keyboard shortcut assignments macos 12.6

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How to use common keyboard shortcuts in macos 12 monterey.

To use a keyboard shortcut, hold down one or more modifier keys (usually the ‘ Cmd ’ , ‘ Alt ’ or ‘ Shift ’ key) while pressing the last key of the shortcut. For example, to use the shortcut Cmd-C (copy), hold down the Cmd key, press C, then release both keys. Mac menus and keyboards often use  symbols to illustrate which modifier keys to use in a shortcut.

Many program menus will show the keyboard shortcut for a command or button when you hover over it with the mouse. Every program can have its own shortcuts, and shortcuts that work in one program may not work in another.

Terminology: Cmd  refers to the Command  key ( ⌘ )

Alt  refers to the Option  key ( ⌥ )

Common keyboard shortcuts:

Related information:.

For a comprehensive list of all Apple keyboard shortcuts please go to Apple’s support page: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201236

Apple’s guide to symbols shown in menus:  https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/what-are-those-symbols-shown-in-menus-cpmh0011/mac

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How to remap a keyboard on a Mac

Use free software to swap keys around, reassign shortcuts, and even control your mouse cursor with your keyboard..

By Nathan Edwards , a senior reviews editor who's been testing tech since 2007. Previously at Wirecutter and MaximumPC. Current fixations: keyboards, DIY tech, and the smart home.

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Say you’re a Mac user who just got a fancy new keyboard, but it has a Windows layout. Or you want to use the same keyboard with both Windows and Mac machines. Or you’ve gotten used to a specific layout, and now your muscle memory is all wrong.

The biggest differences between Macs and Windows PCs are in the bottom row modifier keys. Windows computers have Ctrl, Win, and Alt, whereas Macs have Control, Option, and Command. macOS automatically maps the Alt to Option and Win to Command. But Windows uses the Control key for most of the shortcuts that Macs use the Command key for, which means you have to remember to copy / paste using your pinkie on one computer and using your index finger on another. Who wants that?

You could try to rewire your brain — and there’s something to be said for neuroplasticity — or you could remap your keyboard so the modifiers are where your fingers want them to be. 

If you have a fancy mechanical keyboard , it might come with software to let you remap the keys at the hardware level . Or your keyboard might have a Mac / Windows switch that flips the modifier positions. But you can remap any keyboard, including the one on your MacBook, with a couple of free macOS tools. 

How to remap modifier keys in macOS Ventura or Monterey

If you just want to put the modifier keys where your fingers expect them to be, you can do that within macOS. 

If you’re using macOS Ventura:

• Open System Settings , scroll to Keyboard , and select Keyboard Shortcuts…  
• Hit Modifier Keys at the bottom of the left menu pane. 
• Select your keyboard from the dropdown menu. 

If you’re using macOS Monterey:

• Open System Preferences and select Keyboard . 
• Hit the Modifier Keys … button on the lower right 

Here you can swap the locations of Caps Lock, Control, Option, Command, and Function (or Globe) keys. On my MacBook’s built-in keyboard, I use this to put the Command key where Caps Lock usually goes since that’s where I put it on my other keyboards. On my external keyboard, I’ve already changed Caps Lock to Control in the firmware, so I use this tool to swap Control and Command, which puts Command on the Caps Lock key on that keyboard, too. 

Yes, this is weird. But not as weird as dedicating a giant key on the home row to Caps Lock. 

Remap your entire keyboard in macOS using Karabiner Elements

For more complex modifications or to remap other keys, you can use a free program called Karabiner Elements . Karabiner can assign just about any keycode to any key, as well as perform more complex modifications. I use it to swap the Backspace and backslash keys on my MacBook’s internal keyboard to match my external keyboard and swap Command and Control on my external keyboard in lieu of the built-in tool. 

Karabiner can do much more than just swap key positions, though. You can change the functions of the function keys, assign hotkeys to launch specific programs or send multiple keycodes with one key — turning Caps Lock into Cmd + Control + Option + Shift, for example. You can make keys do one thing when tapped and another when held, use the keyboard to control the mouse cursor, and more. And you can assign different behaviors to different keyboards. 

The easiest way to mess around with complex modifications using Karabiner is to download a few that other users have submitted . You can also write your own in a JSON file, but that’s way outside the scope of this article. Even the web GUI that was built to make it easier is not exactly beginner friendly. 

One word of caution: make sure you don’t double-dip. I couldn’t figure out why my Command and Control keys weren’t swapped until I realized that I had set up the same swap in both macOS and Karabiner Elements. To paraphrase Mitch Hedberg : I remapped a remap; it was back to normal. 

I’ve barely scratched the surface of Karabiner Elements myself. Though my preference is still for keyboards where you can do all of the above in firmware, Karabiner works on any old keyboard, and that’s why it’s great. 

