TNT: DYN-O-MITE TIPS AND TRICKS by Paul Sahner

October 4, 2002

The (in)Complete Guide to OS X Key Commands:

Introduction:

The Mac OS allows for many common actions to be executed by way of the keyboard. These keystrokes are known as Key Commands. They involve two or more keys being pressed at the same time. By being familiar with Key Commands, the computer user can save time by not having to "hunt down" the action in the Finder or the Menu bar.

Terminology:

The following is a list of what are called "modifiers". Modifiers are keys that enable a Key Command.

Apple Key: The keys that are on either side of the space bar. They have two little symbols on them, an Apple and a whirlygig thingy-ma-bobber. It's also know as "Command"

Option: Next in line after the "Apple" key. Also known as "alt."

Control: The last key in the line up. It says "Control" you can't miss it.

Shift: DUH!

Them Purdy Pictures:

Key commands can be found in drop down menus in pictorial form (see The "Key" Players). They are made up of 1-2 symbols, followed by a key to press. The symbols represent one of the keys above and the key is just what it is.

Decoding:

A = Press the "Apple" key, with the letter "A"

H= Press the Option, Apple and H keys at the same time

N= Press the Shift, Apple and N keys at the same time.

Common Key commands:

Here's a few Key Commands to get you started. First up: the Finder and Internet Explorer. Look for more key commands in future TNTs!

For the sake of sanity, I'll be using the "Text" form of the modifier keys and not the symbolic form:

Finder (Mac OS 10.2)
Apple - a: Select All
Apple - c: Copy
Apple - d: Duplicate
Apple - f: Find
Apple - h: Hide
Apple - i: Get Info
Apple - j: View Options
Apple - k: Connect to Server
Apple - m: Minimize Window
Apple - n: New Finder Window
Apple - o: Open
Apple - r: Show original (aliases)
Apple - t: Add to Favorites
Apple - v: Paste
Apple - w: Close Window
Apple - x: Cut
Apple - z: Undo
Apple - [: Back
Apple - ]: Forward
Apple - Delete: Move to Trash

Apple - Shift - Delete: Empty Trash
Apple - Shift - N: New Folder
Apple - Shift - C: Go to Computer
Apple - Shift - H: Go to user's Home Folder
Apple - Shift -I: Go to iDisk
Apple - Shift - A: Go to Applications Folder
Apple - Shift - F: Go to Favorites Folder
Apple - Shift - G: Go to Folder
Apple - Shift - Q: Log Out

Apple-Option-H: Hide Others

Internet Explorer 5.2.2
Apple - a: Select All
Apple - b: Collapse Toolbars
Apple - c: Copy
Apple - d: Add to Favorites
Apple - e: View Page Source
Apple - f: Find in Page
Apple - h: Hide
Apple - j: Organize Favorites
Apple - k: New Favorite
Apple - l: Open Location
Apple - m: Minimize Window
Apple - n: New Browser Window
Apple - o: Open
Apple - p: Print
Apple - q: Quit
Apple - r: Refresh
Apple - s: Save As
Apple - t: Toggle Explorer Bar
Apple - u:Update Subscriptions
Apple - v: Paste
Apple - w: Close Window
Apple - x: Cut

Apple - 1: Explorer
Apple - 2: History
Apple - 3: Favorites
Apple - 4: Download Manager

Apple - ;: Preferences
Apple - .: Stop Loading
Apple - +: Text size increase
Apple - -: Text size decrease
Apple - [: Back
Apple - ]:Forward
Apple - ,: Auction manager
Apple - ': Autofill
Apple - ~: Cycle through windows