Windows keyboard shortcuts that you can use on your Mac

Keyboard shortcuts are essential for many users on a daily basis. They save time when carrying out very simple actions such as copying and pasting, but there are also many more advanced ones. That is why it should be especially highlighted how they can be extrapolated from one system to another, and in this article we are going to comment on the more general ones that we find.

Previous considerations

Before knowing the extrapolation of all the keyboard commands, we must remember that between a computer (either fixed or portable) with Windows to another with macOS there are many differences. Not only in the field of software where it is quite evident, but also with respect to hardware. Next, we will talk about these differences that you will always have to take into account when making shortcuts.

Can it be done with any keyboard?

One of the big differences between a Windows PC and a Mac is the keyboard. Although it may seem that the distribution is the same within the same market, such as Spanish, the truth is that there are some differences. The most important in this case is presence of the «Command» key located on either side of the space key. Obviously, this is a key that does not exist on a keyboard created for a Windows computer, which includes a button that has the software logo drawn on it. We can say that Command is the replacement for this Windows key for many of the keyboard shortcuts that we are going to be able to find in both operating systems. But this is also a great adaptation that a person who is going to change their operating system will have to make, since they will also have to get used to a completely different keyboard.

But this is not the only difference that can be found. If you use Windows daily, surely you have used the ‘Alt’ key On numerous occasions. It is one of the great protagonists in any keyboard along with Control to make use of the different commands that you will need to work comfortably. In this case, on Mac it will be found as the Option key. In the end, the operation is the same and you will only have to adapt to a change in the terminology itself. What will not change in this migration is the Control key, since it will always be practically in the same place.

Basic Key Assignment

As we have mentioned before, when migrating between operating systems you are going to have to carry out a learning exercise in order to get used to this new type of format that you are going to be able to use. Obviously, keep in mind that this exercise can be more or less fast. Everything will always depend on the individual capacity of each person, although the truth is that based on personal experience it is something to which one adapts quickly.

Remember that Mac allows perform a key assignment. This means that you will be able fully customize your keyboard, choosing the functions of each key. Although, if this is something that you did not have previously configured in Windows, we do not recommend it in Mac. Without a doubt, in the end, you will adapt to the new design that the keyboard of the computer you just acquired has. Likewise, the native assignment is left below:

• The Alt key on Windows corresponds to Option on Mac.
• The Windows key corresponds to Command on the Mac.
• Start and End: Corresponds to Command + Left Arrow or Right Arrow and Command + Left or Right Arrow on Mac.

Obviously, there are many other commands that are available for your enjoyment, but these are the most basic that you will be able to find on your device.

The command collection

Once you have these basic concepts clear, you can move on to talking about keyboard assignments. As we have commented on different occasions, in Windows and Mac you can find many differences but also similarities. It can be said that there is a keyboard shortcut for any action that you want to implement quickly. In this case, we are going to stay with those functions that are completely basic and that will be used by most users. This is because it is practically impossible to collect all the combinations that exist. In the basic scope, it is necessary to make a division by programs or by system environments where these commands are going to be used.

Abbreviations in the system

System abbreviations are those that you will be able to use at any time in the operating system. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a text editor, video editor or just browsing the internet. They will help you to work with the clipboard, make a copy and paste or even capture the screen. We summarize all these commands in the following table in which we compare the command in Windows, with its counterpart in macOS.

Shortcuts in Microsoft Office or iWork

The office suite also has a large number of keyboard shortcuts that you should know perfectly. In any case, it will allow you to have absolute control of the typography you are using or the general organization of all the text. We show you the changes to follow in this table:

Shortcuts in Safari

On a second point, it should be known that Safari or Chrome is also a powerful work tool for many people. And in this case, you can find many related commands to be able to switch between the tabs or also to be able to work together. In the following table we will find all these commands that you will be able to use