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4 Ways to Remap and Modify Keys on Your Mac

• December 6, 2023

Imagine you’re a Mac user who has bought a new keyboard with a Windows layout. Or consider the scenario where you’re switching from a Windows PC to a MacBook. Either way, you may have difficulty getting used to the new keyboard and may want to reassign certain keys to perform functions different than they were originally designed for. Here’s how to modify and remap keyboard keys on your Mac.

Why Remap Keys on a Mac?

While Mac and PC keyboards follow the same QWERTY layout, they have subtle differences in modifier keys. Windows uses a Window key (⊞) instead of Command (⌘)  on Mac. Likewise, the former’s Alt button mimics the same function as Mac’s Option key (⌥) .

This is why the keyboard shortcuts vary across the two keyboard styles. For example, copying text means pressing CTRL + C on Windows but Command ⌘  + C on Mac. Similarly, you can lock a PC by pressing the Windows key + L against the Control^ + Command ⌘ + Q shortcut on Mac. This can get very confusing when switching between the platforms.

Thankfully, Mac allows you to remap your keys. This means you re-assign the modifier (Control, Option, and Command) keys to suit your preferences, like changing Command to Control and vice versa.

Here are the common reasons to modify the keys on your Mac computer:

• You want to customize the keys to match your typing habits.
• When switching from Windows to Mac, you can remap the Mac keyboard to mimic the Windows keyboard or the platform you’re coming from.
• Remapping keys can be a savior if certain keys on your keyboard are not functioning properly.
• Modifying the key function can also help with multilingual typing, video editing, and gaming.

How to Remap the Keyboard Keys on Your Mac

macOS has a built-in option to remap special keys to a different command or change the keyboard region/ language on a software level. You can also map individual keys and shortcuts to actions of your choice using third-party software. Read all the methods in detail below.

Method 1- Remap Buttons from Mac Settings

1.  Tap the Apple menu on the top left corner and select System Settings (System Preferences on macOS Monterey and older).

2. Scroll down and select Keyboard here.

3.  Tap Keyboard Shortcuts under Keyboard navigation.

4.  The left column will show you different shortcut categories. To change the Control, Option, or Command keys, tap Modifier Keys . Here, you’ll find all the modifier functions and the key assigned to them.

5.  To remap the keys to a different command, tap the drop-down menu next to them and choose your preferred action .

For example, you can change the Control key function to Command. This will allow you to use Ctrl + C or V to copy and paste stuff like Windows on your computer. Similarly, modify the function keys and change shortcuts for screenshots, mission control, keyboard, display brightness, and more if required.

6.  Tap Done to save the changes.

Method 2- Reassign Keys to a Different Language or Region

While you can modify keyboard shortcuts, you cannot completely reassign the keys on your Mac keyboard. What you can do is change the keyboard layout to match a different language or region. Here’s how to do it:

1.  Open Settings > Keyboard on your Mac.

2.  Choose Edit next to Input Sources .

3.  Tap + on the bottom left corner.

4. Select the Language  of your choice from the left and then choose country or region on the right (if available).

5.  Tap Add in the bottom right corner to save the new layout.

Method 3- Remap the Entire Mac Keyboard Using Karabiner-Elements

Karabiner-Elements is the most popular app for customizing the keyboard on macOS. It can remap your entire keyboard by changing key functions, creating custom shortcuts, or adjusting the behavior of specific keys. It works with the default MacBook keyboard, Magic Keyboard, and other third-party keyboards.

You can remap one key to behave like another, add complex modifications with your own rules or whatever suits your keyboard, and even disable built-in brightness and volume shortcuts to regain control over the function keys. Many custom rules can be downloaded and imported from the Karabiner modifications page , so you don’t have to create them yourself.

One can set different profiles (in case multiple people use the machine or keyboard), switch changes based on the keyboard used, or set a general rule across all input devices. Here’s how to use it on your Mac:

1.  Download Karabiner-Elements on your Mac.

2. Install and open the app. If macOS cannot verify the app , head to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Open Anyway .

3.  Allow the input monitoring permission to all three Karabiner programs when prompted.

4. To remap one key to another function, select Simple Modifications in the sidebar.

5.  Select the device and tap Add item .

6. Select the device and choose the key you want to remap and the function to which you want to remap it —for example, changing Command to Control.

7. For advanced changes, tap Complex Modifications in the sidebar.

8. Choose Add Rule .

8. Choose from the given examples or select Import more rules from the internet .

9. Import the modification of your choice from the given page.

10. The link will directly open inside the Karabiner app. Tap Import to enable it.

Complex modifications include using the keypad as arrow keys (similar to Windows), Capslock + Arrow for media control, changing the entire Mac keyboard to Windows, and more, as shown on the given website.

