Mac Commands List

MacBook owners have a number of tools that come in very handy for using their laptops efficiently and for maintaining the operating system to keep it running in top shape. These MacBook keyboard shortcuts for the Finder, a maintenance checklist, and a “translation” of the modifier keys will speed you on your way to becoming a MacBook power user.

Mac OS X Finder Keyboard Shortcuts

Mac Commands List

See Full List On Dummies.com

Show hidden files and folders: Want to see all the hidden files and folders OS X has to offer — or you. Once you enter this command, your Mac's digital eyes will be pried open and prevented from going to sleep until you end it by pressing Control-C. If you don't want to rely on being the one to end your poor Mac's suffering, you can also create a set a number of seconds before your Mac sleeps: caffeinate -u -t 5400. Sudo command Run command with the security privileges of the superuser (Super User DO) open file Opens a file: open. Opens the directory: top: Displays active processes. Press q to quit: nano file Opens the Terminal it’s editor: pico file Opens the Terminal it’s editor: q: Exit: clear: Clear screen.

List

The Mac OS X Lion Finder helps you access and organize most of the important Mac OS X functions while you work. Use Finder keyboard shortcuts to display windows, copy and move files, and launch applications. These keyboard shortcuts help you get things done more efficiently.

KeyFunction
Command+ASelects all items in the active window (icon view), all items
in the column (column view), or all items in the list (cover flow
view)
Command+CCopies selected items
Command+DDuplicates the selected item(s)
Command+EEjects the selected volume
Command+FDisplays the Find dialog
Command+HHides All Finder windows
Command+IShows info for selected item or items
Command+JShows the view options for the active window
Command+KDisplays the Connect to Server dialog
Command+LCreates an alias for the selected item
Command+MMinimizes the active window
Command+NOpens a new Finder window
Command+OOpens (or launches) the selected item
Command+RShows the original for selected alias
Command+TAdds the selected item to the Sidebar
Command+VPastes items from the Clipboard
Command+WCloses the active window
Command+XCuts the selected items
Command+ZUndoes the last action (if possible)
Command+,Displays Finder Preferences
Command+1Shows the active window in icon mode
Command+2Shows the active window in list mode
Command+3Shows the active window in column mode
Command+4Shows the active window in cover flow mode
Command+[Moves back to the previous Finder location
Command+]Moves forward to the next Finder location
Command+DelMoves selected items to the Trash
Command+up-arrowShow enclosing folder
Command+`Cycles through windows
Command+?Displays the Mac OS X Help Viewer
Command+Shift+ATakes you to your Applications folder
Command+Shift+CTakes you to the top-level Computer location
Command+Shift+GTakes you to a folder that you specify
Command+Shift+HTakes you to your Home folder
Command+Shift+IConnects you to your iDisk
Command+Shift+QLogs you out
Command+Shift+NCreates a new untitled folder in the active window
Command+Shift+UTakes you to your Utilities folder
Command+Shift+DelDeletes the contents of the Trash
Command+Option+HHides all windows except the Finder’s window(s)
Command+Option+NCreates a new Smart Folder
Command+Option+THides the Finder window toolbar
Command+Option+SpaceOpens the Spotlight window
Command+SpaceOpens the Spotlight menu
F8Choose another desktop using Spaces
Control+up-arrow (or F3, depending on your keyboard model)Displays the Mission Control screen
Control+down-arrow (or Control+F3, depending on your keyboard
model)
Shows all open windows for the current application using
Mission Control
F11 (or Command+F3, depending on your keyboard model)Hides all windows to display the Desktop using Mission
Control
F12 (or F4, depending on your keyboard model)Displays your Dashboard widgets
SpaceQuick Look

Strange-Looking Keys on the MacBook Keyboard

New to the Macintosh world? Some keys on the MacBook keyboard may be mystifying. Whether you’re using Snow Leopard or an older version of Mac OS X, recognizing and using modifier keys will make your job easier. Here’s a look at the modifier keys on both MacBook and desktop keyboards:

Mac OS X Maintenance Checklist

Maintenance is vital if you want to keep Mac OS X Lion in tip-top condition for as long as possible. Maintaining your MacBook keeps it running fast and smooth. Basic housekeeping includes regular back-ups plus some other, less familiar, tasks. Check this table often, or print it and keep a copy near your laptop!

