If you watch an experienced Mac user, their hands seem to fly around the keyboard and barely touch the mouse but they have complete control over their computer. Here are a few handy hints to help you master some of the keyboard shortcuts on your Mac. When using the mouse to navigate the file menu, you will notice the Cmd symbol ⌘ that appears on the Cmd key that is used as a modifier key. Learning more of these shortcuts will help you be more productive with you computer.
Switching between apps or windows within an app.
Pressing the Cmd + Tab launches Application Switcher while continuing pressing Tab cycles between open Apps. Cmd + ~ will cycle between the windows of the current app making it easier to locate the document that you need.
2. Instantly look up a word in the dictionary or thesaurus.
The OS X reference tool is integrated into almost every app. Select the word that you want to check and use Cmd + Ctrl + D to bring up the Dictionary and other useful tools. And it’s even easier on your atop as you can do the same with a simple three-finger tap on the trackpad.
3. Start up your Mac silently.
In a library or lecture and need to start your laptop quietly and without that iconic chime? Simply hold down the Mute key at startup.
4. Take a screenshot of a specific part of the screen.
Have you ever needed to take a screenshot of part of your screen? Simply use Cmd + Shift + 4 and drag to form a box around your selection. When you release, the image is then saved directly to your Desktop. If you want to take a shot of the whole screen, you can do this using Cmd + Shift + 3
5. Record your screen.
What if you want more than a screenshot? Your Applications folder contains the QuickTime application. Launch QuickTime and select File > New Screen Recording. This is an excellent tool for making training videos or tutorials as it also records sound.
6. Add your signature to documents.
With PDF documents now the standard for forms, it is useful to be able to add a signature to a document. You can do this easily by using Cmd – Shift – A to open the Markup Toolbar and clicking on the Create Signature Button. You can then create a signature on your Trackpad if you are using a laptop, or by signing a white piece of paper and using the built-in iSIght Camera. The signature can be stored to use again later.
7. The Mac equivalent of Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
Windows users will be familiar with the Ctrl + Alt + Delete to close crashed or stuck programs.
Cmd – Option – Esc on a Mac will launch the Force Quit Applications dialog box. Simply click on the problem app and click Force Quit to close the app.
Hopefully you will try some of these new tools – and learn more as you go!