Method 4- Hidutil Key Remapping Generator for Mac

Alternatively, you can use the Hidutil key remapping generator to create custom configurations for the key you want to remap and then paste the output into a plist file. Here’s how to go about it:

1.  Open hidutil-generator.netlify.app in your browser.

2. Generate your key remap by choosing the From key and To key drop-down menus.

3. Tap Add Key map if you want to modify multiple keys. Specify the keys.

4.  Once done, tap Copy or manually select and copy the generated configuration.

5.  Open Finder on your Mac. Select Go >  Go to Folder and head to ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ .

6. Here, create a new plist file named com.local.KeyRemapping.plist (using TextEdit or any text editor) and add the copied configuration.

7. Save the file and reboot your Mac.

Your keys should now be remapped to your desired function.

Wrapping Up

This is how you can remap keys on your Mac keyboard. As mentioned, you can modify individual keys, switch key combinations for certain functions, or even change the keyboard layout to match your typing habits. I hope the above guide helps you customize your Mac keyboard however you want. Stay tuned for more such tips, tricks, and how-tos.

You might be interested in:

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Ritik is the Managing Editor at GadgetsToUse. He manages the website and oversees the content to ensure it's as informative as possible. He also heads the sub-sites in the network. Putting work aside, he has a great interest in personal finance and is also a keen motorcycle enthusiast.

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How to Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts on macOS

Being more productive on your Mac is a worthwhile pursuit. Doing so lets you carry out more tasks in a work-based context. Of course, you also have more time for leisure if you can move around macOS quicker. If you create custom keyboard shortcuts on macOS, your productivity should soar.

Here we show you how to create keyboard shortcuts, including shortcuts for Apple-specific apps . We also touch on using “Hot Corners” – a great way to jump into certain macOS states when using the Trackpad.

Why You’d Want to Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

In a nutshell, keyboard shortcuts are the number one way to improve your efficiency and productivity on your Mac. For the uninitiated, they’re a collection of key presses that carry out actions without having to use the Trackpad .

There are lots of benefits in doing this. For example:

• You can keep your hands on the keyboard and your eyes on the screen.
• Workflows can be drastically reduced in a matter of seconds (with the right key presses).
• In some cases, you can access underused features of certain apps.

Given these benefits along with the time you’ll save executing them, creating custom keyboard shortcuts is something you’ll want to look into.

The first place you should look when creating custom keyboard shortcuts is your app’s Preferences screen.

Most apps have a set collection of keyboard shortcuts that can’t be changed.

Regardless, if you’re running macOS Big Sur, it’s seemingly harder to access keyboard shortcuts on a per-app basis. To do so, you’ll need to head to the “System Preferences -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts” panel.

Here you’ll see a number of sections covering Mac-specific functionality, such as Launchpad, Spotlight, and more.

If you want to add app-specific shortcuts, open the “App Shortcuts” section and click the Plus icon. This will bring up a menu. Here, choose your app, add an explicit name for your shortcut, and execute the key press to confirm the shortcut.

Once you’ve saved your changes, your new keyboard shortcut should work. Test the functionality but remember to set something that doesn’t override other functional keyboard shortcuts.

Using Hot Corners to Supercharge Your Workflow

Finally, if you find yourself using the Trackpad, yet still need access to some shortcuts, consider Hot Corners. This lets you assign a limited number of actions to each corner of the screen, depending on where the pointer is placed.

To find this option, open “System Preferences” and head to the “Desktop & Screen Saver screen.” Under the “Screen Saver” tab, you’ll find a “Hot Corners … ” button.

Here, choose your desired corner and the action you’ll invoke. For example, you could set one corner to lock the screen and another to bring you back to the Desktop.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to speeding up practically every task on your Mac, keyboard shortcuts should be a go-to solution. To create custom keyboard shortcuts on macOS, you’ll often need to use the dedicated “Keyboard -> Shortcuts” panel in System Preferences. You may also want to check out our macOS keyboard shortcuts cheatsheet to help you remember the shortcuts.

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Tom Rankin is a quality content writer for WordPress, tech, and small businesses. When he's not putting fingers to keyboard, he can be found taking photographs, writing music, playing computer games, and talking in the third-person.

How to create a Shortcut in macOS Monterey

Shortcuts have finally arrived on the Mac

Available on iPads and iPhones since iOS 13, the addition of Shortcuts in macOS Monterey is sure to make a big difference in terms of efficiency for Mac users. While iPhone and iPad users may already be familiar with Shortcuts, it is a new, and very welcome, addition to macOS. 

We’re going to give you a rundown of what Shortcuts are and how they work, followed by how to create a shortcut of your own.

