,” “Caps Lock,” and “Fn.”
In order to use these kinds of Mac controls, you will need to hold the right series of keys down at the same time. While it can seem like a lot to keep track of at first, the use of these controls will become second nature over time.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the Mac controls we recommend starting out with.
- Cut, Copy, and Paste Mac Controls
Let’s start with some of the Mac controls you’re most likely to use on a regular basis. These controls are useful for work but also for things like curating social media posts or writing emails.
In order to use the cut, copy, and paste Mac controls, you will need to highlight the specific text you want to act upon. Do this with your trackpad or mouse. Then, perform the following controls as necessary:
- Command + X will cut the highlighted or selected text from the document
- Command + C will copy the highlighted or selected text from the document or page to your Mac’s Clipboard
- Command + V will paste the text in your Clipboard to the document or page you are working on
- Command + Z will undo any of these previous controls while Shift + Command + Z will redo anything you undo
- Command + A will select all items, including the entire body of text in a document or page
Start with these Mac controls to get an idea of how they work and how they can help you save time.
- Shortcuts to Sleep or Shut Down Your Mac
When you want to set your Mac to sleep mode or shut it down completely, these controls will come in handy:
- Power will turn your Mac on or awaken it from sleep mode
- Holding Power for about 1.5 seconds will put your Mac in sleep mode
- Holding Power for longer than 1.5 seconds will cause a force shut down of your Mac
- Option + Command + Power will put your Mac to sleep
- Control + Power will open a dialogue box asking if you want to shut down your Mac, put it to sleep, or restart it
- Control + Command + Power will force your Mac to shut down with prompting you to save open documents
It’s worth noting that when you’re using these particular Mac commands, you will need to hold them down a few seconds longer than most commands. This is to ensure that you don’t accidentally enable these commands when you don’t mean to.
- Document Mac Commands
When you’re typing in a document, the following Mac commands may prove useful:
- Command + B will Boldface selected text or remove Boldface from selected text
- Command + I will italicize selected text or remove italicization from selected text
- Command + K will add a web link to the document
- Control + Command + D will show or hide the definition of a selected word
There are dozens of commands that will help you write and edit your documents. These are great beginner commands to learn as they are simple and useful.
- General System Shortcuts
Some shortcuts will help you navigate your Mac as a whole, allowing you to more easily open, close, and find programs among other functions. These shortcuts include:
- Command + D to duplicate a file you have selected
- Command + E to eject a disk (if your Mac has a disk drive)
- Shift + Command + C to open the Computer window
- Shift + Command + F to open your Recents folder to locate any files you’ve interacted with recently
When you’re first adjusting to the Mac interface, you may find it difficult to keep track of all of your windows and files. These shortcuts will help you learn how to navigate your Mac and find what you’re looking for.
- Universal Mac Controls
One of the latest updates in the Apple world is Universal Control. Universal Control allows you to use multiple devices at once by using a single mouse, touch screen, or trackpad. Many Apple users like to switch back and forth between their various Apple devices for work and pleasure and you can learn how to enable universal control mac options.
Get to Know Your Mac and Improve Your User Experience
At the rate that PC users are switching to Macs, we anticipate that there will be hundreds of new Mac users every single day. With our guide to basic Mac controls, you can speed up the learning curve that comes with the transition.
Macs aren’t the only trending product these days! Take a look around to find out more about trends in tech, fashion, entertainment, and more.