Mac Maintenance TaskSchedule
Check for updates with Software UpdateOnce a day (automatic setting)
Back up with Time MachineAutomatic
Defragment (Micromat TechTool Pro/Prosoft Engineering Drive
Genius 3)
Once a week
Repair Disk Permissions (Disk Utility)Once a week
Delete Unnecessary User Accounts (System Preferences)As necessary
Scan for viruses (Intego VirusBarrier X6, ClamXav 2)Automatic
Check all volumes (Disk Utility/ Micromat TechTool Pro)Once a week
Check for the latest drivers for your hardwareOnce a month (or after installing new hardware)
Delete temporary Internet cache files (Prosoft Engineering
Drive Genius 3)
Once a month

Finder

Os X Terminal Commands List

ActionKeystroke
Open Sidebar item in a new Tab or Window (depending on Finder Preferences)Cmd-Click
Switch Finder views
(Icon, List, Column, Gallery)
Cmd-1, Cmd-2, Cmd-3, Cmd-4
In List view, expand a folderRight Arrow
In List view, collapse a folderLeft Arrow
Rename the selected file/folderPress Return (or Enter)
Go into selected folder or open the selected fileCmd-Down Arrow
Go to parent folderCmd-Up Arrow
Go BackCmd-[
Go ForwardCmd-]
Select the next icon in Icon and List viewsTab (Shift-Tab reverses direction)
Alternate columns in Column ViewTab (Shift-Tab reverses direction)
Resize one column to fit the longest file name (Column View)Double-Click column divider (or the resize widget at the bottom of the column divider, depending on your setup)
Resize all columns to fit their longest file names (Column View)Option Double-Click column divider (or the resize widget at the bottom of the column divider, depending on your setup)
Copy and Paste filesCmd-C, then Cmd-V
Copy and Paste files Exactly (Keeps original ownership & permissions. Requires Admin username & password.)Cmd-C, then Cmd-Option-Shift-V
Cut and Paste files (Move files)Cmd-C, then Cmd-Option–V
Copy a File's PathnameCmd-Opt–C
Move a file instead of copying (Copies to the destination and removes it from the original disk.)Cmd-Drag file to disk
Immediately Delete a File (does not put file in Trash)Cmd-Opt–Delete
Move selected files to the Trash (called the Recycle Bin in Windows)Cmd-Delete
Empty the Trash with warning (like emptying Recycle Bin in Windows)Cmd-Shift-Delete
Empty the Trash with no warning (like emptying Recycle Bin in Windows)Cmd-Opt-Shift-Delete
Cancel a drag-n-drop action while in the midst of draggingEsc
Show Inspector (a single, live refreshing Info window)Cmd-Opt-I
Undo the last action (such as rename file, copy file, etc.)Cmd-Z
Toggle Hidden Files (Show Hidden Files or Hide Them). Also works in Open/Save dialogs!Cmd-Shift-Period(.)
May be a comma (,) instead of period for some languages.
Hide/Show Sidebar (on the left)Cmd-Opt-S
Hide/Show Toolbar (on the top) and the SidebarCmd-Opt-T
Move or Remove item in toolbar (at the top of the window). Works in most programs.Cmd-Drag
Open Quick Look (Previews most types of files without having to open them)Press the Spacebar (or Cmd-Y). On a trackpad can also tap with 3 fingers.
Zoom In/Out in Quick Look (Images & PDFs)Pinch on a trackpad or hold Cmd and hit + (plus) to zoom in or - (minus) to zoom out. Cmd–0 zooms back to fit in window.
Find FilesCmd-F