If you aren’t familiar with Shortcuts, it’s all about streamlining processes to make your workflows easier. You can choose from a list of pre-made shortcuts, or create your own. These can have multiple steps in them, and can be selected to work when you want them, or scheduled to happen automatically.

You can even mix and match the pre-made shortcuts to create new ones. In summary, Shortcuts are intended to be as customisable as you need them to be, to make it work for you.

Let’s take a look at some of the main features in Shortcuts.

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An Introduction to Shortcuts

When you open Shortcuts, the first place you’ll arrive in is the gallery. This offers a wide selection of pre-made shortcuts for you to select from. These are organised to help you find what you need. Whether that’s something for sorting out your photos, creating GIFs, or getting some help with focus and productivity, there’s a category that will help with that. Opening your sidebar will then present you with some additional options - All Shortcuts, Quick Actions, and Menu Bar.

Shortcuts will sync up all the shortcuts you have created, both on your Mac, and your iOS device. But there's two other actions that are exclusive to the Mac.

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Quick Actions have been around since macOS Mojave and will list any shortcuts that can be used as a Quick Action. This are available in the Finder, and Services menu, alongside as an option on a TouchBar MacBook Pro. These are effective for workflows you use frequently, essentially automating the entire process, to save you time and effort.

The final option is the Menu Bar, which is where you place certain shortcuts that you’d like to run from the menu bar on your Mac. So if, for example, you regularly tile 2 windows, you can just click the shortcut on your menu bar, and Monterey will do the rest for you. That's the basics of the Shortcuts app covered, so now here’s how you go about creating a shortcut.

How to Create a Shortcut in macOS Monterey

Creating a shortcut can be a matter of dragging certain actions to a window, much like a tree. In no time you may find yourself creating shortcuts to resize an image, open two apps in split-screen, and so much more.

But if you need a guide for your first shortcut, here's how to create one.

• Open the Shortcuts app. This can be found in the 'Applications' folder. Alternatively, you can find it using the Spotlight search function. You can access this by pressing Command + Space Bar, or by pressing the magnifying glass icon if it’s on your keyboard.
• Once you’ve opened the app, press the + icon in the top right corner. This allows you to create a new shortcut.
• This will allow you to build your own shortcut. You can use the search function to narrow down the type of action you are looking for, and put together the options you need to customise your shortcut.
• You can then give your Shortcut a name, and customise it in terms of colour and icons, to make it more recognisable. When you’re ready, simply click to close the window. When you go back to your shortcuts list, your new shortcut will be sitting there.

Adding a Shortcut to the Menu Bar

Once you’ve created your shortcut, you may want to pin it to your menu bar, so you can access it quickly and easily. This is especially true if it’s a function or process you use repeatedly. Happily, doing this is very straightforward:

Set-Up a Shortcut as a Quick Action

If you want to use a shortcut as a Quick Action, the steps are almost identical to adding a shortcut to the menu bar:

Shortcuts are a simple but effective way to save time while using your Mac. The more familiar you become with it as a tool, the more you can customise it, and create more complex and sophisticated workflows.

Steven Shaw is a full-time freelancer, but before his change of career at the start of 2021, he was in the retail industry, leading teams to achieve goals in selling technology products, such as smart phones, tablets and more.

Graduating from the University of Cambridge with a Masters in Medieval History, he's always had a passion for the topic, alongside technology, and many Simpsons quotes.

You'll find him on TechRadar mainly helping out the Software & Downloads section, offering his knowledge of macOS, Windows and more, from the systems that he's sold and showcased for many years in his previous life.

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How-To Geek

How to open finder with a keyboard shortcut on mac.

With this keyboard shortcut, you can open a Finder window from any app on your Mac.

File management is essential on a Mac. Sometimes, you might need to access Finder quickly while you use another application. Luckily, you can open Finder from anywhere in macOS with an easy global command.

Related: What Is Finder on a Mac?

If you want to quickly open Finder, just press Option+Command+Space. This opens the "Searching This Mac" window.

Apple designed this window for quick file searches. In the  macOS shortcut settings , it's officially called the "Finder Search Window." As part of Finder, you can use its sidebar and toolbars as if it were an ordinary Finder window.

When you call up the Finder Search Window, it makes Finder the active app. From there, you can press Command+N to open a regular Finder window.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can use a third-party shortcut manager, such as Quicksilver or Spark , to create a keyboard shortcut that will open a normal Finder window.

Alternatively, you can create an Open Finder shortcut in Automator . This discussion on Superuser.com  walks you through the process.

• Apple Computing Products:
• macOS - Apps and Programs

How to insert the date and time with a keyboard shortcut in macOS Catalina?

• Thread starter Svein
• Start date Dec 26, 2020
• Dec 26, 2020

How to insert the date and time with a keyboard shortcut in macOS Catalina?  

Well-known member

....insert it where? Into what app?  

Welcome to the forum. And I agree with Ashwin, where and what app are you looking for this function?  

MacInWin said: Welcome to the forum. And I agree with Ashwin, where and what app are you looking for this function? Click to expand...

Mac keyboard shortcuts

Welcome to TextExpander.com

Svein said: How to insert the date and time with a keyboard shortcut in macOS Catalina? Click to expand...

• Dec 28, 2020

chscag said: Again, Welcome to our forums. Follow the instructions here to insert date and time: Inserting Date & Time on Mac OS Click to expand...

IWT said: @Svein , If you are prepared to spend some money, there are several apps which insert text, dates and all sorts of snippets created by you. The one I use is TextExpander: Welcome to TextExpander.com TextExpander is the most popular text replacement and shortcut app. Generate custom word, sentence, and paragraph text with keyboard shortcuts. textexpander.com Firstly, I must assert that I have absolutely no connection with the Developer. I use this product, which I pay for, because it fulfils my needs. In fact, on our forums, I use it extensively to insert commonly used words like: System Preferences, Mac OS X Extended (Journaled), macOS Mojave, Time Machine and so on. All it takes is an abbreviation created by you and up the text appears. Typing (ddate) without the brackets inserts today's date in any and all circumstances. Obviously, only inserting a date would hardly justify the expense involved; but you might like to give the free trial a go. Or at least review the app? Once again, I have no association with this product. Just an idea. Ian Click to expand...

System-wide Insert Date & Time - Apple Community

• Dec 29, 2020

pm-r said: Maybe give this suggestion a try, and it's not really that old, and assuming that macOS Catalina will allow you to implement it. It might be prevented from working if it's assumed it might be a security risk!!! Apple's like that lately... Anyway, have a look here: System-wide Insert Date & Time - Apple Community discussions.apple.com Don't forget that if you get it to work, where the date was entered using such a method, when the file is next opened on a different date, there is a good chance that the new date will be shown in place of where the original date was entered. If so, don't use it with a legal Dated document!!! I think there is a way to prevent that from happening, but you would probably have to do some googling to find it. - Patrick ======= Click to expand...

Svein said: Thanks, this did work perfectly. Is there a way to leave out the time! Click to expand...

Use These Shortcut Keys to Add the Current Date/Time in Excel

• Dec 31, 2020

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macOS User Guide

• What’s in the menu bar?
• Work on the desktop
• Search with Spotlight
• Quickly change settings
• Get notifications
• Open apps from the Dock
• Organize your files in the Finder
• Connect to the internet
• Browse the web
• Preview a file
• Take a screenshot
• Change your display’s brightness
• Adjust the volume
• Use trackpad and mouse gestures
• Use Touch ID
• Print documents
• Keyboard shortcuts
• Apps on your Mac
• Work with app windows
• Use apps in full screen
• Use apps in Split View
• Use Stage Manager
• Get apps from the App Store
• Install and reinstall apps from the App Store
• Install and uninstall other apps
• Create and work with documents
• Open documents
• Mark up files
• Combine files into a PDF
• Organize files on your desktop
• Organize files with folders
• Tag files and folders
• Back up files
• Restore files
• Change System Settings
• Choose your desktop wallpaper
• Add and customize widgets
• Use a screen saver
• Add a user or group
• Add your email and other accounts
• Automate tasks with Shortcuts
• Create Memoji
• Change your login picture
• Change the system language
• Make text and other items on the screen bigger
• Set up a Focus to stay on task
• Set up Screen Time for yourself
• Use Dictation
• Send emails
• Send text messages
• Make a FaceTime video call
• Edit photos and videos
• Use Live Text to interact with text in a photo
• Start a Quick Note
• Get directions
• Work across devices using Continuity
• Use iPhone as a webcam
• Use iPhone with Desk View
• Stream audio and video with AirPlay
• Use one keyboard and mouse to control Mac and iPad
• Hand off between devices
• Unlock your Mac with Apple Watch
• Make and receive phone calls on your Mac
• Sync music, books, and more between devices
• Manage Apple ID settings
• Set your Apple ID picture
• What is iCloud?
• What is iCloud+?
• Store files in iCloud Drive
• Share and collaborate on files and folders
• Manage iCloud storage
• Use iCloud Photos
• What is Family Sharing?
• Set up Family Sharing
• Set up Screen Time for a child
• Share purchases with your family
• Watch and listen together with SharePlay
• Share a Photo Library
• Collaborate on projects
• Find content shared with you
• Find your family and friends
• Play games with your friends
• Listen to podcasts
• Watch TV shows and movies
• Read and listen to books
• Read the news
• Track stocks and the market
• Apple Music
• Apple Arcade
• Apple News+
• Podcast shows and channels
• Manage subscriptions in the App Store
• View Apple family subscriptions
• Guard your privacy
• Use Mail Privacy Protection
• Control access to your camera
• Use Sign in with Apple for apps and websites
• Set up your Mac to be secure
• Keep your data safe
• Create a passkey
• Understand passwords
• Keep your Apple ID secure
• Find a missing device
• Get started with accessibility features
• Connect an external display
• Use the built-in camera
• Connect a Bluetooth device
• Use AirPods with your Mac
• Optimize your Mac battery life
• Optimize storage space
• Burn CDs and DVDs
• Control accessories in your home
• Use Windows on your Mac
• Resources for your Mac
• Resources for your Apple devices

Work in multiple spaces on Mac

If the desktop on your Mac gets cluttered with open app windows, you can use Mission Control to create additional desktops, called spaces , to organize the windows. When you work in a space, only the windows that are in that space are shown.

Create a space

On your Mac, enter Mission Control .

If you’re working with apps in full screen or Split View, their thumbnails are shown in the Spaces bar.

You can create up to 16 spaces.

When you’re done, click the thumbnail for a space to open it.

Tip: Make your spaces unique by assigning a different desktop picture to each one. First assign System Settings to all desktops , then change the wallpaper in each space.

Move between spaces

On your Mac, do any of the following:

On a trackpad, swipe left or right with three or four fingers. On a Magic Mouse, swipe with two fingers.

Press the Control key and the Right or Left arrow key.

Enter Mission Control , move the pointer to the top edge of the screen, then click a space in the Spaces bar.

If your Mac has a Touch Bar , you can set an option in Keyboard settings to show spaces in the Touch Bar. Then just tap a space in the Touch Bar to open the space.

Move an app window from one space to another

Drag the app window you want to move to the edge of the screen. After a moment, the window moves to the next space.

Go to the space that has the window you want to move, enter Mission Control , then drag the window up to the space you want to use.

If you drag the window onto a full screen app in the Spaces bar, you can use the apps in Split View .

Assign apps to spaces

When you’re using two or more spaces, you can assign an app (or System Settings) to a specific space so it always opens in that space.

On your Mac, Control-click an app’s icon in the Dock .

You may need to first open the app to show its icon in the Dock.

Choose Options, then choose an option below Assign To.

All Desktops: The app opens in every space.

This Desktop: The app opens only in the current space. If you use the app full screen , it appears in its own space.

Desktop on Display [ number ] : The app opens in the current space on a specific display (if more than one display is available).

None: The app opens in whichever space you’re using at the time.

Open Desktop & Dock settings for me

Delete a space

On your Mac, enter Mission Control , then move the pointer to the top edge of the screen.

If the space contains open windows, they are moved to another space.

MacMost: Blog Posts

Printable mac keyboard shortcut page for macos sonoma.

There are hundreds of keyboard shortcuts for Mac users. There are Mission Control shortcuts, Finder shortcuts, system shortcuts, application shortcuts and more. Many you can find by just looking through the menu bar for that application. You can find system ones by looking in the System Settings under Keyboard.

But some keyboard shortcuts are more useful than others. And some are harder to remember than others.

So MacMost has compiled a list of the top keyboard shortcuts for macOS 14.0 (Sonoma). Here they all are on a single PDF page, downloadable and printable: The MacMost macOS Sonoma Keyboard Shortcuts . Download it and pass it along!

Printable Mac Keyboard Shortcut Page For macOS Ventura

There are hundreds of keyboard shortcuts for Mac users. There are Mission Control shortcuts, Finder shortcuts, system shortcuts, application shortcuts and more. Many you can find by just looking through the menu bar for that application. You can find system ones by looking in the System Preferences under Keyboard.

So MacMost has compiled a list of our top “power user” keyboard shortcuts for macOS 13.0 (Ventura). Here they all are on a single PDF page, downloadable and printable: The MacMost macOS Ventura Keyboard Shortcuts . Download it and pass it along!

Printable Mac How-To Cheat Sheet

Printable Mac Keyboard Shortcut Page For macOS Monterey

So MacMost has compiled a list of our top “power user” keyboard shortcuts for macOS 12.0 (Monterey). Here they all are on a single PDF page, downloadable and printable: The MacMost macOS Monterey Keyboard Shortcuts . Download it and pass it along!

• macOS System Requirements List

Can your Mac run macOS Sonoma? How about Ventura? Or Monterey? Here are the technical requirements for the most recent versions of macOS. Note that it does not matter how much memory or storage you have, or which CPU you have for the most recent versions of macOS. It only matters which model and year you have.

To check your Mac’s model and year, choose the Apple menu, About This Mac. Then look for the model and year.

• macOS Sonoma

macOS 14 released September 26, 2023. Wikipedia .

• MacBook (2017)
• MacBook Pro (2018 and later)
• MacBook Air (2018 and later)
• Mac mini (2018 and later)
• iMac (2019 and later)
• iMac Pro (2017)
• Mac Studio (2022 and later)
• Mac Pro (2019 and later)

You can download macOS Sonoma here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-sonoma/id6450717509

macOS Ventura

macOS 13 released October 24, 2022. Wikipedia .

• MacBook Pro (2017 and later)
• iMac (2017 and later)
• Mac Studio (2022)

You can download macOS Ventura here: https://apps.apple.com/app/macos-ventura/id1638787999

macOS Monterey

macOS 12 released October 25, 2021. Wikipedia .

• MacBook (Early 2016 and later)
• MacBook Pro (Early 2015 and later)
• MacBook Air (Early 2015 and later)
• Mac mini (Late 2014 and later)
• iMac (Late 2015 and later)
• iMac Pro (2017 and later)
• Mac Studio 2022
• Mac Pro (2013 and later)

You can download macOS Monterey here: https://apps.apple.com/app/macos-monterey/id1576738294

macOS Big Sur

macOS 11 released November 12, 2020. Wikipedia .

• MacBook (2015 or later)
• MacBook Air (2013 or later)
• MacBook Pro (Late 2013 or later)
• Mac mini (2014 or later)
• iMac (2014 or later)
• iMac Pro (2017 or later)
• Mac Pro (2013 or later)

You can download macOS Big Sur here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-big-sur/id1526878132

You can upgrade from: Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks.

macOS Catalina

macOS 10.15 released October 7, 2019. Final version 10.15.7. Wikipedia .

• MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
• MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
• MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
• Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
• iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
• Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)

You can download macOS Catalina here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-catalina/id1466841314

You can upgrade from: High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion.

macOS Mojave

macOS 10.14 released September 24, 2018. Final version 10.14.6. Wikipedia .

• Mac Pro (Late 2013; Mid 2010 and Mid 2012 models with recommended Metal-capable graphics cards)

You can download macOS Mojave here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-mojave/id1398502828

You can upgrade from: Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion.

macOS High Sierra

macOS 10.13 released September 25, 2017. Final version 10.13.6. Wikipedia .

• MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
• MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
• MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
• Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
• iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
• Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)

You can download macOS High Sierra here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-high-sierra/id1246284741

macOS Sierra

macOS 10.12 released September 20, 2016. Final version 10.12.6. Wikipedia .

You can download macOS Sierra here: http://updates-http.cdn-apple.com/2019/cert/061-39476-20191023-48f365f4-0015-4c41-9f44-39d3d2aca067/InstallOS.dmg

You can upgrade from: El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, or Lion.

OS X El Capitan

OS X 10.11 released September 30, 2015. Final version 10.11.6. Wikipedia .

• MacBook (Early 2015)
• MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
• MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
• MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
• Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
• iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
• Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
• Xserve (Early 2009)

You can download OS X El Capitan here: http://updates-http.cdn-apple.com/2019/cert/061-41424-20191024-218af9ec-cf50-4516-9011-228c78eda3d2/InstallMacOSX.dmg

You can upgrade from: Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion, or Snow Leopard.

OS X Yosemite

OS X 10.10 released October 16, 2014. Final version 10.10.5. Wikipedia .

• When new, your Mac came with OS X v10.6.8 or later
• 2GB of memory
• 8GB of available storage
• Note: Many features like AirDrop and Handoff will require Macs from 2012 or newer

You can download OS X Yosemite here: http://updates-http.cdn-apple.com/2019/cert/061-41343-20191023-02465f92-3ab5-4c92-bfe2-b725447a070d/InstallMacOSX.dmg

You can upgrade from: Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion, or Snow Leopard.

OS X Mavericks, OS X Mountain Lion and OS X Lion

OS X 10.9, OS X 10.8 and OS X 10.7. Oct 22, 2013, Jul 25, 2012, Jul 20, 2011.

If you have OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) or older, you may be able to find Mavericks in the old version of the Mac App Store from within those operating systems. You can download Mountain Lion for free here . You can download Lion for free here . Also, a DVD of Mountain Lion is available for purchase here: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/D6377Z/A/os-x-mountain-lion .

Printable Mac Keyboard Shortcut Page For macOS Big Sur

Printable Mac Keyboard Shortcut Page For macOS Catalina

Printable Mac Enhanced Dictation Cheat Sheet

Printable iPhone Gestures Cheat Sheet

End-of-year macmost course sale.

I’m putting my Mac courses on sale for the end of the year. Get any of these courses for only $12 (US) each before 2018 ends. Once you sign up for a course at Udemy, you can start it whenever you want, take your time, and refer back to it later on as well. Click on any of the links below to read more about each course and apply the discount. — Gary

Printable Mac How-To Cheat Sheet For Mojave

Printable Mac Keyboard Shortcut Page For macOS Mojave

Rumors Point To iPhone Xs Max

Some are reporting this week that Apple will release two new versions of the iPhone X, an “Xs” model and an “Xs Max” model. While the first will be a minor update to the existing iPhone X, the Max could have a larger screen and battery.

The use of “Max” in the name instead of a “plus” will be a change for Apple, and it seems very un-Apple-like. Rumors also include another iPhone model with a mid-sized LCD screen that could replace the iPhone 8 series. The announcement will come on the morning of September 12 during a special event at Apple headquarters.

Yet Another Record Quarter For Apple

Apple reported its best third-quarter results yet with a net profit of $11.5 billion. MacRumors has a good run-down of the numbers. As expected, services made up a good chunk of the revenue growth, with iPhone still being the majority from strong iPhone X sales. iPad and Mac still had respectable numbers, especially considering there were no new models.

What continues to surprise is the number of new Mac purchases that are for first-time Mac buyers. 60 percent means a lot of people are still switching to Mac from Windows. Apple Pay also continues to expand, hitting 7/11 in the U.S. soon and being available in Germany later this year too.

WWDC Keynote: New iOS And macOS Features To Get Excited About

Free Ways To Help Support MacMost

Online course: boost your mac productivity.

Why You Should Care About Net Neutrality

• A Graphical Guide To iCloud

Apple has expanded iCloud over the years to include more and more services, like iCloud Photo Library, Apple Music, iCloud Drive and iCloud Keychain. It can be difficult to get your head around everything that makes up iCloud. Here is a handy infographic that ties it all together and explains each service. Click it to view larger, or download it !

Update : Here is a 2022 version I have been working on. Not completely pleased with it, so I’ll leave the one one below. If you want to see the 2022 version, view it here .

Is the New iPhone X Too Expensive?

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How to close all Finder windows at once except one?

macOS 10.12.6 (16G29) Sierra.

iMac with Retina 5K display, macOS Sierra (10.12.6), Booting from internal Apple SSD 2TB

Posted on Oct 13, 2017 11:24 AM

Posted on Oct 13, 2017 11:31 AM

You can close all Finder Windows clicking the red button with the option key held down.

You can use key shortcuts to open the Finder window you want (see Finder>Go),

and one default preference can be set Finder>Preferences>General (command N)

You can also use Tabs in one Finder window: macOS Sierra: Open folders in new Finder tabs or windows

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Oct 13, 2017 11:31 AM in response to ApMaX

Oct 13, 2017 2:48 PM in response to ApMaX

You can still use the AppleScript suggested at the macworld link you posted, but there's no need for any ' third-party keyboard shortcut tool ' since automator can create a Service which runs an AppleScript; and System Preferences - Keyboard - Shortcuts - Services allows you to assign a keyboard shortcut to it.

Not perfect, since there's a noticeable delay when using it; but perhaps it's quicker for you than closing the others manually.

Oct 13, 2017 8:35 PM in response to VikingOSX

The whole post...

The following AppleScript will get the window id of all Finder windows and process all except the first window. It closes the windows in the opposite order to their creation, leaving the original Finder window displayed. It will also close all collapsed Finder Windows, except the very first that was created.

tell application "Finder"

set wlist to index of every Finder window

copy rest of wlist to winlist -- items 2 .. n of opened windows

repeat with idx in ( reverse of winlist )

tell Finder window idx to close

This code can be used in an Automator Service, like the following (name of service is arbitrary):

And in System Preferences : Keyboard : Shortcuts : Services : General, I assigned a keyboard shortcut of control+command+W, which allows one to invoke the Finder Window closing code from the keyboard, or one can choose Finder menu : Services : All Finder WIndows But One.

Oct 13, 2017 8:19 PM in response to ApMaX

Oct 13, 2017 2:05 PM in response to ApMaX

That article is more than 11 years old when 10.4 Tiger was the newest version. There have been 9 major version upgrades since then. It's not surprising that those features no longer work.

Oct 13, 2017 11:46 AM in response to leroydouglas

Thanks. But is there a way to close all windows at once except one?

Oct 13, 2017 11:48 AM in response to ApMaX

This is not possible.

Oct 13, 2017 12:26 PM in response to leroydouglas

Well, it seems that is was possible before:

Close all but current Finder window

https://www.macworld.com/article/1051211/findercloseall.html

Yet, that does not work with Sierra.